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You are here: Home / Movements / Accutron 221

Accutron 221

Last Update: May 15, 2020

Brand:Bulova
Family:
Bulova Accutron
Height:4.0 mm
Jewels:
Reserve: hours
Frequency:440 Hz
Winding:Battery
Diameter:19.4 mm
  Complications:
Hands:Central Hour Hand, Central Minute Hand
Distinguishing Technical Characteristics
Tuning Fork
Tuning Fork at 12:00
Production: 1973 – 1977
1910s 1920s 1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020s
This Bulova illustration shows the unusual coil in detail

Cal. 221 was the smallest Bulova Accutron movement, and the smallest tuning fork movement ever produced. Introduced in 1973 at the Basel Fair, Cal. 221 was intended for ladies watches. It measured just 19.4 mm by 17.4 mm and was 4.0 mm thick.

Due to its small size, some unusual engineering choices were made. Like the earlier compact Cal. 230, the tuning fork operates at 440 Hz, but the reduction gears are quite different. A tiny gearbox includes a worm gear and stacked reduction gears from a 270 toothed index wheel. Unlike the flat disc-shaped coil of Cal. 230, this movement returns to a cupped coil as on the original Accutron movements. Because the battery is so large in comparison to the movement, the tuning fork curves around it on both sides.

Just one version of Cal. 221 was produced. According to the usual Accutron naming convention for movements with no seconds hand or calendar complication, it was called Cal. 2210.

Bulova Ladies Accutron Movements

Unlike the earlier well-known Accutron movements, which ran at 360 Hz, the ladies models operated at 440 Hz. They used a 270 tooth index wheel to turn the wheel train, though Cal. 221 lacked a seconds hand entirely.

The so-called “Mini-Accutron” debuted at the Basel Fair in 1970. Cal. 230 was quite advanced, with miniaturized electronic components. The electronic coils were radically different, being placed on a disc-shaped element between the tuning fork ends rather than on “cups” around the ends. The movement measured 8.75 ligne (19.4 mm) in diameter and was 5.2 mm thick.

Cal. 230 was further enhanced in 1973 with a larger 10.5 ligne (23.50 mm) version for men’s watches. This was achieved with a larger main plate, but all of the components remain the same.

Also in 1973, Bulova added Cal. 221, the smallest tuning fork movement ever made. Measuring just 19.4 mm by 17.4 mm and 4.0 mm thick, this movement required special engineering. The tuning fork is curved to wrap around the battery, and a worm gear driving stacked reduction wheels in a tiny gearbox.

Images are taken from official publications and are used here for commentary and educational purposes. Copyright is held by the original owner as noted.
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