Bulova Accutron Spaceview 'Floppy Football'

In 1960, Bulova had a vision of the future — and that future hummed with potential! About a decade before the Quartz Crisis, Bulova introduced a watch that did away with the traditional balance wheel, instead using a 360-hertz tuning fork attached to a battery-powered transistor oscillator circuit as its heart.  Designed by Max Hetzel, the Accutron made waves, becoming the first wristwatch precise enough to be qualified for U.S. Railroad certification — guaranteed to be accurate to about one minute per month, or roughly 2 seconds per day.   Originally designed as a salesman's tool to highlight the inner workings of the Accutron movement, the Spaceview wasn't intended for retail purchase. But the delight of seeing these inner workings displayed sparked demand from retailers and consumers; indeed, seemingly everyone wanted this openworked watch to wear and take home. Bulova responded by producing retail versions with the same unique characteristics as their display models.   The Accutron Spaceview was unlike anything that came before, and really, anything since. In production for about 17 years, the tuning fork technology was eventually beaten out by quartz crystal movements, making these watches relatively short-lived. But they contain important and revolutionary technology that has had a tremendous impact on today's world.   This particular example dates back to the mid 1960s and features an asymmetrical case design known to enthusiasts as the 'Floppy Football'. The case is constructed of steel and features 14k yellow gold stylized inserts and the expansive, open-worked Caliber 214 mechanism on two corners. In great condition throughout, this timepiece is accompanied by a signed black alligator leather strap and a signed steel pin buckle. No matter your taste, there's no denying that the Accutron Spaceview is an important part of horological history and an incredible mid-century design object. As for that humming? Hold this baby up to your ear, and there’s no doubt you’ll be soothed by the tuning fork’s soundscape. It’s music to our ears!