Bulova Accutron Spaceview re-introduced during BaselWorld 2010

In 1960, Bulova introduced the Accutron Spaceview 214 wristwatch. This battery operated non-quartz watch, was considered to be the most accurate timepiece available in those days. Using a tuning fork, this watch hummed all day and at night, it was impossible to sleep when you left this watch on the drawer next to your bed. There were several Accutron models available in the 1960s (as you can see in my 2001 article here), but the most pretty one imho is the Spaceview with the triangular shaped case as pictured below.

As you can see, the tuning fork mechanism, humming at 360 herz has been made clearly visible through the (then) plastic crystal of the Accutron watch.

At BaselWorld 2010, Bulova re-introduces the Accutron Spaceview because of its 50th anniversary. Although Bulova Accutron is nowadays a brand name for quartz operated watches, for this occasion they installed the original electronic 360hz Accutron movement. These hand made replicas will be limited to 1000 pieces and come with an incredibly nice looking wooden box and glass display case. It seems that even Bulova knows that tuning fork watches are bound to break and are only suitable for putting them on display. With a steep retail price of 4000 USD and given the fact that 1000 pieces will be sold quite quickly to collectors and Accutron aficionados, you might get an original Accutron Spaceview 214 on eBay for much less. These will break just as hard and need some conversion work to get them running with the current voltage batteries, but at least it is the original and it is a cheaper investment for a display watch.

The new Accutron Spaceview however, is really a stunning looking watch and has been a bit upgraded to current standards with respect to diameter and size.?Ǭ† Unfortunately, the circumstances in Basel didn’t allow me to take a better picture than the one below, but at least it gives you an idea about the re-edtion Spaceview.

Available in Fall 2010, just in time to celebrate its 50th anniversary on the 25th of October. Please check my old article here for some background information on Bulova Accutron timepieces.