I recently wrote the story in NAWCC Magazine "The Evolution of the Spaceview" so I will share a few interesting facts I found out while researching this unique Accutron Model.
The Spaceview was a idea that came from Bulova authorized Jewelers and Dealers. The dials were removed and presented as display models as to show the public the incredible Tuning Fork 214 movements. Customers then asked if the display models were for sale, hence the Spaceview Model was born. Dials were removed first around 1965 on 14k Cases and special chapter rings were installed as well as luminous white hands and a special baked enameled high dome crystal with a Accutron logo. Later Bulova expanded the line by producing stainless and gold filled cases and models without chapter rings got a special Crystal with dots and markers that were also luminous. So an original Spaceview Model may or may not have a chapter ring marking the seconds, minutes and hours. Today fake Spaceviews are everywhere. You can simply remove a 214 Dial and buy white hands and a unauthorized badly made Crystal with white dots. Then sellers can demand original Spaceview prices. What happens is the badly made crystal stenciled markers quickly flake off and debris falls into the movement causing damage. To some it up, the only way to know a real original 214 Spaceview from a fake one is to inspect the hands and crystal. And if a chapter ring is present, make sure its correct to the case and bezel. Citizen - Bulova has come out with a 314 Retro-Model tuning fork Spaceview limited selling for over $3,000.00 USD. That"s about the same price of a period correct 214 14k Speceview with all original parts running and serviced.
TIME & AGAIN -- John V.
We see the first advertisements for the 14k models around 65' and a little later. Remember, the initial Spaceview was not Bulova's idea nor design, it was the jewelers creating display models. And then the public wanting to purchase them. I see 214s in my shop dating to 1964 and even earlier but I must assume those are Spaceview re-creations or original jeweler display models. jv
We have adverts in 1961 marketing the Spaceview as a model which aligns with jewellers (and Bulova) showcasing and marketing the movement from the very beginning in 1960.
So the first available Accutron Spaceviews were in fact from 1961 and not 1965, although that may have been the year the first solid gold case versions were sold.
I would argue that the Spaceview was 'officially' marketed and sold from 1961 onwards as shown in our adverts section:
https://mybulova.com/vintage-bulova-watch-ads?year=&field_model_id%5B%5D=394
Bulova's own 1961 Annual Report further shows that they were marketing actual Spaceview models. Jewellers may have been responsible for the idea in 1960, but by the looks of things Bulova jumped on the idea as early as 1961.
You are comparing marketing to actual sales. The first Spaceviews were 14K Models and came out in 65' Your advertising dates are wrong plus you refused to publish my story accredited by NAWCC which proves all dates are correct. Find me a jeweler that sold a manufactured by Bulova in 1961 Spaceview model and I will gladly change my editorial. I researched for 2 years on this story. Jewelers first sold these redone watches so that's where the confusion lies. The actual Spaceview line wasn't released until much later.
jv
Sorry for the confusion - I've been servicing and restorations of Accutron Models since 2010. I have yet to receive a Spaceview Model from 1960 - 1962. However I have serviced Spaceviews dating from 1963 although I cannot confirm authenticity of the watches. I personally own a original Spaceview dating 1966. I agree with your research but its still very difficult to confirm a original Spaceview from 1960. We need to see a M-0 or M-1 Spaceview with original chapter rings, hands and crystal in original packaging to be sure of 1st year sales.
Thank you so much - John V - TIME & AGAIN