Bulova Accutron Spaceview 100th Anniversary, Gold Plated (c. 1975)
--- $2,450 CAD ---
Applicable taxes, import duties, and shipping not included
Produced for only one year to celebrate 100 years of Bulova, this is one of the rarest Accutron references ever made.
ABOUT THIS WATCH AND WHY IT'S SPECIAL
This 1970's release, celebrating Bulova's 100th anniversary, features a bold, and asymmetrical 38mm x 42mm case designed to mimic the shape of a tuning fork, and houses the renowned Calibre 214 movement.
This watch was produced for only *one year* through 1975! Hence the absence of the "N" date code on the caseback.
The watch was released in two metal variations: stainless steel + gold plated, the latter of which is the one presented in this listing.
CONDITION
This watch is in remarkable condition, unpolished, and seems to have been very seldomly worn.
Its tritium markers and a large stick lume-filled handset display a wonderfully even patina.
The original blend of brushed and polished finish on this unique chunky tuning fork-shaped case shows brilliantly, and the edges are unmolested and truly exceptional. There is a faint scuff on the lower section of the case, and if looking closely you may find a couple flea-bites on the lower case the case, and case's edge. But aside from that, the watch is in overall stellar condition.
The white text pressed on the crystal shows NO printing loss or degradation, which is an imperfection commonly seen on these models.
The watch comes on the original Bulova branded leather strap, which shows light wear, and and a special edition gold plated buckle, stamped "Bulova 100", as a nod to this specific anniversary release. The buckle shows some light scuffing on one end but is in overall excellent condition.
SERVICE HISTORY
Service history is unknown, but running as it should.
THE ACCUTRON STORY
In 1960, amidst a period of rapid technological advancements that inspired innovation across all sectors of society and consumer products, Bulova introduced a timepiece that presented its own unique vision of an electric future. That timepiece is the Accutron - the world's first electronic watch to come to market, many years before the quartz crisis would take the watch market to its knees.
The Accutron, crafted by Swiss innovator, Max Hetzel, eliminated the traditional balance wheel, opting instead for a 360-hertz tuning fork driven by electromagnets and a battery-powered transistor oscillator circuit. Its unprecedented precision, accurate to within two seconds per day, was so accurate that it actually became the first watch to meet the standards for U.S. Railroad certification.
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The Spaceview model, initially designed as a display piece to showcase the Accutron's intricate mechanics, unexpectedly captivated the window-shoppers passing by. The transparent design, allowing a clear view of its internal workings, led to a surge in demand for the display model itself, prompting Bulova to release retail versions of the skeletonized design.
After the Accutron Spaceview’s 17 year production run, the model went dormant for several decades, until its revival just a few years ago. Despite being superseded by the industry-shaking quartz revolution, the Accutron Spaceview holds a unique place in horological history, and is a true testament to mid-century innovation and design.
Holding it up to your ear, the gentle hum of the tuning fork is a soothing reminder of its revolutionary legacy, and why it has earned a special place as a cult favourite among modern day collectors.
SPECIFICATIONS
MOVEMENT: Electric
CALIBRE: Calibre 214
CASE METAL: Gold Plated
BRACELET: Gold Plated
CRYSTAL: Sapphire
CASE SIZE: 38mm x 42mm
CASE THICKNESS: 12.7mm
WATER RESISTANCE: Due to its age, we recommend keeping away from heavy water exposure
CONTENTS: Original Bulova signed Strap, and dpecial edition "Bulova 100" gold plated buckle.
