One particularly standout model was the Divisumma 26 GT.
The Divisumma models. Mechanical calculators have existed since the 17th century. The first calculator able to perform multiplication was introduced in the 18th century. However, it was in the 20th century that a true revolution occurred.
Early in the century, keyboards became simplified and more compact, leading to easier usability. Electric models also began to emerge. This was when Olivetti made its mark. The Italian brand launched its first electric model, the Divisumma 14, in 1948. It was named for its ability to carry out the four basic mathematical operations. It featured not only a distinctive design but also remarkable mechanics.
12 years later, Olivetti introduced the Divisumma 24, marking a truly revolution. While the keyboard remained simple and user-friendly, this model featured a dual totalizer system. Remarkably, it allowed users to switch between two calculations without losing any data. In addition, it offered semi-automatic multiplications.
The calculator’s mechanical components began to evolve in complexity. Observing one of these machines without its industrial casing is truly worth it.
26 GT: the pinnacle of mechanics. After the launch of the Divisumma 24 in 1956, Olivetti introduced several mechanical calculators aimed at different users. However, the true generational leap and crowning achievement in electromechanical calculation came with the introduction of the Divisumma 26 GT in 1967. Beyond basic operations, this model featured the capability to perform calculations involving powers and included a totalizer with two memory functions.
This innovation allowed the machine to store intermediate values for chained calculations. Powered by a 50 W electric motor, the 26 GT model used mechanical components for value storage instead of modern chips or memory.
Its increased automation allowed the 26 GT to surpass its predecessors. The calculator weighed between 37.50 and 44 pounds (depending on the model) and measured 11 x 10 x 20 inches. Its interior housed a complex assembly of metal parts that showcased remarkable craftsmanship. The 26 GT wasn’t the most advanced model from the brand. However, issues with reliability and maintenance in the Logos 27-2 calculator made the mechanical design of the 26 GT even more valuable.
A trendy calculator. While the interior of the Divisumma was an engineering marvel, its exterior was equally impressive. Olivetti owes much of its aesthetic appeal to the Austrian designer and architect Ettore Sottsass. Beginning his collaboration with the Italian company in 1958, Sottsass served as a design consultant for 30 years.
During this time, he created notable products, including the Elea 9003 in 1959–one of Italy’s first electronic computers in Italy. In 1969, he designed the Olivetti Valentine, which became a symbol of Italian industrial design. He’s also responsible for some of the company’s electric calculators, enhancing their mechanical features with innovative casings.
The Divisumma 26 GT featured designs by Sottsass, including a translucent case that allowed users to appreciate its intricate mechanics. This design has a timeless quality. It could be re-released in any era and still appear retro-futuristic. Building on the basics of the Divisumma 24, it incorporated distinctive orange colors and straighter lines to ensure it remained stylish.
The iPad Finally Has a Calculator App. It Only Took 14 Years
Electronics enter the scene. In the early 1960s, electronic calculators began to emerge. However, they were quite large and impractical for mobile use. One example is the ANITA Mark VII from 1961, which used vacuum tubes and cathode ray tubes. Designers made improvements with the Sharp CS-10A in 1964, which used transistors. Still, the true revolution arrived with the launch of the Divisumma 26 GT.
In 1970, Sharp introduced its QT-8B, a very compact, battery-powered calculator. Canon followed suit with the Pocketronic, a name that highlighted its portability. Meanwhile, Texas Instruments developed a model that integrated everything onto a chip, making it smaller, more affordable, and energy-efficient. As electronic calculators gained traction, traditional electric calculators became a thing of the past.
Nostalgia. On platforms like Reddit, users have expressed nostalgia for their old Olivetti electric calculators. While they may not use them regularly, many claim that with basic maintenance, these devices still function like new. Their distinctive sounds and timeless design make them interesting decorative pieces.
Reflecting on these vintage calculators reminds me of my CRT TVs, which I use for playing old consoles. It’s not nostalgia that drives my sentiment but rather the realization that once these devices break, it’ll be increasingly difficult to find anyone capable of repairing them.
The day may come when these calculators will become mere exhibits in museums. However, even if their mechanics fail, their retro-futuristic design will endure.
Image | Frédéric Bisson | Museo Nazionale Scienza e Tecnologia [1, 2] | Museotecnologicamente
Related | The Generation That Was Born Digital Has a Tech Problem. The Culprit: Physical Keyboard
The post The Divisumma Calculator Was Olivetti’s Mechanical Masterpiece. It’s Become a Retro-Futuristic Icon appeared first on Xataka On.
