Bulova Accutron Spaceview, 1968

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, instead using a 360-hertz tuning fork attached to a battery-powered transistor oscillator circuit as its heart. Designed by Max Hetzel, the Accutron made waves, becoming the first wristwatch precise enough to be qualified for U.S. Railroad certification — guaranteed to be accurate to about one minute per month, or roughly 2 seconds per day. Originally designed to be a salesman's tool highlighting the inner mechanism of the Accutron movement, the Spaceview wasn't intended for retail purchase. But the delight of seeing these inner workings displayed caused demand from retailers and consumers to spike; indeed, seemingly everyone wanted this openworked watch to wear and take home. Bulova responded, producing retail versions with the same unique characteristics of their display models. The Accutron Spaceview was unlike anything that came before, and really, anything since. In production for about 17 years, the tuning fork technology was eventually beaten out by quartz crystal movements, making these watches relatively short-lived. But they contain important and revolutionary technology that has had a tremendous impact on today's world. This specific example dates to 1968 and features a 10k YELLOW gold filled case and features an openworked dial with the Accutron Calibre 214 movement entirely in view. In otruly utstanding condition throughout, this piece is outfitted to a Speidel 'Twist-O-Flex' style gold tone stretch bracelet that is stylish as it is comfortable. Purchased from its original owner, this example also features a subtle engraving on the caseback with his initials 'J.C.'. No matter your taste, there's no denying that the Accutron Spaceview is an important part of horological history, and an incredible mid-century design object. As for that humming? Hold this baby up to your ear and there’s no doubt you’ll be soothed by the tuning fork’s soundscape. It’s music to our ears!