Bulova 2185: The Triple-Calendar Tuning Fork Marvel

The Bulova 2185 is one of the most functionally complete and technically advanced movements within the famed Accutron 218 Series. Combining the precision of tuning fork technology with a triple-calendar display—day, date, and 24-hour time—this caliber represents a high point in pre-quartz electronic watchmaking. Introduced in the early 1970s, the 2185 was aimed at professionals who demanded accuracy, legibility, and functionality in a stylish and modern package.

The Evolution of the Accutron 218 Family

The Accutron 218 series was developed to succeed the original 214 tuning fork movement, retaining the unique vibration-based mechanics while introducing features that made watches more usable and versatile. This included a conventional side crown, calendar functions, and improved serviceability.

The 2185 was one of the most complex versions, offering a full-featured calendar system and 24-hour indication—all powered by the signature 360 Hz tuning fork engine.

Key Features of the Bulova 2185

The 2185 movement includes everything the Accutron line had become known for: smooth sweep seconds, audible humming, and top-tier accuracy—combined with an enhanced display for users who needed more than just the time.

Technical Specifications:

• Movement type: Tuning fork electronic (non-quartz)

• Frequency: 360 Hz

• Crown: Located at 4 o’clock

• Functions:

  • Hours, minutes, smooth-sweep seconds

  • Day and date display at 3 o’clock

  • 24-hour sub-dial, typically at 6 or 12 o'clock

• Jewels: 13 to 17 (depending on model)

• Calendar: Semi-quickset system in most versions

• Battery: Originally 1.35V mercury cell (now replaced by Accucell-1 or regulated 387S)

• Accuracy: ±2 seconds per day when properly tuned

• Shock protection: Present in most production models

The triple-display made the 2185 ideal for professionals such as pilots, engineers, and businesspeople working across time zones.

Watch Styles and Design

Watches fitted with the 2185 movement were often more visually complex than other Accutrons due to the inclusion of the 24-hour register. However, they still retained the sleek elegance and mid-century modern design elements that defined the Accutron line.

Typical design elements:

• Bold dials with three windows: date, day, and 24-hour time

• Case materials: Stainless steel or gold-plated

• Dial finishes: Often silver, blue, or black sunburst with contrasting sub-dial

• Applied hour markers and baton-style hands

• Domed acrylic crystals

• Lumed hands and markers (on sportier variants)

These watches combined utility with refined aesthetics, making them popular among both professionals and enthusiasts of the era.

Servicing and Battery Compatibility

Like all Accutron tuning fork watches, the 2185 requires specialized care.

Service tips:

• Use only voltage-regulated batteries; unregulated 1.55V batteries can damage the coils.

• The index wheel and pawl fork are extremely delicate and require gentle handling.

• Clean circuit contacts and lubricate moving parts with appropriate oils.

• Only qualified Accutron technicians should attempt repairs.

When properly serviced, the 2185 remains remarkably accurate and reliable, even after 50+ years.

Collector Appeal

The Bulova 2185 is one of the most desirable Accutron movements for collectors who value both technological innovation and comprehensive functionality.

Why collectors love the 2185:

• Unique triple-calendar layout

• Smooth seconds hand and tuning fork “hum”

• Technically sophisticated yet aesthetically clean

• Rare compared to 2181 and 2182 models

• Represents the peak of tuning fork-era complexity

Well-preserved examples are increasingly sought after, particularly when paired with original dials and casebacks.

Final Thoughts

The Bulova 2185 stands as a crown jewel of the Accutron series—a watch movement that managed to be both highly functional and remarkably accurate in a pre-digital era. With its full calendar and 24-hour indicator, it catered to demanding users while maintaining the design legacy of one of watchmaking’s most iconic innovations.

For collectors and horological enthusiasts, the 2185 is more than a timekeeper—it’s a symbol of what was possible before quartz took over the world.