Bulova invented the tunning fork movement and the Accutron series arguably was their biggest contribution to the watchmaking industry. In fact their logo is in the shape of the tunning fork says it all.
There is a constant "hum" from the watch coming from the tuning fortk, my musician friend says it is an "F" key, whatever that means :-)
For a non-collector, there are a few things worth mentioning about the battery choices for the Accutrons. The mercury batteries excelled in keeping stable current within their serviceable lifes and have much longer storage period unlike silver oxide equivalents. However the tuning fork movements were designed to run on 1.35V and not on 1.55V silver oxide batteries you can buy today. If you put a 1.55V battery into an early Accurton, it could run fast. Some later movements have bigger tolerance in the voltage jump and would run fine. However the watch can be adjusted by a professional watchmaker to run on the new silver oxide battery for a small fee.
The other alternative is to buy Accucell, which is a normal silver oxide battery with a diode soldered at the back to reduce the voltage from 1.55V to 1.35V. Again, I have never tried these batteries.
Worth noting is that this Spaceview is an original and not a conversion. Some heartless watchmakers convert normal Accutrons with a 218 movement into the more sort after Spaceviews by taking dials out or cut around the chapter ring of dials.
 |
| Bulova Spaceview Accutron - Bulova 214 Tuning Fork movement |
The date of this watch is 1968, with production mark M8 on the back.
Movement:
Movement is the ground breaking Bulova 214 turning fork movement.
Production date: 1960 - 1977
- Electronic controlled tuning fork
- Sweep second
- Setting mechanisms at the bottom of the movement
- 360Hz = 1296,000 beats per hour
- Movemen size: Diameter - 28.7mm, Height - 5.5mm.
- 15 jewels.
- Index and jewelled paws escapement.
- Movement marked Bulova, 214, Swiss Made
Case:
- Round case with straight lugs
- The case is 10K goldfilled.
- Case is 35mm in diameter not including the crown, 41mm lug to lug.
- Case is 12mm thick including the original crystal.
- Stainless steel screw back with battery hatch and setting mechanism (a c-shaped ring that can be lifted up that forms a handle to adjust the hands).
- The case back in mint+ condition, no scratches and wear marks.
- Screw back marked Stainless Steel, Pantented, Waterproof, Bulova, 10K Goldfilled Bezel, D59628 and M8.
- Mint original dome acrylic crystal with applied markers and the tuning fork logo and Accutron.
The dial and hands:
- No dial, movement visible from the crystal.
- Gilded steel hour, minute and second hands in mint condition.
 |
| Arguably the first successful electrical/electronic movemnt. Note the coil near the top. |
 |
| Original acrylic crystal |
 |
| The crwon was engineered to the back of the watch, giving the impression that the watch is so accurate and no need to adjust the time |
 |
| The back with all the appropriate marks |
 |
| Opened battery hatch. |
No comments:
Post a Comment