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.
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| 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
