Accutron ElectroStatic Spaceview - A Modern Take of the Brand’s Iconic Creation

[@egutzait]

I have the Spaceview 2020, it's nothing but cool. Accutron's slogan is "It's not a timepiece, it's a conversation piece" and I can confirm that. I get lots of random compliments on it. The engineering is super cool about it as well.

[@xchazz86]

Once you collect 5 Accutrons they combine into Optimus Maximus in 46mm.

[@RealExpertsPro]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@theonlyredspecial]

🤣

[@TwentyOne_Five]

Oh you got me. Spit my coffee out.

[@stuffhappens5681]

When Seiko introduced its Kinetic quartz watches they used a capacitor to store the energy that powered the watch. Granted the technology that charged the capacitor was different than Accutron’s but the issue was after a time the capacitor (like a battery) required replacement as it can only maintain a limited amount of charge-discharge cycles. Seiko solved that problem with spring drive as the long lasting mainspring’s stored energy took the place of the shorter lived capacitor’s stored energy. So when the capacitor in the Accutron ultimately fails (which it most certainly will) it may be rather inconvenient as I doubt it’s easily replaceable. Food for thought.

[@catfancy1708]

underated comment

[@ClaesNorin]

Very true! However they have been around since the 60ies so I guess they might be around in the future for a capacitor replacement? Even if it cost some... Servicing the Spring Drive is also quite expensive.

[@stuffhappens5681]

@@ClaesNorin - Outside a few anomalies springs are good for a lot more charge-discharge cycles than batteries or capacitors. There are plenty of 50+ year-old watches still ticking on their original mainspring.

[@HashanGayasri]

​@@ClaesNorin I asked the GS Boutique in Sydney how much it'd cost for the 5y service of my spring drive. 1k AUD apparently.

[@TechnoLawyer]

I love these, but it's such a shame they're so large. I'd love one in 38mm-40mm. By the way, Teddy, this was a really nice high quality video showing everything about the watch. Well done. If I had one suggestion, it would be to also show a shot of the watch on your wrist. I have a smaller wrist like you, so seeing watches on you is pretty helpful for me to get an idea of how they'd look on me.

[@JustinTatts]

What are you talking about he’s wearing it the whole video and he does show it several times through out

[@Chancer]

Didn't watch the video, eh bud?

[@TechnoLawyer]

Unsure how I missed that. Doh.

[@merc7paul]

I have 3 precisionists and this is insane, bulova is so underrated, it's a technical minds watch brand

[@ludovicoc7046]

I love the electric clock-like smoothness of the second-hand sweep of these models.

[@Gumby56]

I was about ready to add a spring drive to my collection but this video changed my mind. I fell in love with the smooth seconds hand of the GS but the Accutron is just as smooth and half the price. Thanks for the video Teddy👍

[@beluwuga]

A breakthrough in high-horology. I am happy “old” brands are making kicking comebacks, with SpaceView and Electrostatic, the design, and specs sets you back a bit, this deserves more than USD 3,300. I’m glad now that they have more freedom to expand their brand and quality along with it, releasing it from the commercial “mass” selling watch, and more of a watch brand of heritage and innovations.

[@MosheFeder]

As a Spaceview owner since 1969, I really appreciated this detailed treatment of the 21st century versions. Thanks!

[@johnbobbitt6470]

co-signed. notice the same hands?

[@horasano]

Does it work? Since 1969 ? I am just worried about the quality, The brand name was bulova before ,now each seperated.If I m sure that if it is worth, I will buy one of them.Thanks for reply:)

[@mariosiaven2965]

With the quality of the macros as the professional description of Teddy this type of videos should get at least 10000 views/hour.

[@oOoScarecrow31oOo]

Who cares. Not everyone is a watch enthousiasme. Most of people don’t want to know what watch you’re wearing so don’t even think about how it works. It’s kind of a ’niche’ overhere. 🙄

[@helluminati]

Teddy my main man, more timeless stylish and long lasting than any Swiss watch could ever dream of. GS♥️

[@A_Noid]

God damn. I’d definitely buy one of these if they made similar ones in a 40mm case. They look so fun.

[@carllange3950]

Easily the best review of the Accutron Spaceview watches I have seen. I am a big fan of Bulova (and Citizen) watches and would like to own one of these, but I am not sure about me spending this much on any watch. As with the Citizen 0100 or Seiko Spring Drive, the advanced technology is appealing, but my practical nature resists purchasing luxury items. Realistically, most non-watch enthusiasts would consider $500 watches to be luxury items, whereas I consider that to be the inflection point on the price vs quality/features curve.

[@DjRjSolarStar]

Well said my friend

[@martinlaird9712]

Totally agree , I do own some expensive watches but to me the movements with them is worth it. But my favourite watch is my seiko automatic GMT

[@richardwong3979]

I own this watch #298 of 300 and the more I wear it, the more I get mesmerized by watching those wheels keep turning round and round. Among some of my watch enthusiast friends they really like it, with the same comment about how vintage it looks, but with those wheels, it looks so cool. Definitely, a watch that grows on you and the lume shot really shows the nice green lume. Teddy, Where's the lume shot? Happy with this purchase and will keep.

[@aaronzx10r]

1 year later, are you still happy with it? I’m recalling wanting to get one

[@johnbobbitt6470]

I really do like the new incarnation of the space view. And did not escape my notice that the minute and second hand looked to be new old stock from the original. I mean, I’m sure their new remanufactured, but they are the exact same thing. And sticking with the logs was a good idea too. However, as mentioned by others here, It is quite large. Much larger than the original 214. The one I have on my wrist was actually my inheritance from my grandfather. He was a founding member of NASA and that’s where he got his.

[@mrgood1cor13]

I cant say I would have ever gave these a 2nd look until watching the whole video and hearing about all the cool tech in them. Very cool indeed. Thanks for bringing this to our attention!

[@unixnerd1]

Came here from your video with Kevin O'Leary. Wow! These are stunning. If they ever do a smaller (40mm) one I'd buy one. I'd also like to see a bracelet on the one with the leather strap as the leather strap doesn't seem very high tech.

[@mr.thinkpositive9962]

I like the look of this watch a lot and it’s technology. My concern is that the capacitor has a limited life. I don’t look forward to having it serviced in Japan after a period of time. For this reason a Grand Seiko Spring Drive is probably a better purchase. However I still like this a lot and will have to decide.

[@mikeaninger7388]

I first heard about Accu Tron on a Watch And Listen episode. Matt Farah and Cameron Weiss talk about the movement. Electrical watch with actual innovation. Great stuff.

[@Z-S-H]

😍 I love it I just hope they can eventually come out with some in some smaller sizes I'll start saving for one if that happens

[@anthonystevens8683]

These are very interesting pieces Teddy, I would love either but if I did I'd not last long as I'd be looking at the incredible dial movement. I guess there could be a warning applied stating "do not operate heavy machinery if you want to tell the time with one of these watches as you may spend more than a passing glance and become immersed into that dial for longer than anticipated". Great review with super macro shots.

[@philspencelayh5464]

Love the way that second hand sweeps

[@craig2100]

If anything it's unique, in a nice easy. Great job, Teddy!

[@frankbick6953]

Very cool, interesting design. Of the 2, I prefer the DNA version, especially the blue gray one.

[@Herravm63]

Nice and very informative video. When those two models are side to side (<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="262">4:22</a>), for my eyes, it seems that Spaceview DNA second hand moves just a bit smoother than Spaceview 2020 second hand.

[@biharijivandana6894]

can we say that we have a competitor for the spring drive grand seiko?

[@oOoScarecrow31oOo]

It’s more a kinetic timepiece with no battery.

[@RoaroftheTiger]

@@oOoScarecrow31oOo - Technically, this Accutron Doesn't use a Battery, either, but a Capacitor.

[@JasonTheWatchGuy]

The 2020 is a really beautiful watch. I just think its amongst too much competition at that price point.

[@Jdinaz]

Nice video. Well shot, well organized. Great work. I’m thinking I’d probably get a Grand Seiko before this for the price.. and I’m not in a rush to do that.

[@danryan1285]

So tempting, but so large. Another great video, Teddy.

[@SniperKing029]

Wow that dial! Great macro shots Teddy

[@styraxopoponax8294]

Couldn’t help but notice the vertical brushing on the case-sides.. same on my Bulova Hack. For better or worse, I think this is completely unique to Bulova.

[@vitmat7779]

This is a great Piece of technology, my question is why Bulova changed logo to word: Bulova few years back, and now they put a logo of Fork back on the watch dial? What is the deal with logo? Teddy?

[@majordisappointment8692]

I love these watches very interesting movement, but a little out of my price range. Thanks for the look

[@yidarmy123]

Great review Teddy! I’m interested in the DNA version, my only question is it is possible to get a replacement strap from anywhere considering it’s integrated into the actual watch?

[@Pip2andahalf]

I was wondering the same. I like the look of the DNA. Dope

[@azad0304]

Would love to see a Computron review

[@glenns7501]

They should use a lugless design to go along with the the futuristic look as well as make them appear a lot smaller and wearable (something similar to ikepod). Otherwise cool idea to compete with Spring drive?

[@marcgirard7551]

I want one of the 2020's just for how unique and cool it is.

[@waynejohnson3214]

They would have my money yesterday if not for the crazy size. Maybe I could get one modified into a belt buckle.

[@MrAhuraMazda]

Or grow an adult mans wrist

[@thegee-tahguy4877]

The index wheel of the original 214 Accutron had 300 teeth and spun over 38 million revolutions per year. No one is certain how Bulova manufactured the index wheel as it was unbelievably thin and you can't even see the 300 teeth with the naked eye. My theory is they used a modified micro gear hobbing machine (confirmed by Hetzel) which used a ground gemstone as the cutter. I still don't know precisely how they got the index gear to the correct thickness, as grinding each of the thousands produced would have taken a lot of time and effort. And some poor slob (kidding) had to affix the pawl jewels onto the super delicate ratchet fingers and make sure the jewels mated with the nearly invisible teeth correctly. And don't get me started on the wire specs for the windings that trigger the tuning fork. The whole thing is a God-like achievement.

[@Pip2andahalf]

Great video! Very thorough! Cheers. Now I want an original Accutron and a Spaceview!!!! =D

[@turbalejo4999]

I keep thinking this watch would look much better with the metal bracelet and wonder if they offer one instead of the rubber bracelet?

[@NilsPIversen]

I was initially going to buy one when pictures first leaked. I ended up not doing so due to the lug2lug distance and because the lifespan of the capacitor appears to be approx 10 years. I don’t mind the service interval - but I am concerned not many service centres will be around to assist at that time. It’s not like there are a lot of options today (although I suppose they may not be needed at the moment)

[@charlesedwards7992]

It wont last longer than 10 years if you where to wear this and only this??

[@NilsPIversen]

@@charlesedwards7992 From the official homepage: “How long will my Accutron electrostatic timepiece last? The power life depends on each person’s lifestyle such as the number of steps to walked a day, how the person swing their arm etc . If your Accutron electrostatic timepiece is worn everyday while walking one hour, it may last up to 10 years or more.” It’s difficult to say exactly what that means. I however suspect the capacitor (and/or other parts) will have to be changed by then. Although a completely different design, the Seiko Kinetics initially used a capacitor. Later it was changed for a lithium-ion battery due to that particular capacitors poor lifespan. If I recall correctly the capacitor had a lifespan of 4-5 years and the battery 10-15 years. The Citizen/Accutron team probably looked at the kinetics challenges when they designed this movement, but I doubt the capacitors lifespan could be much longer than 10 years. Eventually it will degrade, and it does align with the FAQ’s wording. Approx 10 years is not a bad service interval, my concern is whether a local watch maker can work on the movement and source parts. It is a unique design with a quite limited production run (so far). I don’t want to be stuck with a watch I will have to ship cross border for expensive repairs when the time comes. -Although I might change my mind if they shrink the movement and keep producing these for the next couple of years. -I posted a similar reply earlier but it seems to have vanished. Apologies if this is a double post.

[@charlesedwards7992]

Thank you, i think this might be my "Rolex" lol, i just hope america in good terms with japan 10 years or more down the road, like you said, would be 10× better if it could get fixed in the united states

[@fpm1979]

Truly nice watches. I would love to wear one. But my wrist is too small for their size.

[@MeriBadger]

honestly i would rather have a classic tuning fork just for the humm (woooo) but wouldn't mind the addition of a display caseback 😅

[@zillsburyy1]

i have the accutron 2. smoothest quartz sweep ever!

[@SwissWatchGang]

These are really cool! :)

[@Eza_yuta]

The watch cost about whole 3 months my income. Hope to afford it someday maybe after saving.

[@anandanil8158]

I’d say it looks more retro futuristic than futuristic

[@UNSCPILOT]

Honestly kinda makes me love it more, not gunna lie

[@theenavybluemonster]

These are super cool!

[@willholly1844]

Seiko has had an electric kinetic movement for decades. How does this differ?

[@kennethcowles5977]

The watch is very unique, however, I can't believe that this watch deserves a price of what it's asking for? $ 1,000 possibly, but it's no luxury watch and shouldn't be priced at a whooping $ 3,800

[@mr.g-sez]

teddy badass reviews!

[@jjpthe2]

VERY VERY well explained

[@Ahcelaht]

I was not expecting these to be thousands of dollars

[@inglando]

I want one so badly. Maybe I should've bought this instead of the Longines calendar moonphase. 😐

[@mrmagoo.3678]

So..are these Bulovas?

[@kaypee1972]

Are these actually without a tuning fork?

[@MrPleers]

I want one. But unfortunately, it's way too large for my wrist. 😞

[@system11yt]

It's a shame the DNA version hides the wheels a bit. They kind of buried the showpiece compared to the 2020. At about 4 minutes what wrist size does the model have?

[@sananselmospacescienceodys7308]

I bought the Accutron 2020 yesterday and it looks spectacular, love it. However I have one issue. To get the sweep second hand to run I need to shake the watch vigorously. The second hand with then run but only for a few minutes. Then it stops and I need to start the process over again. Am I doing something wrong or is there an issue with the watch?

[@vitmat7779]

Yes, you forgot to read manual

[@Blackpowderdad]

Such a cool watch design!

[@matthewstrobelt564]

DNA is so cool. What a watch. And everyone can stop complaining about the size, it's relative. A hug watch can wear well and that's all that matters.

[@RealExpertsPro]

Do you know the weight of the GOLD LE version of the Spaceview 2020?

[@philippa.8309]

Hello, I have an older version from 1962. It makes noises like tinnitus all the time. Is that normal? Can someone answer my question?

[@gregorywalker4997]

i guess this explains the lack of the accutron logo on the newer 262hz bullova watches.

[@RoaroftheTiger]

It's a shame; that the 262Khz Tech, is Not being used very often by Bulova. Note the lack of models, using it. I'm lucky to own Two of the Less expensive Precisionist II line (now, Discontinued) : a) #96 B 230 - a Field Watch very WW II in style ... b) Their Salute to the "original", "the Precisionist Spaceview". Both, Great Watches ! ;-)

[@miguelborrego2699]

Very interesting timepieces...

[@CHRIZTION]

The moment these watches are made in 38-40mm they’re going to fly out of boutiques.

[@frankschroth4038]

What about the prices?

[@jordongrant2782]

Very cool watch.

[@biharijivandana6894]

oh. accutron is from bulova. now only it just clicked my mind. Although bulova is owned by cititzen, but accutron reminds me of citizen dont know why

[@ozmondos]

Accutron was a movement from Bulova. Now Accutron is presented as something higher end and Bulova something more mainstream, like Seiko and Grand Seiko. Both Bulova and Accutron are owned by Citizen.

[@biharijivandana6894]

@@ozmondos thabk you so much for the info. i really appreciate it.

[@DavidDatura]

I missed it, how much do they cost?

[@tarquesh]

Which guy gonna reply on a two years old video? I. But i can say sorry, cause i bought a few days ago a Bulova Accutron and type in the search bar at yt accutron. Deeply on honeymoon, so why not more Accutrons for my wrist? Wear each day a Accutron 2020 or the DNA? For me impossible with a watch collection that needs rotation. But my own Bulova Accutron have a battery, so i can put it off and wear also one of my automatics.

[@andreaargelli2934]

Beautiful

[@Bignewshound60]

Great review but why didn’t you use archive footage or get your hands on some vintage accutrons to use as overlay in the ‘history’ section. It just made the whole piece a bit lazy. Must do better Teddy.

[@I-Libertine]

I wish this were smaller. 36-38mm

[@jamesblonde2271]

Weren't they smaller in the original? Teddy these are a vintage design......they wee concieved in the 60's.

[@technosworld2]

I was just looking at the classic 214 accutron...34mm case...way too small for me, so this newer style would be better suited if it wasn't that expensive.

[@Mr_Santo5]

There were many different Accutron designs throughout the 60s-70s. Don't discredit the 218's. They're a good buy and fixed some of the issues with the 214. I have seen some in the 36-38mm range. Also Bulova released an anniversary edition of the Spaceview some years ago that was slightly larger. And there were the Accutron II of a few years ago which were using their 262khz movement.

[@БранимирПетров]

Most of the 214 cases are in 36mm, the chaper ring ones are a little larger. What you should look for is the so called Swiss cusion case, they are considerably bigger. Also, the 218 666 Snorkel is a great piece with modern size.

[@Rid_Of_Thee]

I was like "oh, that's a cool watch. I should check it out." Then I saw the price and I realized that this watch was not made for me

[@Humanbd230]

I was interested to buy one of these but it just out of my range,,need good advice for watch buying

[@hootonhoot]

Please check out the Relio Solstice - high quality originality reasonably priced and so well done. Great comfortable everyday piece that you won’t want to take off!

[@adecentgamer3154]

Thats literally me bro, my price range was 1k for august and I got a spb243(730) and planning on getting a metal casioak. That should be around 250.

[@davidcrandall4958]

So why couldn't they put a variant in the Oceanographer?

[@davidcrandall4958]

Accutron movements were put in some oceanographers!

[@foxsux6000]

I sorta wish the bottom was also crystal, i dunno what's under the lid but it can't be uglier than the top. This is actually the only watch i wouldn't say no to, because it's 100% not a Rolex. (It's anti)

[@jorgeg5895]

Like the DNA best

[@ivanmaxwellkahn6053]

Teddy, are these watches silent in operation ?

[@richardwong3979]

They are when wearing on the wrist. When your arm oves up and down when walking you might hear the swishing of the adding to the capacitor.

[@matthewstrobelt564]

Want one so bad

[@AbdElHmyd]

Wow! GS stepbrother

[@user_uif_ghg_wer_das]

I would say the second hand falls short, literally, short.

[@thensaiswatchingtoo2977]

I will NEVER pay over $3k for a Bulova personally. LOTS of other great watches out there for that price heck that's almost half a datejust

[@kingadjust5422]

wassup teddy!!! 😎✌️

[@DanaTheInsane]

There’s nothing like an original Accutron in this. Why do people keep pumping these out? And then claiming they’re faithful to the original when they are nothing like the original?

[@aaronzx10r]

You just sold me an Accutron

[@gustavopomodoro]

I want see a Chinese factory trying to do a replica watch of these 😂

[@thomasbrady4359]

Prefer it to any Marc Jacobs. Really cool.

[@edjack1993]

Huge.

[@Wayne-nb8wz]

Great Video! However, this is a high-maintenance watch. You don't were it for 10 days and it needs servicing!. Not for me, even though I would have otherwise bought one when I had $3.5K I wanted to gamble with.

[@teslapete4461]

too bad these aren't $1600 or less, lol (here's me hoping to win)

[@ludekstipal6120]

Nothing says "luxury" like a 5-cent rubber band on a 3300 USD watch...

[@dummylastname2936]

Missing a day date.

[@kyledriscollmusic]

love the technology, but I absolutely hate that green and the skeletonized look that they have attached their brand to, bleh

[@PUCCINI84]

Maria

[@volcanobro8443]

I’d buy around 1500, not at 3300