Accutron celebrates its 60th anniversary by unveiling the world's first electrostatic induction movement.

The Accutron, the world's first tuning fork electronic watch, celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2020. To mark this milestone, Accutron once again unveiled watches equipped with amazing new technology. These are the electrostatic induction-driven Accutron Spaceview 2020 and Accutron DNA. These two models are a blend of 21st-century technology and mid-20th-century nostalgia.

　In 1960, at a time when mechanical watches were the norm, Bulova released the world's first tuning-fork electronic watch, the Accutron. This revolutionary watch replaced the mechanical watch's escapement with a tuning fork powered by the electrical vibrations of a transistor to achieve highly accurate timekeeping. Its name is a combination of "Accuracy" and "Electronic." The brainchild of Bulova engineer Max Hetzel, this technology vibrated at a speed of 360 Hz and was accurate to within one minute per month. The now-legendary first Accutron model, the SpaceView 214 (a reference to its movement, the Caliber 214), stood out from other watches on the market at the time. Its unique design allowed the movement to be seen through an open dial, and the crown was located on the back of the case.

　Accutron achieved many milestones during the height of the space race in the 1960s. Bulova's partnership with NASA ensured that Accutron dashboard clocks were installed aboard every Apollo spacecraft. During the historic moon landing in 69, an Accutron timekeeping device was used in the experiment transmitting crucial lunar data, and it remains in the Sea of ​​Tranquility to this day. In 64, President Lyndon B. Johnson declared the Accutron a "national gift," and in 67, Air Force One, the presidential jet, was outfitted with an Accutron clock.

　Accutron has been reborn as an independent brand from Bulova. The two newly announced models feature a unique new movement powered by electrostatic energy generated by wrist movement. The twin turbines, visible at the 5 and 7 o'clock positions on the dial, rotate at high speed in response to arm movement, generating electricity. The hour and minute hands are powered by electricity stored in a rechargeable battery, while the second hand is driven by an electrostatic induction motor located at 10 o'clock.

　According to Jeffrey Cohen, president of Citizen Group of America, the movement has been in development for over 10 years, meaning it's been a long-term project that began shortly after Citizen Group acquired Bulova in 2008. "Technology has always been on the minds of watch enthusiasts," Cohen said. "Whether it's advancements in movements or anything else, Citizen is going back to the roots of the brand while adding unprecedented advances in timekeeping technology."

　The Accutron SpaceView 2020 has a case size of 43.5 mm in diameter. The appearance, with green accents on the exposed dial side of the movement, is reminiscent of the original SpaceView 214 model. The black leather strap gives it a retro finish.

　The Accutron DNA, announced at the same time as the Accutron SpaceView 2020, features design elements that further update the Accutron to a more modern look. In addition to green, it comes in blue, gray, and rose gold, and is paired with a rubber strap with a folding buckle, adding a sporty touch. The case size is slightly larger at 45.1mm in diameter.