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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Tuning fork wristwatch

Bulova Accutron Spaceview Oval Case Tuning Fork Wristwatch

Partially verified

This vintage 1974 Bulova Accutron Spaceview wristwatch features an open dial displaying its electronic tuning fork movement, including green components and visible copper coils. Housed in an oval gold-electroplated case with a stainless steel back, it measures 38 mm across. The watch features an analog display with an outer chapter ring, baton hour and minute hands, and an orange-red central seconds hand under an acrylic crystal. According to the seller, the case back is marked 'N4' and retains its battery hatch, and the piece is mounted on an aftermarket green leather strap.

Front view of the Bulova Accutron Spaceview showing the exposed movement, chapter ring, and green leather strap
Front view of the Bulova Accutron Spaceview showing the exposed movement, chapter ring, and green leather strap — SECOND HAND HOROLOGY. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
secondhandhorology.com
Category
Wristwatch · Tuning fork wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Bulova
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
WA-6069
Source-reported date
1974
Country
Not established

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

Dial and Visual Architecture

The timepiece features an open dial configuration that exposes the internal movement mechanism rather than concealing it under a conventional dial face. Directly visible beneath the acrylic crystal are green circuit components and copper coils. Timekeeping reference is provided by an outer chapter ring printed with a minute track, complemented by an Accutron tuning fork emblem positioned at 9 o'clock.

Analog display is maintained with baton-style hour and minute hands accompanied by a red-orange central sweep second hand. Visual inspection of the front shows moderate surface wear and scratching on the surrounding gold-toned bezel.

Evidence for this section
  • “Open dial exposing the internal electronic tuning fork movement with green circuit elements and copper coils”
  • “Baton-style hour and minute hands paired with a red-orange sweep second hand”
  • “Outer chapter ring printed with minute track and Accutron tuning fork logo at 9 o'clock”
  • “Crystal: Acrylic”

Case Construction and Dimensions

The watch is housed in an oval case measuring 38 mm across, 41 mm lug to lug, and 13 mm in thickness, with an 18 mm lug width. The case incorporates a gold-electroplated bezel and a stainless steel case back. Direct visual observation reveals a gold-toned finish exhibiting surface scratches.

According to the seller description, the reverse retains its battery hatch and bears the stamped marking 'Bulova Patented Gold electroplated bezel Water Resistant Stainless Steel N4'. The 'N4' mark is traditionally associated with a 1974 Bulova production date.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case Size: 38”
  • “Case Lug to Lug: 41 Case Thickness: 13 Lug Width: 18”
  • “The original battery hatch is still present on the back”
  • “Bulova Patented Gold electroplated bezel Water Resistant Stainless Steel N4”

Movement and Operational Claims

The watch is powered by Bulova's Accutron movement, described in the listing as regulated by a 360 Hz tuning fork rather than a mechanical balance wheel. This setup drives a continuous sweep second hand and is stated to produce a soft hum during operation.

The seller claims the watch was fully inspected and authenticated by an in-house watchmaker and runs accurately. However, performance claims and authenticity cannot be independently audited from the listing, and the internal movement caliber number and battery condition are not recorded.

Evidence for this section
  • “powered by Bulova’s Accutron caliber, regulated by a 360 Hz tuning fork rather than a traditional balance wheel”
  • “This timepiece has been fully inspected and authenticated by our in-house watchmaker, confirming that it runs accurately.”

Open research questions

  • What specific Accutron caliber number (e.g., 214 or 218 variant) is fitted in this case?
  • Does the case back show tool marks, corrosion, or pitting around the battery hatch ring?
  • Has the movement been modified or phased to operate on modern 1.55V silver oxide cells rather than original 1.35V mercury cells?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Bulova Accutron Spaceview Oval Case Tuning Fork Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
SKUWA-6069“SKU: WA-6069”
Date code markingN4“Bulova Patented Gold electroplated bezel Water Resistant Stainless Steel N4”
Case Size38 mm“Case Size: 38”
Movement Mechanism360 Hz tuning fork“powered by Bulova’s Accutron caliber, regulated by a 360 Hz tuning fork”
Case MaterialsGold electroplated bezel and stainless steel case back“Gold electroplated bezel and stainless steel case back”
Lug to Lug Measurement41 mm“Case Lug to Lug: 41”
Case Thickness13 mm“Case Thickness: 13”
Crystal MaterialAcrylic“Crystal: Acrylic”

Visible details

  • Open dial exposing the internal electronic tuning fork movement with green circuit elements and copper coils
  • Gold-toned oval case with visible surface scratching and wear
  • Baton-style hour and minute hands paired with a red-orange sweep second hand
  • Outer chapter ring printed with minute track and Accutron tuning fork logo at 9 o'clock
  • Mounted on a green textured leather strap

Research qualifications

  • The case back markings and battery hatch are documented in the seller description but are not visible in the provided front-facing photograph
  • Strap is noted as brand new rather than original to the 1974 watch

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

Consulted source

1974 Bulova Accutron Spaceview Watch Oval Case Tuning Fork Wristwatch – SECOND HAND HOROLOGY

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record eef8758513

Terms in this record

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

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