The Bulova Accutron Spaceview – Humming Through Time Since the Space Age

The Bulova Accutron Spaceview – Humming Through Time Since the Space Age

If the 1960s got us to the Moon, the 1970s let us party there. And if one watch could claim to be the soundtrack to that party, it would be the Bulova Accutron Spaceview—a timepiece that didn’t tick, didn’t tock, but hummed its way through the decade like a synthesiser strapped to your wrist.

🎯 What is the Spaceview?

At its heart (or more accurately, its tuning fork), the Spaceview is not just a watch—it’s a celebration of mid-century optimism. Released originally in the 1960s, the 1970s variants of the Spaceview leaned fully into the aesthetic of the future: transparent dials, green circuit boards, and that glorious sci-fi hum produced by the electronic tuning fork movement. This wasn’t just watchmaking. It was technological theatre.

Bulova initially made these to showcase the inner magic of the Accutron movement to jewellers. But the public loved it, and so Bulova said, “You want the guts? You got 'em.” Thus, the Spaceview became the flagship of the Accutron line.

🧠 What Makes It Tick—Err, Hum?

Forget balance wheels and escapements. The Accutron was the first fully electronic watch, using a 360Hz tuning fork to regulate time. This innovation gave it:

• Unparalleled accuracy (for the time)

• A constant hum rather than a tick

• A smooth, gliding second hand—utterly hypnotic

It was the Apple Watch of its day, minus the distractions, Bluetooth woes, and smug notifications.

👀 Looks That Kill (And Reveal All)

The 1970s Spaceview came in a smorgasbord of designs:

• Asymmetrical cases

• Cushion and tonneau shapes

• Wide lugs, narrow lugs, no lugs at all

• Sometimes gold-plated, sometimes steel, sometimes both—like a disco ball that tells time.

And of course, that open dial showcasing the brilliant green circuit board and golden coils. It looked like it had been reverse-engineered from alien tech. Which, frankly, might not be far off.

🔍 Comparisons: The Space Race in Watch Form

🧼 Maintenance Warning

If you're lucky enough to own one: don't expect your average watch repairer to touch it. The tuning fork movement is delicate, tricky, and frankly, a bit finicky. But that’s part of its charm. If it were easy, it wouldn’t be a Spaceview.

🐓 Need Parts or Tools?

Whether you’re restoring a Spaceview or wrangling a Seiko 6139, RedRoosterUK has your back. We stock tools, parts, and supplies to bring vintage watches back from the brink (no soldering iron or chicken wire required).

🔗 www.redroosteruk.co.uk

Current Prices

The Bulova Accutron Spaceview remains a sought-after timepiece among collectors, with prices in the UK market varying based on factors such as condition, materials, and provenance. Here's a summary of current market prices:

• Gold-Plated Models: Prices for gold-plated Spaceview models typically range from approximately £575 to £695. 

• Stainless Steel Models: Stainless steel versions are generally available around £165, reflecting their classic design and enduring appeal. 

• Premium Listings: Some listings, particularly those in excellent condition or with unique features, are priced higher, around £1,706.

Please note that these prices are subject to change and may vary depending on the seller and the specific attributes of each watch.

Final Thoughts

The Bulova Accutron Spaceview isn’t just a watch—it’s a snapshot of the future, as seen from the past. It’s what people thought 2025 would look like in 1973—and you know what? In some ways, they were bang on.

Now excuse me while I go listen to some Kraftwerk and stare lovingly at a coil humming at 360Hz.