Bulova Accutron Spaceview
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Why We Love it
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Why We Love it
–In 1960, Bulova had a vision of the future. In that future, there was humming.
The Accutron was the world's first electronic watch. About a decade before the infamous Quartz Crisis, Bulova put into production a watch that did away with the traditional balance wheel, favoring instead a tuning fork design - a 360-hertz steel tuning fork powered by electromagnets attached to a battery-powered transistor oscillator circuit - as its timekeeper. Designed by Max Hetzel, the Accutron made waves, becoming the first wristwatch to be precise enough to be qualified for U.S. Railroad certification, guaranteed to be accurate to about one minute per month, or about 2 seconds per day.
While Bulova had grand plans for their watch of the future, they never anticipated the success that the uniquely appointed Spaceview would generate. Designed to be a salesman's tool and display watch only, the Spaceview 214 was never intended for retail purchase. But when demands for the watch spiked, Bulova responded, producing retail versions of the watch with the same unique characteristics of their display models.
With its round 33mm, goldfilled case and visible circuitry and tuning fork, the Accutron Spaceview was unlike anything before, and really, anything since. While in production for about 17 years all together, the tuning fork technology was eventually beaten out by quartz crystal movements, making this unbelievable piece of history a short-lived, but totally revolutionary wristwatch.
This specific example is one of the earliest 214 movement executions, marked by the crownless case design - a design that Bulova moved away from in 1965 when they developed the 218 movement which had a time setting crown at the 4 o'clock position.
So no matter your mechanical-movement inclinations, there is no denying that the Spaceview is a one-of-a-kind piece of horological history.
Oh, and the humming? Hold this baby up to your ear and you'll hear that tuning fork, humming away!
A:S Guarantee
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A:S Guarantee
+Our Pledge
Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.
Condition
Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.
Warranty
We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.
International Buyers
Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.
Shipping & Returns
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Shipping & Returns
+All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.
Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.
We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.
Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.
We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.
Bulova Accutron Spaceview
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