The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi, here's some pics of this classic Americana watch that's a 50th Anniversary once off rerun of the original of 1000 watches that I recently got and that looks and hums like no other and operates based on the oscillations of a tuning fork vibrating at 360 Hz. It was billed as the most accurate (99.9977%) electronic watch of it's time (60"s) with a unique and accurate movement placed in between the mechanical and the quartz watch era, a reminder of the high tech space run of the 60's where these tuning fork movement watches branded as "Accutron" were used.

The Accutron tuning fork movement was involved in a notable space age rivalry with Omega Watches to be selected as the 'first watch on the moon'. Ultimately, as we all know, the Omega Speedmaster Professional chronograph wristwatch (known as the "Moon watch") was designated by NASA for use by the astronauts in all manned space missions, becoming the first watch on the moon on the wrist of Edwin 'Buzz' Aldrin.
However, all instrument panel clocks and time-keeping mechanisms in the spacecraft on all these manned space missions (46 US space program missions) were Bulova Accutrons with tuning fork movements because at the time, NASA did not know how well a mechanical movement would work in low gravity conditions. An Accutron watch movement sits on the moon's Sea of Tranquility today, in an instrument placed there in 1969 by Apollo 11 astronauts, the first men on the moon.

These Accutrons also served as official gifts to visiting heads of state in the US. It was also the official watch in the White house and on Air Force One and the favored graduation gift of it's time costing about $300 in the 60"s. The "movement view" watch was originally intended for dealers to display the tuning fork technology and most watches came with a full dial hiding the movement, but customers soon wanted the very same watch with the movement and circuitry displayed and hence was called the Spaceview.

Must say that this watch is not for occasions when being stealthy is of utmost importance. Though it fits very handsomely on the wrist at 43mm it's unique movement and circuitry don't go unnoticed, have caught out people staring at it more than once and a few even asked me about it unlike my other watches:)..thankfully I had a good bit of history to narrate and for those lucky and keen enough, even let them hear the humming of the tuning fork;)

Some more info here
http://www.bulovaspaceview.com/en/the-legacy/

Good to see you here Cruvon... enjoyed reading your posts on the other forum... seems you've warmed up to other vintage brands as well... enjoy your time here!

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"I don't got the bright watch I got the right watch" -Jay Z

Thanks for the kind words. Yupz, begun exploring other brands too, a whole new world out there:)

I didn't realize the re-issue was 43mm. I'm sure that does have some presence. Using the original design caseback is a nice touch.

As for me, my 42-year old keeps on humming with yearly battery changes, and keeps pretty good time, within 6 seconds a day. It's size makes for a nice dress watch or a non-bling piece. Plus, it reminds me of my Dad's Accutron.

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Scott

AP Royal Oak 15400, silver
Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Classic Cars
Vintage gold Corum
Rolex DJ 36 TT, oyster dial, oyster/smooth
Baume & Mercier Riviera 200m, silver dial/aquamarine bezel
Breitling Superocean 57, rose/stainless

True, is nicely done in a bigger Alpha case which makes it easily standout.

Nice watch there and surely great that you have an association with it through being a reminder of your dads Accutron.

So, based on the historical account above, does that mean an Accutron is the only watch (albeit movement) ON the moon? If this was Omega, we'd never hear the end of it.

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Scott

AP Royal Oak 15400, silver
Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Classic Cars
Vintage gold Corum
Rolex DJ 36 TT, oyster dial, oyster/smooth
Baume & Mercier Riviera 200m, silver dial/aquamarine bezel
Breitling Superocean 57, rose/stainless

Here is a picture of my 1969 spaceview. I had it all fixed up and it hums like a champ. It was my Dad's originally. The coolest part about this watch was when I noticed he was wearing it in his wedding pictures 30+ years ago!

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sco
Breitling Chrono Superocean
Omega Aqua Terra 8500
Rolex Submariner Date Ceramic

It's great to see so many of these pieces still alive and well, and the anniversary piece is awesome.

I am not familiar with this piece, but it does intrigue me. Question: Does the small 'wing-nut' looking piece on the case back serve as the crown, for setting time ? How long does the battery last?

Thanks,
Terry

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Chrono Jetstream
Montbrilliant 1903
Aerospace E79362

Very true, they should surely tout that!

Looks awesome, congrats, awesome emotional connection too!

true, thanks!

That's correct, that is in the popped up position to change time, it folds in when done. Batteries last a year, they are standard user replaceable batteries that power the tuning fork to vibrate which in turn rotates the mechanical gearing.

Very interesting, Thanks!

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Chrono Jetstream
Montbrilliant 1903
Aerospace E79362

Cheers:)