Just Landed: Accutron Unveils Astronaut T Color Expansions
Last year, Accutron reissued the Astronaut in a limited edition, much to the delight of vintage space watch enthusiasts and particularly NASA nerds. Back in 1963, this timepiece was worn in space during the Mercury-Atlas 9 mission orbiting earth and was later the official issued watch for pilots in the USAF X-15 experimental rocket program. These hypersonic planes were launched from a B-52 Stratofortress and reached speeds of up to 4,500 mph. Additionally, the specifically for space designed timepiece flew in the sr-71 blackbird and the Gemini missions.
Having an electronic system rather than mechanical mainspring and the ability of the high-frequency system to handle G-acceleration and extreme temperatures were huge assets for Accutron. The defining feature that set the original Accutron Astronaut apart was an additional 24-hour hand and a 24-hour bezel for GMT indication. Like other watches powered by the historic 214 movement, the Astronaut lacked a traditional crown and was instead adjusted using a recessed key located on the back, near the battery compartment. Servicing the movement and replacing the battery required specialized tools and expertise.
Unlike the original, the new editions which are inspired by a model from 1968 are equipped with a mechanical movement, the self-winding 9058 GMT boasting a power reserve of 50 hours and an anti-magnetic resistance up to 16,000 a/m. Honoring the storied history of the watch, it is visible through the partial exhibition case back which is reminiscent of the once recessed key on the rear side.
Accutron offers several iterations, with the Astronaut LTi 26B204A being the flagship. Clad into lightweight titanium grade 5, it has a diameter of 41mm and is water-resistant to 100 meters. Both the case and the bracelet feature an ion-plated hard coating. The eggshell-colored sun-ray dial is furnished with luminous hour markers and hands and framed by a titanium bezel with 24-hour graduation. This iteration comes with an additional gray cordura nylon NATO strap and retails for $3,000.
In addition, Accutron releases three models in stainless steel cases that have the same dimension and characteristics as the titanium version. However, they are equipped with day-/night-hour bezels which are color coordinated with the dial colors in green and red. The blue variant is paired with a gold-tone case.
Pricing is marked at $2,200 on a bracelet and at $2,600 on a textile strap for the steel versions and at $2,600 for gold-plated iteration.
To learn more, visit Accutron, here.
