Last year, I reviewed a watch from the Accutron Legacy collection. I was pretty effusive in my praise and for good reason; the watch was a magnificent piece of mid-century fashion that Accutron had sympathetically updated while retaining its original aesthetic. In fact, I liked it so much that I thought I’d check out another from that collection, this time, a gold Legacy ref. 2SW7B001 based on the 1971 Accutron 261, which is how I will refer to it for the rest of this review. But wait, there’s more! I also have an Accutron Regular Estie Rollerball Pen by Esterbrook on my desk because apparently, the universe wants me to start collecting pens too.
Accutron Regular Estie Pen
Time Bum readers will already be quite familiar with Accutron but may not know Esterbrook. The company was established in Camden, New Jersey, in 1858 by Richard Esterbrook. At its peak, Esterbrook was the largest pen manufacturer in America. Presidents Abraham Lincoln, Lyndon B. Johnson, and John F. Kennedy all used Esterbrook pens. Donald Duck was created with an Esterbrook, and Charles M. Schultz used an Esterbrook No 914 to draw the Peanuts comics. Esterbrook is still an American brand, now a part of Mineola, New York’s Kenro Pens.
It’s no accident that I requested a gold Legacy to accompany the Estie. These two are not a package set, but they make a fabulous couple. The resin-barrelled pen is a vibrant shade of “Accutron Green” that watch fans will undoubtedly associate with the iconic Spaceview circuitry. Esterbrook has incorporated diamond and gold dust into that green using their proprietary DiamondCast formula. Whatever this wizardry may be, it creates a marbled effect with impressive depth and sparkle. Gold accents on the barrel, tip, clip, and “Accutron” engraved cap tie it all together.
“Regular” in the case of the Estie, refers to its size; 5 7/8″ long, 5/8″ around, and 1.1 oz. This is just right for my meger mitts (men’s size 8.5), not too fat, not too heavy, just an easy, comfortable fit. Its cushion cap fits snugly and does not make the pen top-heavy when it is parked on the tail of the barrel when writing. Those who prefer a bigger pen might opt for the 6 1/8″ x 11/16″ Estie Oversize fountain pen. They offer the fountain pen in a Regular as well, but this is the only rollerball in the collection.
I will send a strap to the first person who correctly identifies the line I wrote in the photo.
Rollerballs are my favorite pens for daily use. Sure, fountain pens are extra special, but for grab-it-and-go practicality, you cannot beat a rollerball. No, don’t even talk to me about ballpoints. The smooth, effortless line you get from rollerball gel ink is the only way to go. On quality paper, I found the ink to be nicely opaque with limited feathering (that bit at the edges where the ink bleeds into the fibers of the paper).
The Accutron Regular Estie Rollerball is $350 and limited to 110 pieces. If you prefer a fountain, the Accutron Regular Estie Fountain Pen with a gold plated steel nib is $395 and will have a run of 300 units. Finally, the Accutron Oversize features an 18kt gold nib and sells for $750. Only 100 will be made.
Accutron Legacy “261”
Yes, I know you visit The Time Bum for the watch reviews so I won’t make you wait any longer. I sampled the gold Legacy 261 (they have a steel and blue model too) and it is scrumptious.
Like the others in the Legacy Collection, it is a design from the Accutron archives. Its cushion case measures 38.5mm wide, 42mm long, and 12.5mm thick to the peak of its domed and AR-coated sapphire crystal. Oh, that dome! Few things say “vintage charm” to me like a big box crystal.
Take a tour around the case and soak up some of the details. You’ll find a polished top that gives way to crisp corners and radial brushing as the surface falls away to its slim, polished edges. The crown nestles into a recess just before 4 o’clock. It is coin-edged and signed with the trademark tuning fork logo on a hammered inset.
The 1970s live on in that gray dial, most notably in the polished gold makers. It’s worth zooming in with a loupe so you can truly appreciate their chunky wedge shape. The index is printed in white with a finely delineated seconds track on the inside. The hands and logo are also polished.
I don’t expect lume on a dress watch, which is not to say I don’t want it, only that it generally is not provided. Well, my wish was granted on the 261 because it has proper lume on the hands and on pips below the markers. I wouldn’t take it diving, but given that the watch is water-resistant to only 30m, I can’t say that matters. It is sufficient illumination to read the time in the dark of the Kennedy Center Opera House and that is where you are more likely to find me.
A sapphire exhibition window reveals the Swiss-made, 26-jewel automatic inside. I know Accutron die-hards will lament the fact that this tuning fork watch does not have an electronic tuning for movement, but can you really complain when you are getting a high-quality 28.8k bph movement? I think not. That is a concession to modern watch buying preferences I can happily live with.
The 261 comes on a gold, brushed and polished three-link bracelet that narrows from 18mm at the lugs to 16mm at the clasp. All three links articulate just as they should (come on watchmakers, stop with the fused links) and it secures with a push-button butterfly clasp for a smooth, low profile fit that tucks right under your shirt cuff without fuss. I found the 261 to be an ideal fit on my 6.75″ wrist, perhaps wearing a little larger than I expected due to the barrel base and tall dome.
In what may be a first here in The Time Bum’s home my wide actually spotted the watch, tried it on, and declared her admiration. When someone who says “all your watches look the same,” tries on a watch and says “this is really nice, I would wear it,” you take notice. Indeed, that brings up another good point; the 261 is absolutely unisex. I’d say that contemporary preferences would make it a dress watch for a man and dress-to-dress-casual for a woman, but it can easily fit either without appearing out of place.
The Accutron Legacy 261 lists for $1,550 and will be limited to 600 pieces.
Conclusion
Accutron has done everything right with the Legacy collection. The watches are distinctive, brilliantly executed, and mechanical movement aside, faithful to the originals. I have not dived headlong into luxury pens just yet, but the Accutron Estie could certainly tempt me. And hey, not for nothing, but the holidays are almost upon us. If you are looking for a gift for that special someone in your life, be they a man or a woman, the Legacy 261 is a winning choice. Are they not into watches? Then get them the Estie pen. If they are not into either, then I suggest you find another special someone and pick up these two for yourself. You can find them both at Accutron.com.
