As a brand, when you have a interesting history, you can’t help but look at the past for some much-needed inspiration.. and that is precisely what Accutron, Bulova’s sub brand, has done. In 1960, Accutron changed the way the world told time with the launch of the world’s first fully electronic watch. At the time it was the most accurate timekeeping mechanism ever created and the first personal timekeeping advancement seen in 300 years. With the same passion for innovation and groundbreaking technology, Accutron, presents a new historical advancement in timekeeping – the world’s first watches (Spaceview 2020 Collection and Accutron DNA Collection) powered by electrostatic energy.
The proprietary Accutron 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. Accutron has also incorporated a power saving function in the movement. To ensure power saving, the second hand automatically stops at 12 o’clock after 5 minutes of non activity. The watch continues to keep time, the hour hand and the minute hand keep moving. To see the second hand in motion, all a wearer needs to do is swing his/her hand all the way up and down for 3 to 5 seconds. Once powered, the second hand gradually returns to the current second indication and the power save function is canceled.
Set in a 43.5mm round stainless steel or 18ct gold case, that is water-resistant to 50m, the Spaceview 2020 collection offers a nice contrast with its open-worked mechanism that exposes signature Accutron green accents, forming the perfect backdrop for the luminous markers, hour and minute hands and orange second hand. This enhances the visual depth of this texturally splendid watch. Completing the classic look is a black padded leather strap to ensure maximum comfort on the wrist.
“These new timepieces, powered by electrostatic energy are the first of their kind and pay tribute to the iconic Spaceview design that gave Accutron the recognition of being an industry trailblazer,” said Jeffrey Cohen, President, Citizen Watch America. “Accutron will continue to maintain its position at the forefront of timekeeping accuracy and is committed to upholding an extraordinary legacy of excellence in design, style and technology.”
If the classic round aesthetic of the Spaceview 2020 Collection isn’t enough to rope you in, the Accutron DNA collection with its slightly sportier appeal surely will. The Accutron DNA collection uses the same movement and measures 45.1mm in diameter with a thickness of 15.6mm. The open-worked dial has a modern, avant-garde appearance. In general, I find skeleton dials tend to look a little busy, but that is definitely not the case here. All the elements stand out quite well. The collection comprises four references – stainless steel case with silver-tone and grey finish, stainless steel case with rose-gold tone and grey finish, stainless steel case with matte black and muted grey finish and stainless steel case with grey and dark blue finish.
These extraordinary timepieces have not only been able to uphold Accutron’s traditions that are steeped in precision and performance, but defy them as well—through a bold look towards the future in terms design and technology.