Vintage
renerod's post provides a foundational overview of the Bulova Accutron Spaceview, a watch considered a significant advancement in horology. This article delves into the revolutionary tuning fork system designed by Max Hetzel, offering readers a technical understanding of its operation. It also highlights the Accutron's historical significance, including its role as a presidential gift and its involvement in space exploration, making it a valuable resource for enthusiasts interested in electronic watch history.
Well my friends, first, let’s make a brief review of the Accutron system.
For some people, it’s considered the mayor advance in matchmaking since the XVI century. It was designed by the swiss physicist Max Hetzel and introduced in 1960. A revolutionary system without escapement and hairspring, which, in Hetzel’s opinion, limited other electronic design’s effectiveness. It is considered into the electronic watches category. It uses a fork that is electronically kept vibrating, and it translates those vibrations into a circular movement by an indexing wheel and a pair of almost microscopic wires and jewels.
This watch becomes a presidential gift for all leaders visiting the U.S. President L.B. Johnson declares it the “state gift” of the White House. Bulova uses this popularity to design Accutron watches for every use, from clocks to planes to satellites.
In 1969, a Bulova Accutron movement is part of the equipment placed in orbit by Apollo 11 astronauts, the first ones to step on the moon.
It would be fair to say that, given the Accutron’s complex and delicate index system (to those not in the know), it is hard to find a nice an good functioning Accutron this days.
Of all the Bulova Accutron models, the Spaceview are those that had no dial, sometimes only a “chapter ring” with hour and minute markings. It is not a squeleton watch, as some have said. But it lets a view of the watch’s inners.
Let's take a look at the one the cat brought in last week (sorry for the poor pictures, my good camera is not with me by now).
Bulova designed more than 300 case/dial combos, being the cushion shaped the one that pleases me the most. It is also the biggest case with 38mm wide. This cases lack of a conventional crown and this is a pecularity of the first Accutrons. If you turn the watch, you can see a deployant ring to set the time and a screw-in cap for the battery.
To know the year the watch was made, there’s a letter-number code, M means it was made in the 60’s decade and N in the 70’s, and the number is that of the year. In case of mine it is an M6, meaning it was made back in 1966.
The first ones were equipped with the 214 calibre that was made in the U.S. as well as in Switzerland, with an oscillation frequency of 360 hertz every second!
One of the nicest things about Accutrons is that, instead sounding tic-tac, they buzz like a mosquito. Allow me to make clear that in my case, you can only hear it by placing the watch close to your ear, and that while you’re wearing it, you can’t feel any vibration at all. This spaceview configuration lets a view of the watch’s inners, although it is difficult to perceive any movement besides the seconds hand continuous glide.
This particular watch came with a Bulova signed stretch bracelet that were very popular back at that time, but I guess it’s not the one that came with the watch originally. I’m thinking about a leather strap and any suggestion is welcome. Maybe a brown rally strap?
When I found this watch on a local ebay like portal, I was surprised about the apparent state of the watch, although you can never trust in the pictures of that kind of sites. I spent some time watching at it and investigating a little about accutrons and no one bought it! So I took my chances and shot. I got a reasonable but not cheap price for it.
When the watch arrived, I was sooo pleased! Until I open it. There are some data that worries me, and I hope some friend can help a little here:
1. it has a 214H calibre, which means it must be hacking, but it has no hacking lever though.
2. The case has a “10KT Gold Filled Bezel” inscription but, it has no bezel!
3. The case back is printed 2387 on the inside, but I think it corresponds to a round case model.
4. The case is dated back to 1966 (M6) but the movement has a M9 inscription.
Anyway, I will enjoy my watch since it has all the desirable features of a Bulova Accutron Spaceview from my point of view:
I hope you enjoy the reading as much as I did writing and sharing with you.
Best regards.
René
BTW, Accutron Roll Call anyone?
(Info source: another watch forum from Spain).
P.S. Greetings from my "evil cat" here 
The Bulova Accutron Spaceview, specifically models utilizing the Caliber 214, represents a significant innovation in horology, introducing the world's first electronic watch in 1960. It was a departure from traditional mechanical movements, offering a new standard of accuracy. The Spaceview was initially a display model for jewelers, designed to showcase the revolutionary tuning fork movement, but its popularity led to its commercial release.
The Caliber 214 movement operates at 360 Hz, powered by a miniature tuning fork that vibrates precisely, driving the gear train through a tiny indexing wheel. This system eliminated the need for a balance wheel and escapement, resulting in a smooth, sweeping seconds hand. The case designs varied, often featuring a distinctive exposed movement visible through the crystal, with hour markers sometimes printed directly on the crystal or on a chapter ring.
For collectors, the Accutron Spaceview holds a unique place as a bridge between mechanical and quartz eras. Its historical importance, coupled with its distinctive exposed movement aesthetic, makes it a sought-after piece. Authenticity is a key concern, as many Spaceviews were later conversions from standard Accutron models, making original factory Spaceviews particularly desirable.
i used to be a very big Accutron fan and had about 40 of them at one time from accutron to Zenith with many Omegas as well. i dont own any anymore having only recently traded my last one, an original first production run 14kt gold Alpha from 1960. i've had a couple of spaceviews, but was very careful to always check the case numbers to be sure i was getting an original and not a conversion. i once believed that Accutrons would have their day and become extremely popular and in demand, but that h
I received my first Accutron as a gift in the early seventies. I now own several, including a Spaceview from the mid 60's that I believe is original but only an expert might be able to tell for sure. There are several websites devoted to Accutrons and you might be able to find some info that will help you learn more about your particular watch; I encourage you to seek them out. One or two of them lists serial numbers. FWIW this link will take you to an image of my Accutrons: home.watchprosit
I also think that Bulova Accutron is a must for a collection, given it's provenance and technologycal advances. I also love it's looks, in particular the spaceview. I would have liked to see your collection, do you have any pics of it? My watch has details, but anyway I'm glad I got it. It's a keeper for me. I think I was lucky given the rarity of this watches. Best regards. René
I have a fascination with turning fork watches. I love the humming sound (my wife has four Omega f300 and if one comes close to the box, the sound is very audible. Congratulations, Nilo
hi Rene, i have some pics of the pieces i own, but they are poor pics and i'm not a big fan of posting things i used to own, its all about the present for me, but if you wish i'll post whatever pics i can find. BTW, a must have is a chronograph such as the Omega speedsonic. i was lucky enough to own 2 speedsonics, a Longines chrono and a Certina Chronolympic tuning fork. there are lots of oddities out there. i should also point out that the Accutron was also in the flight deck of Concorde. best
Once you have seen one in the flesh, and once you learn more about them, they are fascinating! The humming I can only hear at night or when I place it close to my ear, but I love it! By the way, I know where to find an accutron 666 diver nearby Best. René
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