Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Electronic tuning fork wristwatch

Bulova Accutron Spaceview 214 Wristwatch

Partially verified

This Bulova Accutron Spaceview wristwatch features the caliber 214 electronic tuning fork movement with 17 jewels, manufactured in the USA. Characteristic of the Spaceview skeleton presentation, the green circuitry, copper coils, and mechanical gear train are visible beneath the crystal, framed by a silver-tone chapter ring with printed indices. The case features a gold-plated bezel measuring 35.4 mm in diameter and 43 mm lug-to-lug, paired with a stainless steel caseback containing the external battery compartment and recessed setting mechanism. It is fitted on a black leather strap.

Front view of Bulova Accutron Spaceview wristwatch displaying the movement and chapter ring
Front view of Bulova Accutron Spaceview wristwatch displaying the movement and chapter ring — Secondhand Horology. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
secondhandhorology.com
Category
Wristwatch · Electronic tuning fork wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Bulova
Reference
891-1CB
Catalogue / lot identifier
WA-0428
Source-reported date
1970
Country
United States
Source-reported serial
3-110116

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case Architecture and Dimensions

The watch features what the seller describes as a "jumbo" case design with large lugs. The round bezel is gold plated, reported by the vendor to bear the marking "Gold Plated G 40 Microns 891-1CB Swiss". By vendor measurements, the case measures 35.4 mm in diameter, 43 mm lug-to-lug, and 13.3 mm in thickness, with an inner lug width of 17.6 mm.

While direct images of the reverse are not provided in the visual record, the caseback is reported as stainless steel and incorporates an external battery compartment cover alongside a recessed setting crown rather than a standard caseband crown. The watch is fitted with a black two-piece leather strap measuring 16.5 mm in band width with a gold buckle.

Evidence for this section
  • “This wristwatch is considered a "jumbo" case with large lugs, measuring 35.4 mms in diameter and 43 mms lug-to-lug.”
  • “Bezel Gold Plated G 40 Microns 891-1CB Swiss”
  • “Also on the caseback is the external battery cover and recessed crown.”

Dial Display and Visible Components

In Spaceview configuration, the watch lacks a conventional solid dial, displaying the electronic movement assembly beneath the crystal, which the vendor describes as new-old-stock. Visible elements include the green circuit board framing, dual copper coils, and mechanical gear train.

Timekeeping indices are located on an elevated silver-tone perimeter chapter ring marked with black batons and a minute track. The handset consists of white-filled luminous hour and minute hands accompanied by a yellow sweep second hand.

Evidence for this section
  • “Front-facing skeleton dial showing green circuit board, dual coils, and gear work”
  • “Silver-tone outer chapter ring marked with black batons and minute track”
  • “White-filled luminous hour and minute hands paired with a yellow sweep second hand”

Reported Movement and Markings

The watch is powered by an electronic tuning fork movement reported as Bulova caliber 214 with 17 jewels, manufactured in the United States. According to the seller's transcription, the movement is stamped "Bulova 214 U.S.A. Pat. 2.971.323".

The stainless steel caseback is transcribed by the vendor as reading "Bulova Patented Stainless Steel Back 3-110116 NO". The seller dates the watch to 1970, transcribing the marking with the letter "O" instead of a numeral zero.

Evidence for this section
  • “This USA movement 214 has 17 jewels.”
  • “Movement Markings: Bulova 214 U.S.A. Pat. 2.971.323”
  • “Case Back Signed: Bulova Patented Stainless Steel Back 3-110116 NO”

Open research questions

  • Does direct physical inspection of the caseback confirm 'N0' (the Bulova 1970 date code) rather than the seller's transcription 'NO'?
  • Can physical examination determine whether this Spaceview execution is a factory-original reference 891-1CB model or a later conversion from a solid-dialed 214?
  • What specific modern battery chemistry and voltage adaptation (e.g., 1.55V silver oxide with diode vs. 1.35V cell) are currently fitted to operate the caliber 214 movement?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Bulova Accutron Spaceview 214 Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement CaliberBulova 214“This USA movement 214 has 17 jewels.”
Case Diameter35.4 mm“Case Diameter: 35.4”
Caseback InscriptionBulova Patented Stainless Steel Back 3-110116 NO“Case Back Signed: Bulova Patented Stainless Steel Back 3-110116 NO”
Bezel PlatingGold Plated G 40 Microns“Bezel Gold Plated G 40 Microns 891-1CB Swiss”
Case Thickness13.3 mm“Case Thickness: 13.3”
Lug Width17.6 mm“Lug Width: 17.6”
Band Width16.5 mm“Band Width: 16.5”
Movement InscriptionBulova 214 U.S.A. Pat. 2.971.323“Movement Markings: Bulova 214 U.S.A. Pat. 2.971.323”

Visible details

  • Front-facing skeleton dial showing green circuit board, dual coils, and gear work
  • Silver-tone outer chapter ring marked with black batons and minute track
  • White-filled luminous hour and minute hands paired with a yellow sweep second hand
  • Round gold-plated bezel fitted to straight lugs and a black textured leather strap

Research qualifications

  • Caseback, recessed crown, and movement inscriptions are noted in the text but not visible in the provided images
  • The source text lists date as 1970 corresponding to 'N0', but transcribes the marking with the letter 'O' instead of zero

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

BULOVA Accutron SpaceView Writswatch Electronically Controlled 214 Tun – SECOND HAND HOROLOGY

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 52eb8cf374

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

Other electronic tuning fork wristwatch records