Bulova accutron Spaceview

The Bulova Accutron Spaceview: A Timeless Icon of the Age.

The Bulova Accutron Spaceview is more than just a watch, it’s a piece of horological history that captures the spirit of 1960s innovation. Introduced in 1960, it was the world’s first fully electronic watch, powered by a revolutionary tuning fork movement. 

With its futuristic open dial and connection to the Space Age, the Spaceview remains a collector’s favorite and a symbol of a transformative era. 

Here’s everything you need to know about this iconic timepiece.

A Groundbreaking Innovation.

In 1952, Bulova engineer Max Hetzel envisioned a watch that combined “Accuracy” and “Electronic” hence, the Accutron.

 Launched in 1960, the Accutron 214 movement used a tuning fork vibrating at 360 Hz, driven by a battery-powered transistor circuit. 

This delivered unprecedented accuracy of about one minute per month (or 2 seconds per day), surpassing even the finest mechanical chronometers. 

The watch’s distinctive hum and smooth, sweeping second hand set it apart from traditional tick-tock movements.

The Spaceview model wasn’t originally meant for retail. Bulova created these open-dial versions as display pieces to showcase the tuning fork mechanism to dealers.

The exposed green circuitry and vibrating fork captivated consumers, prompting Bulova to release the Spaceview as a commercial product. 

Its futuristic aesthetic resonated with the 1960s Space Race, earning it a place on the wrists of test pilots and tech enthusiasts.

Iconic Design.

The Spaceview’s defining feature is its skeletonized dial, revealing the copper coils, tuning fork, and vibrant circuitry. 

Early models had time markers printed on the crystal, while later versions (post-1962) added a metal chapter ring with a minute scale for better legibility. Broad, luminous hands often in Lance or Dauphine styles contrasted with the busy movement, and some models featured colorful second hands, like red or orange.

Cases, typically 33–35mm, came in stainless steel, gold-filled 14K or 18K gold, with styles like the Alpha, UFO, and the “T” case (introduced in 1969). 

Early 214 models used a flip-out arch on the case back for time-setting, while the 218 movement (post-1965) introduced a crown at 4 o’clock. 

Hesalite crystals often bore the “Bulova Accutron” logo and tuning fork symbol, with some Swiss-made models featuring additional minute markers.

Cultural and Historical Significance.

The Spaceview embodied the optimism of the 1960s, a time of lunar ambitions and technological leaps.

Its precision earned certification for U.S. Railroad use, and its association with aerospace added to its allure. While not NASA-certified like the Omega Speedmaster, the Spaceview was worn by test pilots, cementing its Space Age credentials.

Produced until 1977, over 200 variants were made across Bulova’s U.S. and Swiss factories, with Swiss models often featuring unique designs like the Cushion Case.

Collectibility and Conversions.

Today, the Spaceview is a collector’s dream, valued for its rarity, design and historical significance. Prices range from $300 for non-working models to over $1,000 for pristine or gold-cased examples. 

However, collectors must navigate the issue of conversions. Due to high demand, many standard Accutron 214 models were converted into Spaceviews by removing the dial and adding a printed crystal. Bulova even supplied conversion kits until 1992. 

While well-done conversions are appreciated, factory-original Spaceviews especially chapter ring models are more valuable. Signs of a conversion include mismatched case styles, incorrect crystals, or non-standard hands.

Modern Revivals.

The Spaceview’s legacy continues. In 2010, Bulova released a limited edition of 1,000 watches with the original 360 Hz tuning fork movement to mark the Accutron’s 50th anniversary.

 These sold out quickly, becoming collector’s items. In 2019, the Citizen Group, which acquired Bulova in 2008, relaunched Accutron as a standalone brand. 

The Accutron Spaceview 2020 introduced a modern electrostatic movement, blending retro aesthetics with cutting-edge technology, while models like the Spaceview Evolution further innovate on the classic design.

 Why the Spaceview Endures.

The Bulova Accutron Spaceview is a testament to human ingenuity, blending groundbreaking technology with a design that still feels futuristic.

 Its humming tuning fork, exposed mechanics, and Space Age charm make it a standout in watchmaking history.

 Whether you’re a collector hunting for an original 1960s model or admiring a modern reinterpretation, the Spaceview remains a timeless icon that continues to inspire.