The Accutron Spaceview Evolution is a more decorative twist on the Spaceview 2020
Zach Blass- New Accutron Spaceview Evolution is literally a twist on the Spaceview 2020
- Movement orientation has shifted 30 degrees, offering a new dial aesthetic and crown placement at 2 o’clock
- New decoration style for dial-side of the movement with “knurled” bridge detailing
Accutron’s claim to fame is the fact that they were the first to offer an electronic watch in 1960. This is why the modern Spaceview collection has held a special place in the hearts of watch collectors who appreciate the history of American watchmaking. In 2020, Accutron took a leap forward and evolved their famed tuning fork movement into a new electrostatic movement with the Spaceview 2020. Today, we have a new twist on the Spaceview 2020 that Accutron has dubbed the Spaceview Evolution – offering a new twist, literally, on its 2020 predecessor.
Dimensionally speaking, the stainless-steel case of the Spaceview Evolution is exactly the same as the Spaceview 2020 with a diameter of 43.5mm, thickness of 15.9mm, and lug-to-lug span of approximately 49.5mm across the wrist. The only detail that has changed is the positioning of the crown, which has shifted from the standard 3′ position to the 2′ position as a result of turning the orientation of the movement by 30 degrees. Thus, literally a twist on the Spaceview 2020. This twist ultimately provides a visual switch-up to the dial layout, with the motors and turbines rotated 30 degrees to the right and an Accutron logo now positioned at 12′ rather than just above the 3′ position. Also, the Spaceview Evolution, which can be purchased with grey-toned bridges and blue accents or with blackened bridges and accents, has a more classical touch to its bridge decoration. Whereas the Spaceview 2020 had patinated bridges, sleek and modern, the Spaceview Evolution features a “knurled” bridge-detailing that introduces a sense of guilloche to the dial.
Whether ignorant, or not, most people associate a luxury watch with a seconds hand that sweeps rather than ticks. The Spaceview, however, does neither. Among a select few in modern watchmaking, Accutron is able to offer a watch with a smooth gliding second hand with zero discernible stutter. Their proprietary movement leverages electrostatic energy, which is produced by twin turbines that rotate from the motion of your wrist during wear. This energy is then stored in an accumulator that fuels the electrostatic motor of the fluid second hand and the step motor of the hours and minutes hands.
With such an emphasis on energy, an interesting feature of the movement is the fact that, once the watch has not been moved for five minutes, it will park the second hand at the 12′ position to save energy. Strap it back on, the second hand will gradually resynchronize itself in the correct position. If you do not wear the watch for ten days, the movement’s second energy saving function will stop the watch entirely – in the same manner pulling out the crown would. It will resume timekeeping once moved again after, but you will have to reset the time manually.
It is important to note that when I talk about the motion of the wrist for restarting the watch, I am referring to more of the power of walking, or, as they put it, “chopping wood”, sort of motion. Accutron explains: “When you would like to see the second hand’s motion, please swing arm fully up and down for 3 to 5 seconds. Once powered, the second hand gradually returns to the current second indication and the power save function is cancelled.”
Power reserve is a bit vague with a watch like this, but allegedly the watch is delivered with two years of energy stored in the accumulator (with a spacer between the case and crown preventing the watch from running until you purchase it and put it on). Now, in terms of timekeeping, the movement is pledged to be accurate to plus or minus five seconds per month which is incredibly accurate – effectively within COSC’s per day standards, but for a month.
Of the two presently offered configurations, both are offered on alligator leather straps with steel deployant buckles. But, considering the case is the same as the Spaceview 2020, which is offered on a bracelet, I imagine you could find a way to get that bracelet onto your Spaceview Evolution watch should you desire.
Ultimately, the Spaceview Evolution is not necessarily a major evolution beyond the Spaceview 2020 on the surface. But, if you have an eye for detail, the new movement decoration, 12′ Accutron logo versus 3′ Accutron logo on the Spaceview 2020, and the shifted positions of the motors and turbines give the watch a more polished and classic sense of layout and finish in my personal opinion.
Accutron Spaceview Evolution pricing and availability:
The Accutron Spaceview Evolution is available now for purchase. Price: US$3,650
| Brand | Accutron |
| Model | Spaceview Evolution |
| Case Dimensions | 43.5mm (D) x 15.9mm (T) x 49.5mm (L2L) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 50m |
| Dial | Openworked (grey/blue or black accents) |
| Crystal | Sapphire crystal |
| Strap | American alligator leather strap w/ deployant buckle |
| Movement | Accutron’s Proprietary Electrostatic Movement |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | US$3,650 |