Accutron Spaceview 214 - Limited Edition replica

Submitted by Stephen Ollman on September 15, 2010 - 7:34pm

Bulova 50 YearsBulova 50 Years

        Accutron Spaceview 214 -  50th anniversary Limited edition. Click to Enlarge                                                      Accutron Spaceview 214 -  50th anniversary Limited edition. Click to Enlarge

Bulova Corporation celebrates a revolutionary breakthrough in timekeeping technology introduced 50 years ago, Accutron, and presents a new groundbreaking timekeeping technology called Precisionist. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Accutron, Bulova is producing a Limited Edition replica of the original alpha case version of the Accutron Spaceview 214.

When Accutron debuted on October 25, 1960, it was the most accurate timing mechanism available and the first personal timekeeping advancement in 300 years. The world’s first electronic watch without springs or an escapement, it was operated by an electronically activated tuning fork – instead of ticking, it hummed.

“We are pleased to be celebrating this milestone, which has helped to define Bulova’s reputation for innovative technology” said Dennis W. Perry, President of Bulova Corporation. “Fifty years ago, our Accutron technology set a new standard of precision, which established its place in timekeeping history. Fifty years later, we are honoring that history with a stunning handmade replica of the original Spaceview design. We are confident Accutron enthusiasts will appreciate the design and value captured in this very special anniversary time piece.”

Design History
In 1960, Accutron changed the way the world told time by offering the most accurate timekeeping mechanism ever created. Advertising support for the original Accutron watch, with a traditional dial, described it as “the only timepiece guaranteed accurate on your wrist.” Created with a transparent dial, the original Spaceview model was not designed as a commercial watch, but rather as a selling aid for Bulova retailers. The technology was incorporated into the actual design and let retailers and potential buyers see the unusual tuning fork technology. Requests soon poured in for the company to make the transparent design available to consumers. The combination of design and technology helped people understand the remarkable difference and technological efficiency of Accutron versus other timepieces, and created its iconic status.

The Bulova Accutron limited edition Spaceview 214 recreates the landmark tuning fork technology.  Each handmade replica will be presented in a specially designed wood and glass display case. The watch has a stainless steel case with a curved sapphire crystal and an alligator strap. Each watch will be inscribed with a limited edition number matched on the official plaque on the presentation case, identifying its place in the controlled production run of 1,000 pieces.

Accutron History
Bulova Accutron has an important place in history as an integral part of 46 missions of the U.S. space program.  Before the technology was available commercially, NASA requested its use in the development of the United States’ greatest single engineering achievement, man’s first landing on the moon. With Accutron technology playing a key role in the missions leading up to the first manned lunar landing, on July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin placed an Accutron timer in the moon’s Sea of Tranquility to control transmissions of data to earth.  The Accutron logo became a symbol to the consumer of the accuracy of the watch and was later adopted as Bulova’s corporate logo

Product Availability
The original Spaceview 214 is one of the most prized collectibles among watch enthusiasts. To celebrate the 50th anniversary, the Spaceview limited edition replica of only 1,000 pieces will be sold globally at a suggested retail price of $4,000 starting Fall 2010

For full details visit the Bulova website.