Bulova Accutron 'Cushion Spaceview' 214, 1969

Dealer description — Analog/Shift

In 1960, Bulova had a vision of the future—and that future hummed with potential. About a decade before the Quartz Crisis, Bulova introduced a watch that did away with the traditional balance wheel, replacing it with a 360-hertz tuning fork powered by a battery-driven transistor oscillator circuit. Designed by Max Hetzel, the revolutionary Accutron became the first wristwatch accurate enough to qualify for U.S. Railroad certification, boasting accuracy of roughly one minute per month—an astonishing achievement for its day. Originally conceived as a salesman's display piece intended to showcase the movement's groundbreaking technology, the Spaceview wasn't meant for public sale. But customers quickly became enamored with the exposed mechanics and futuristic appearance. Demand grew so rapidly that Bulova was forced to produce commercial versions, transforming what began as a demonstration tool into one of the most iconic watches of the 20th century. The Accutron Spaceview remains unlike anything that came before—or since. Produced for only a brief period before quartz technology swept the industry, these watches represent a fascinating chapter in horological history: a glimpse into an alternate future in which tuning forks, not quartz crystals, became the standard. This particular Accutron Spaceview '770T' 'M9' dates to 1969 (M denotes the 1960s decade, 9 the specific year), and is housed in a stainless steel case, showcasing the famous open-worked dial that leaves the Accutron Calibre 214 movement entirely exposed. Characterized by its unconventional crown placement at the rear of the case, the Spaceview proudly displays the copper coils, tuning fork, and electronic components that made it a technological marvel. Fitted to a stainless steel bracelet with a Bulova-signed deployant clasp, it wears every bit as futuristic today as it did more than fifty years ago. No matter your taste, there's no denying that the Accutron Spaceview is one of the most important wristwatches ever produced—and one of the greatest examples of mid-century industrial design. As for that humming? Hold this baby up to your ear, and you'll understand immediately. It's music to our ears. ACCUTRON FACTORY CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED Analog:Shift is proud to be partnered with Accutron as the exclusive retailer for Factory Certified Pre-Owned timepieces. Our longstanding relationship and shared passion for horological history and design have culminated in this unique offering. Each Accutron timepiece undergoes rigorous inspection and certification by expert watchmakers and is backed by the manufacture, ensuring unparalleled authenticity and quality.