The Vintage Technology Association - Clocks, Timers & Counters

Clocks, Timers & Counters

This section encompasses a wide range of devices used make linear measurements of time and functions over time. Such devices include clocks, elapsed time indicators, time switches and digital counters.

This section is currently in development. Please check back for future updates.

Bulova Accutron Military Timepieces

Devices included in this entry:

Bulova Accutron TE-14 Calendar Clock (pictured in thumbnail)
Bulova Accutron Astronaut GMT pilot's watch (unidentified variant; silver dial)
Bulova Accutron Astronaut N GMT pilot's watch (black dial)

Bulova's earliest contributions to the US space program consisted of Accutron instrument timers, used aboard numerous satellite and manned flight programs. The Bulova Timer Laboratory ultimately produced over 200 different models of military and industrial instrument timers with specialized complications, including a 1000-day counter, a 5-year switch, a cycle timer and a digital output timer. Such devices are among the rarest of all Accutron timepieces.

In addition to their instrument timers, Bulova also produced the Accutron Astronaut, a GMT wrist timepiece with a 24-hour rotating bezel, secondary 24-hour hand and hack function. Prior to its commercial introduction in 1962, the Accutron Astronaut became the officially issued watch for all pilots of the USAF X-15 experimental rocket-powered aircraft program, and was later issued to CIA pilots in the Lockheed A-12 program. The Astronaut is the only timepiece to use the Accutron 214HN movement sub-caliber, and remains to this day a paragon of American watchmaking and industrial design.

To identify your Accutron Astronaut, please refer to our Accutron Astronaut Variant Guide.

For more information about the development of the Bulova Accutron, please refer to our historical discussion of these fascinating devices.

Accutron Service Manual: Series 214
Accutron: A Chronometric Micro-Powerplant
NASA to Omar Bradley: Explorer XI
Accutron Clock Aboard Gemini 7
Project Apollo: Bulova's Contribution
Industrial Timer Market Expands, Bulova Reports

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A.W. Haydon Elapsed Time Indicators

Devices included in this entry:

A.W. Haydon 7008-02 10,000-hour elapsed time indicator (pictured in thumbnail)
A.W. Haydon 7010-03 9999.9-hour elapsed time indicator
A.W. Haydon A25224 2500-hour elapsed time indicator

A.W. Haydon, primarily a motor manufacturer, is known among militaria collectors for their aircraft clocks. In addition to conventional clocks, Haydon produced other time measurement devices for use in aircraft, most notably high-range hour meters. Haydon aircraft timers are typically built upon a synchronous motor, driven at 115VDC, 400Hz.

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Sangamo KA-21 & WA-21 Synchronous Time Switches

Before the global microprocessor invasion, Sangamo synchronous time switches were the definitive method for controlling exterior lamps and other electrical devices that would need to be powered on and off in accordance with a pre-determined schedule. Sangamo time switches contain a large electromechanical clock movement that drives a rotating metal disk. The disk has a number of movable 'fingers', which varies from model to model: the KA-21 is equipped with six, while the WA-21 has only four. The schedule is set by moving the fingers around the disk to the appropriate time. As the disk makes a revolution, the fingers push mechanical levers which open and close a set of electrical contacts.

Both the KA-21 and WA-21 have a rectangular glass window on their face to verify the set schedule, as well as a smaller, circular window for observing the synchronous motor in operation.

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Wakmann Type A-11-24 8-Day Aircraft Clock

The A-11 is a well-known military aircraft clock type, produced by countless manufacturers since World War II. The example pictured here was built by Wakmann in 1977, and was obviously destined for a Beechcraft, likely a Bonanza Model 33 or similar.

Wakmann Aircraft Clock Advertisement (PDF)

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Wakmann Type A-11-24 8-Day Aircraft Clock
	The A-11 is a well-known military aircraft clock type, produced by countless manufacturers since World War II. The example pictured here was built by Wakmann in 1977, and was obviously destined for a Beechcraft, likely a Bonanza Model 33 or similar. Wakmann Aircraft Clock Advertisement (PDF) [View Detail]