On October 25, 1960, Bulova released the first and most advanced electronic watch in the world. Decades before the smartwatch, Accutron watches made shockwaves through the world. Celebrities like Joe Di Maggio, Paul Newman, and Elvis Presley wore Accutron watches proudly, and their accurate design was even adapted to function in space.
Back on earth, the Accutron Spaceview (which let customers see the inner workings of the watch) inspired the “inside out” design in agriculture. The Pompidou Centre in Paris was intended to appear transparent. All the ductwork, plumbing, and electrical conduits to the exterior where they could be easily seen. The design was received poorly upon introduction, but it later won the Pritzker Architecture Prize.
Buildings aren’t the only thing Accutron watches inspired. Tinker Hatfield incorporated the “inside out” design of the Pompidou Centre into the Air Max 1. This was the first sneaker with a visible air bubble that let people see inside the shoe. This same design later made its way into Nike’s Air Jordan series. The shoes combined functional and fashionable in a way that has resonated with the sneaker community for generations since. Air Max Day was even established on March 26, 2014 to celebrate.
