The Legacy of Tuning Fork Movement

In 1960, Bulova introduced Accutron, which stands for ACCUracy through ElecTRONics. Accutron had a groundbreaking level of precision, boasting an accuracy of 99.9977 percent. Featuring the caliber 214 movement with a visible tuning fork beneath the open dial, the watch quickly gained popularity. The distinctive hum of the tuning fork led to the iconic slogan, “The Watch That Hums.” In a nod to its precision, the watch was designed without a traditional crown, instead placing it on the case back as it was rarely needed.

In 1950, Max Hetzel, born in Basel, began his career as an engineer, and joined the Bulova Watch Company in Bienne. Hetzel was responsible for developing more than 20 patents over the next nine years, including patent number 312290 in 1953 for a tuning fork watch. While Hetzel is credited for replacing the traditional balance wheel with a 0, it was American engineer William O. Bennett, that helped develop caliber 214, the first tuning fork movement.

The tuning fork is asymmetrical in shape and has a small metallic piece made of two parallel arms which uses a micro- transistor that creates electrical impulses in order to activate two coils. One of these coils has a measuring capacity which determines the amount and timing of the current pulse, which typically oscillates at 360Hz — a significantly higher frequency than that of a traditional balance with a maximum deviation value of only two seconds per day.

The two copper wires of the coils are as thin as a human hair and each measure almost 80 meters in length. Bulova came up with a battery that made the tuning fork vibrate. The pulse obtained divided each second into a hundred equal parts and the control of the amplitude allowed for extreme precision. The vibrations of the tuning fork are impossible to see but have a distinct humming sound. The watch drew attention of NASA and Accutron mechanisms were used in the Explorer, Mercury, Gemini and Apollo missions. In all, 46 Space Missions involved technology provided by Bulova.

Bringing Electrostatic Energy to Watchmaking

Fast forwarding to 2020, Bulova relaunched the iconic Accutron brand. By reintroducing Accutron to the market as a standalone brand, Bulova was poised to capture the attention of a new generation of watch enthusiasts while continuing to honor the brand’s important legacy.

Accutron distinguished itself by harnessing electrostatic energy in an inventive movement that employs electrostatic induction to generate and store power. This mechanism, a decade in development, initiates with the wearer’s motion, producing electrostatic energy within two electrostatic generators. This captured energy is stored in an accumulator and drives two motors – an electrostatic motor responsible for the fluid second hand and a step motor for the hour and minute hands.

Accutron has incorporated the precision and convenience of a battery-free quartz watch with the integration of mechanical and electrostatic drive. The watch is equipped with a “Power Save” mode that, if limited motion is detected for more than five minutes, pauses the seconds hand until motion is detected once more. Should the watch remain unworn for 10 days, it shifts into Energy Conservation mode, pausing the timepiece and theoretically maintaining the power reserve indefinitely. For those who wear the watch daily and/or utilize the energy conserve feature, the power can feasibly last indefinitely.

Spaceview Evolution Collection

The cutting-edge electrostatic technology introduced in 2020 has been a key component of the Spaceview collection, including the Spaceview Evolution series launched in 2023. The dial design of the watch pays homage to the original Spaceview model, highlighting the advanced movement at its core. In this iteration, the movement has been repositioned by 30 degrees, resulting in a crown at 2 o’clock and a rearrangement of the turbines for a more harmonious appearance. The transparent dial, offered in smoke gray or silver tone, provides a captivating view of the intricate inner workings of the timepiece.

The Spaceview Evolution boasts a 43.5mm diameter bi-finished case, a polished stainless steel case, and a double box sapphire crystal. The crown has been relocated to 2 o’clock, enhancing the comfort of wearing the watch and adding a distinctive touch to its design. With a height of 15.9mm, these watches are designed to make a bold statement on the wrist. The innovative Accutron Electrostatic caliber lies at the core of the Spaceview Evolution, utilizing the electrostatic energy produced by two rapidly rotating turbines, powered by the wearer’s wrist movements.

This energy is collected, regulated, and stored in an accumulator before being distributed throughout the timepiece. The power is then directed to a capacitor that drives two separate motors: one for the seconds hand and another for the hour and minute hands. This unique system enables the seconds hand to smoothly sweep around the dial, thanks to the World’s First Electrostatic Motor. The Accutron Electrostatic caliber is meticulously crafted and boasts an impressive accuracy of within 5 seconds per month, making it one of the most precise timepieces available. Like its predecessor, the Spaceview Evolution offers 5-minute and 10-day power saving modes for added convenience.

Technical Specifications

Accutron Spaceview Evolution (Ref. 26A209, 26A210)
Movement: Accutron caliber NS30, quartz resonator with dual stepper motor and electrostatic drive system for the hands
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds
Case: 43.5mm × 15.9mm polished stainless steel, 50m water resistance
Dial: Open-worked dials in either smoke gray or silver tone
Strap: Black or blue alligator strap
Price: USD 3,950

Spaceview 2020 Collection

Aptly named after the year when it made its debut, the Spaceview 2020 collection has remained a staple for showcasing Accutron’s electrostatic innovation. There have been several interesting colorways and a few limited editions over the last four years.

Smoke Grey Dial

One of the notable Spaceview 2020 model features a smoke grey open-work dial adorned with signature Accutron green accents and a transparent outer ring, adding a touch of sophistication to its overall design. The dial is complemented by light green super luminous markers that enhance visibility in low light conditions. The hour and minute hands are elegantly designed in white, while the second hand stands out in a vibrant orange hue, adding a pop of color to the dial. It is accompanied with either a black leather strap or with a stainless steel bracelet, both have a double-press deployant closure.

Technical Specifications

Accutron Spaceview 2020 Smoked Grey (Ref. 2ES6A001, 2ES6A006)
Movement: Accutron caliber NS30, quartz resonator with dual stepper motor and electrostatic drive system for the hands
Functions: Hours, minutes and seconds
Case: 43.5mm; stainless steel or 18K gold; water resistant to 50m
Dial: Openworked smoked gray; luminescent hour markers
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet or luxurious black grained leather
Price: Starting from USD 3,650

Limited Edition in 18K Yellow Gold

To celebrate the 60th anniversary of Accutron, a very special Spaceview in 18K yellow gold case and bezel was made for collectors. This special watch is limited 60 individually numbered pieces globally and is complemented with black grained leather strap with 18-karat three-piece buckle closure. The timepiece features a sophisticated silver-grey open-work dial adorned with light green super luminous markers, complemented by gilt hour and minute hands, as well as a super luminous second hand.

Technical Specifications

Accutron Spaceview 2020 Limited Edition in 18K Gold (Ref. 2ES7A001)
Movement: Accutron caliber NS30, quartz resonator with dual stepper motor and electrostatic drive system for the hands
Functions: Hours, minutes and seconds
Case: 43.5mm;18K yellow gold; water resistant to 50m
Dial: Openworked silver-gray; luminescent hour markers
Strap: Luxurious black grained leather; folding clasp in 18K gold
Price: USD 19,600
Availability: Limited edition of 60 pieces

Two New Stylish Variations

In 2024, Accutron added two new stylish variations to the Spaceview 2020 collection. These timepieces exhibit a stainless-steel case, highlighting a green transparent openwork dial with a transparent outer ring. The watches are equipped with white hour and minute hands complemented by a Super-LumiNova center, an orange second hand, and a domed double box sapphire crystal. Customers have the option to choose between a matte black or green genuine American alligator strap.

Technical Specifications

Accutron Spaceview 2020 (Ref. 2ES6A005A and 2ES6A005B)
Movement: Accutron caliber NS30, quartz resonator with dual stepper motor and electrostatic drive system for the hands
Functions: Hours, minutes and seconds
Case: 43.5mm; stainless steel; water resistant to 50m
Dial: Openworked green with orange seconds hand; luminescent hour markers
Strap: Ethically sourced matte black or green genuine American alligator strap
Price: USD 3,850

Spaceview 2020 x La Palina Limited Edition Luxury Set

In 2022, Accutron announced a collaborative timepiece with premium cigar maker, La Palina. The Accutron Spaceview 2020 × La Palina collaboration is available in a limited edition run of only 222 pieces globally. This watch showcases a vibrant brown dial that complements the green accents of the openworked mechanicals. The brown outer ring features light green luminous markers for enhanced visibility. Equipped with luminous material on the hour and minute hands, as well as a slender and elegant warm yellow seconds hand, this watch ensures optimal readability in low-light conditions.

The watch is presented with a collection of 10 cigars specially crafted for Accutron by La Palina, utilizing a blend of tobaccos sourced from Nicaragua, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic. These cigars are stored in a custom-designed bespoke humidor, meticulously handcrafted from cedar by La Palina’s team of rare wood specialists to ensure optimal preservation.

“Finding true kindred partners to collaborate with is remarkably rare. However, going back to their earliest days, La Palina and Accutron share countless values as authentic American heritage lifestyle brands with respective reputations for unsurpassed innovation and quality. Which is precisely why La Palina is beyond proud to have partnered with Accutron on this very special limited edition Spaceview timepiece and humidor that in itself follows a longstanding tradition of cigar-inspired wristwatches dating all the way back to the 1930s,” said Sammy Phillips, president of La Palina Cigars.

Technical Specifications

Spaceview 2020 x La Palina (Ref. 2ES6A007)
Movement: Accutron caliber NS30, quartz resonator with dual stepper motor and electrostatic drive system for the hands
Functions: Hours, minutes and seconds
Case: 43.5mm; stainless steel; water resistant to 50m
Dial: Openworked brown with signature Accutron green accents and brown outer ring; hour markers with luminescent coating
Strap: Genuine brown alligator; steel folding clasp
Price: USD 5,000
Availability: Limited edition of 222 luxury sets, each comes with a bespoke humidor with cigar cutter and a box of 10 premium limited edition Accutron cigars

Accutron DNA Casino Collection

The Accutron DNA Casino watch is a bold and futuristic timepiece that showcases modern design elements and flexible silicone straps. Inspired by the current trend of vibrant colors in fashion and accessories, this watch embodies the philosophy that bold colors make a strong impact. Drawing from the vibrant hues of casino chips, the Accutron DNA Casino collection features dials, crowns, and straps in shades of space green, electric blue, fiery orange, and passionate red. This color palette not only provides a visual treat but also serves as a strategic design choice to inject joy into the user’s wardrobe and lifestyle.

This watch is more than just an accessory; it is a symbol of individuality. By breaking away from the typical monochromatic styles seen in the world of horology, the Accutron DNA Casino watch offers a unique and vibrant addition to any watch enthusiast’s collection. With only 100 pieces available worldwide, each watch in this limited edition collection is a rare treasure, with its exclusive number engraved on the caseback.

Technical Specifications

Accutron DNA Casino (Ref. 28A207)
Movement: Accutron caliber NS30, quartz resonator with dual stepper motor and electrostatic drive system for the hands
Functions: Hours, minutes and seconds
Case: 45.1mm; stainless steel; water resistant to 50m
Dial: Openworked space green, electric blue, fiery orange, or passionate red; outer ring with luminescent hour markers
Strap: Integrated matching rubber; steel folding clasp
Availability: Limited to 100 pieces per color
Price: USD 3,500