Accutron expands their groundbreaking Spaceview featuring the world’s first electrostatic power watch with a new 2020 model.
Press release information with commentary in italics.
Edited: we were corrected by Accutron that the Accutron brand was relaunched as a standalone brand in 2020. It functions separately from Bulova from both a sales and marketing standpoint, although historically Accutron was a line within the Bulova brand. We recognise this, and have removed Bulova from the commentary and making only reference to Accutron.
New: Accutron Spaceview 2020
The new Spaceview 2020 will retail for USD 3,450 in the calf strap and USD 3,850- with the stainless steel bracelet.
Commentary
We covered the first series of the Spaceview 2020 in detail in our detailed hands-on review here. We have also previously explored the vintage Spaceview in this in-depth article.
The new releases are in two models, bringing the Spaceview family to 7 watches. The original non-limited launch model which is now available in 4 different strap options – in calf and alligator. And two in special executions – a model variant in the same dial, but solid 18k gold case, and another variant in a brown dial with green accents. And finally, these two novelties. The first with a smoke grey dial with green accents of the 2020 release, but available with a bracelet, and the second is in a new green dial. The case remains the same 43.5mm polished stainless steel case with the domed sapphire glass and water resistant to 50m.
The movement remains unchanged as the first electrostatic Accutron caliber NS30-Y8A.
Pricing has remained unchanged at USD 3,4550 launch prices. The new green dial is pitched at the same price as the 2 other steel/calf versions. We do note that this pricing is lower than the version with the brown dial which is collaboration with cigar maker La Palina. The Accutron x La Palina is a limited edition of 222 pieces and features a semi transparent dial which is similar to the new all green version, but in brown instead of green. It retails for USD 5,000 in an alligator strap and comes with a humidor set with cigar cutter and ten cigars. The Accutron was never released previously with a bracelet, and thus comparisons are not helpful.
Although Accutron have American origins, they are currently owned by Citizen, and the new Accutron’s design & engineering team based in Tokyo. As we understand it, marketing and sales is still out of their US HQ in New York.
Release information
Accutron expands its Spaceview 2020 collection featuring the world’s first watches powered by electrostatic energy. Reborn with the same passion for innovation and groundbreaking technology, Accutron recaptures its legacy as one of the most important innovators in timekeeping history.
First unveiled in 1960 to universal acclaim, Accutron, known as the world’s first fully electronic watch has taken on the challenge to once again revolutionize time. Accutron’s design & engineering team based in Tokyo worked from the inside out to create Accutron’s all-new and proprietary next-generation electrostatic energy movement. Representing something rare in modern watchmaking, this electrostatic drive technology is a first.
The electrostatic energy of the movement is created by twin turbines that rotate as a result of human motion at incredible speeds between two electrodes affixed to the movement. The energy, stored in an accumulator, powers two motors; a world’s first electrostatic motor fueling the fluid second hand and a step motor powering the hour and minute hands. Both motors are synchronized through integrated circuits to provide accuracy to +/- 5 seconds a month.
Recreating the stunning visual impact of the original open dial design with the exact-same signature green accents, Accutron commemorates the original Spaceview’s place in avant-garde timepiece history. Born in an era of unparalleled risk-taking, the 1960s Accutron Spaceview was a landmark achievement and immediate sensation. By deconstructing the design of the outer case and exposing the state-of-the- art tuning fork movement, it transformed into the purest example of design integrity and technical excellence. Over time, it became an iconic masterpiece.
Accutron is proud to add two new models to the Spaceview 2020 collection. Both watches feature a 43.5mm polished stainless steel case with domed scratch resistant sapphire crystal and water resistance to 50m. The first style boasts a smoke grey open-work dial with signature Accutron green accents and transparent outer ring, light green super luminous markers, hour and minute hands and orange second hand. Finished on a matching stainless steel bracelet, the watch is available for $3,850.
The second style features a new green dial treatment with transparent outer ring, grey bridges, light green super
luminous markers, hour and minute hands and orange second hand. Offered on a charcoal calf leather strap, the watch retails for $3,450.
“We are proud to expand Accutron’s iconic Spaceview 2020 collection. These new timepieces not only pay tribute to the original Spaceview design, but the inventive spirit of Accutron that continues to position the brand at the forefront of timekeeping accuracy.”
Jeffrey Cohen, President, Citizen Watch America
