Accutron Powers Up

In 1875, Joseph Bulova, a 23-year-old Czech immigrant, opened and operated a successful jewelry shop in Manhattan. In 1912, he constructed a watch factory in Bienne, that is recognized as the first mass manufacturer of timepieces. 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.

When the first Bulova Accutron watch arrived on the market in 1960, it came with a bold promise of 99.9977 percent precision. The movement was the caliber 214 with the tuning fork visible beneath the open dial to showcase the mechanicals, and it was an instant success. The faint hum of the tuning fork inspired the slogan, “The Watch That Hums.” To further highlight the precision, the case did not have a traditional crown; it was placed on the caseback since it was seldom used.

Accutron's revolutionary technology inspired out-of-the-box messaging, shown in this 1962 ad (Image: Accutron)
Accutron's revolutionary technology inspired out-of-the-box messaging, shown in this 1962 ad (Image: Accutron)
Bulova Accutron Calibre 214 (Image: cliniquehorlogere.ch)
Bulova Accutron Calibre 214 (Image: cliniquehorlogere.ch)
The original Accutron 214 had no corwn; instead a special handle on the case back was used to change time (Image: Accutron)
The original Accutron 214 had no corwn; instead a special handle on the case back was used to change time (Image: Accutron)

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. In 1963, Gordon Cooper even credited the Accutron chronometer, which he had used to time the restart of the engines after an electrical incident on the Faith 7, with helping to save his life.

General Omar Bradley in the Gemini 6 space capsule points to Accutron clock (Image: Accutron)
General Omar Bradley in the Gemini 6 space capsule points to Accutron clock (Image: Accutron)

The Accutron watch was respected enough to be used by fastidious railroad staff all over the globe to keep critical trains running on time. And the Accutron Spaceview would experience many evolutions over the decades, including the adoption of quartz movements and the eventual disappearance of the tuning fork.

The tuning fork movement

In 1866, Louis François Clément Breguet, grandson of Abraham-Louis Breguet, patented an electric clock controlled by a 100Hz tuning fork. Then, in 1957, Hamilton introduced the electric watch as part of the Ventura collection. However, Bulova Accutron was the first-ever electronic watch regulated by a transistor, credited to the invention of the tuning fork mechanism for wristwatches.

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.

Very fine copper coils (about one-third the thickness of a human hair) wrap around the Accutron tuning fork, with an amazing 8,100 turns each - unspooled, each coil would measure over 90 yards (Image: Accurron)
Very fine copper coils (about one-third the thickness of a human hair) wrap around the Accutron tuning fork, with an amazing 8,100 turns each - unspooled, each coil would measure over 90 yards (Image: Accurron)

While Hetzel is credited for replacing the traditional balance wheel with a tuning fork, it was American engineer William O. Bennett, that helped develop caliber 214, the first tuning fork movement. In 1965, the caliber 218 was introduced that was thinner than the 214 and equipped with a more traditional style crown. However, the caliber 218 offered with various complications did not achieve the same success as the original Spaceview watch.

Bulova Accutron Calibre 218 D (Image: cliniquehorlogere.ch)
Bulova Accutron Calibre 218 D (Image: cliniquehorlogere.ch)

Bridge to the future

Eventually, the introduction of cheaper quartz movement in the 1970s replaced the tuning fork movement. In 2002, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Spaceview, Bulova produced a watch with exposed internal parts that it called the Spaceview 21.

Launched in 2010 – 50th Anniversary of Accutron

In 2008, Citizen bought the Bulova Watch Company. To mark the 50th anniversary of the Accutron in 2010, Bulova produced a 1,000-piece limited edition of the Spaceview that was inspired by the 1960s model. All of them were sold before even going into production.

Finally, in 2020, Citizen relaunched the Accutron brand.

Accutron DNA
Accutron DNA

A leap into the electrostatic future

It’s been a number of years since most of us have studied Coulomb’s Law, so it seems appropriate to include a brief review of the basics of electrostatic energy. Electrostatics is a branch of physics that studies the manipulation of electric charges at rest. Everyone is familiar with static electricity — that zing of sparks as we pull a sweater from the dryer and disturb the balance between the positive and negative charges. At the other end of the electrostatic power spectrum is the massive energy produced by fusion (combining nuclei) and fission (splitting nuclei) techniques.

Bringing electrostatic energy to horology

Accutron has harnessed the principles of electrostatic energy in an innovative new movement that uses electrodes and human motion to create and store power for their new timepieces. A decade in the making, the drive system begins with the motion of the consumer which creates electrostatic energy within two electrostatic generators. The harnessed energy is stored in an accumulator and fuels two motors, an electrostatic motor driving the fluid second hand, and a step motor driving the hour and minute hands.

With the electrostatic drive, Accutron has added the convenience of a quartz watch that doesn’t require a battery change. In fact, the watch can enter an “Energy Conserving Function” mode if it detects no motion for more than five minutes that hardly uses power at all; it then stops driving the seconds hand until it detects motion again. It will continue to keep time for up to 10 days and could theoretically hold the power reserve for as long as five years dormant. For an active wearer, the power can last a decade or more.

The electrostatic caliber NS30 was developed in Japan by Citizen’s Miyota movement manufacture. It took a decade of research and development to create the movement.

An exploded view of Calibre NS 30-Y8A
An exploded view of Calibre NS 30-Y8A

“These new timepieces, powered by electrostatic energy, are the first of their kind and pay tribute to the iconic Spaceview design that gave Accutron the recognition of being an industry trailblazer,” said Jeffrey Cohen, president of Citizen Watch America. “Accutron will continue to maintain its position at the forefront of timekeeping accuracy and is committed to upholding an extraordinary legacy of excellence in design, style and technology.”

Spaceview 2020 Collection

The debut of Accutron’s electrostatic technology begins with the Spaceview 2020, a watch that pays homage to the very first electronic watch — the Bulova Accutron released in 1960. The Spaceview 2020 draws inspiration from the original and incorporates the green, yellow, orange and red of the original in a minimalistic retro-chic design. The drive coil for the stepper motor replaces the copper coils of the tuning fork to complete the reflection.

The Spaceview 2020 collection includes seven variations in four colorways including the original green, a smoked gray dial, a limited edition brown and a limited edition silver- gray. Each piece is paired with a thoughtfully coordinated strap of either stainless steel or leather in a variety of colors.

Spaceview 2020 Smoke grey open-work dial with signature Accutron green accents and transparent outer ring on stainless steel bracelet with double-press deployant closure
Spaceview 2020 Smoke grey open-work dial with signature Accutron green accents and transparent outer ring on stainless steel bracelet with double-press deployant closure

The case measures 43.5mm in diameter and 15.9mm in thickness with a protective fixed bezel and angular lugs slanting outwards. The crown is engraved with Accutron’s signature tuning fork logo and offers 50m water resistance rating. The luminous hands and dot indexes furnish optimal legibility in the dark.

Electrostatic energy is created by twin turbines that rotate as a result of human motion at incredible speeds between two electrodes affixed to the movement; Accumulator system powers the stepper motors of the hour and minute hands, and electrostatic motor which drives the seconds hand; Electrostatic rotor/stator driving system for the center sweep seconds hand
Electrostatic energy is created by twin turbines that rotate as a result of human motion at incredible speeds between two electrodes affixed to the movement; Accumulator system powers the stepper motors of the hour and minute hands, and electrostatic motor which drives the seconds hand; Electrostatic rotor/stator driving system for the center sweep seconds hand
Electrostatic energy is created by twin turbines that rotate as a result of human motion at incredible speeds between two electrodes affixed to the movement; Accumulator system powers the stepper motors of the hour and minute hands, and electrostatic motor which drives the seconds hand; Electrostatic rotor/stator driving system for the center sweep seconds hand
Electrostatic energy is created by twin turbines that rotate as a result of human motion at incredible speeds between two electrodes affixed to the movement; Accumulator system powers the stepper motors of the hour and minute hands, and electrostatic motor which drives the seconds hand; Electrostatic rotor/stator driving system for the center sweep seconds hand

Tech Specs

Accutron Spaceview 2020

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 green, smoked gray, or limited edition sleek silver-gray; luminescent hour markers
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet, ethically sourced genuine green or bright orange alligator leather, charcoal calf leather, or luxurious black grained leather; folding clasp in matching metal
Price: Starting from USD 3,450
Availability: Limited edition of 60 pieces (gold model); limited production (green and bright orange strap options)


Accutron DNA Collection

The basic design and the same movement technology are present in the Accutron DNA collection but presented in a more minimal and sci-fi inspired modern design. The major differences are aesthetic: replacing the Spaceview 2020’s straight lugs with hooded lugs and using a shield-shaped case rather than the more traditional round of the Spaceview 2020. The hands, too, are given a futuristic treatment with a longer, more angular shape.

Accutron DNA in blue open-work dial and silver-tone hands with silver-gray accent on the outer hour/minute ring
Accutron DNA in blue open-work dial and silver-tone hands with silver-gray accent on the outer hour/minute ring

The Acutron DNA collection introduces four models with different movement plate colorway designs: slate gray plate paired with red gold accents, slate gray and black, slate gray and silver with a green rehaut, and one with a brilliant blue plate and silver accents. The collection also replaces the leather strap of the Spaceview 2020 with a sportier integrated rubber strap.

Tech Specs

Accutron DNA Collection

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 black or silver-gray; green or muted gray outer ring with luminescent hour markers
Strap: Integrated sporty black rubber; steel folding clasp
Price: USD 3,300


La Palina Limited Edition Spaceview 2020

Offered in a limited edition run of only 222 pieces, the Accutron Spaceview 2020 × La Palina features a beautiful brown dial that contrasts well with the green accents of the openworked mechanicals. The coordinating brown outer ring includes light green luminous markers. Both the hour and minute hands are coated with luminous material for low-light visibility and the warm yellow seconds hand is slender and elegant.

Accutron Spaceview 2020 x La Palina in brown open-work dial. Limited Edition Set of 222 accompanied with a custom-designed humidor that is 100% handmade by master craftsmen in the Nicaraguan region of Estelí. Included with the humidor are Accutron Double Diamond cigar cutter and 10 La Palina cigars
Accutron Spaceview 2020 x La Palina in brown open-work dial. Limited Edition Set of 222 accompanied with a custom-designed humidor that is 100% handmade by master craftsmen in the Nicaraguan region of Estelí. Included with the humidor are Accutron Double Diamond cigar cutter and 10 La Palina cigars

“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.

The timepiece includes 10 cigars crafted for Accutron by La Palina that are a blend of tobaccos from Nicaragua, Honduras and the Dominican Republic. The cigars will be kept in perfect condition by the custom-designed humidor that is completely handcrafted from cedar selected by La Palina’s rare wood specialists.

Accutron has also partnered with Hudson Whiskey and Esterbrook pens to offer the best in American craftmanship. Accutron has always been an exemplar of technical innovation and impeccable design, and the Spaceview 2020 and Accutron DNA collections with the modern electrostatic movement live up to the prestige of their predecessors. Accutron continues to produce incredible timepieces that any collector would be proud to own.

Tech Specs

Accutron × La Palina Spaceview 2020, 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 humidor with cigar cutter and 10 cigars

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