(PRESS RELEASE) 1960, New York City, the advent of the Space Age and Accutron technology, and the debut of its most famous electronic model, the Spaceview—a watch the likes of which no one had ever seen and which would go on to become an icon.
2020, New York City, precisely 60 years later—an all-new, equally groundbreaking electrostatic-powered Accutron debuts in equally groundbreaking period, changing time forever, again.
Two Spaceview timepieces separated by six decades, both of them a harmonious fusion of the most advanced contemporary horological technology and of innovative design, each a classic of its historical moment. Even Don Draper and his team took note, in one Mad Men episode pitching the slogan “Accutron—It’s Not a Timepiece, It’s a Conversation Piece.” Life imitates art: That is now the 2020 collection’s actual marketing tagline.
Covering these 60 remarkable years is a new book from equally revolutionary publisher Assouline, ACCUTRON: From the Space Age to the Digital Age.
Written by HODINKEE Editor-in-Chief Jack Forster, coauthored and edited by Aaron Sigmond and with a foreword by renowned industrial designer Carl Gustav Magnusson, the book is a collector’s item that delves into not only the history of the Accutron brand and its technology, but also the Accutron lifestyle and its new generation of precision timekeeping.
“We are proud to reintroduce the iconic heritage of Accutron in time for the brand’s sixtieth anniversary,” says Jeffrey Cohen, president of Citizen Watch America. “Our goal is to advance the legacy of Accutron by honoring the past, celebrating the present and inspiring the future.”
Six in-depth chapters highlight the creation and design of Accutron, its position as one of the most important innovations in watchmaking history, its participation in the first great age of space exploration, its work on various projects with the U.S. military and much more. A conversation piece indeed from the ’60s to the present, Accutron is now certain to be the center of attention once again, with the book offering an exclusive backstage look at the brand’s newest historical timekeeping advance: the world’s first watch powered by electrostatic energy.
“Accutron is recognized as one of the most coveted brands in the world, and we are proud to display its ongoing legacy within the pages of this beautifully made book,” says Prosper Assouline, cofounder of the publishing house that bears his name. “Having the opportunity to partner with such a legendary brand, particularly during its milestone anniversary, is a special honor—one we are able to share with our readers for years to come.”
The book is available for purchase as a stand-alone item for $75 on Assouline.com.
Limited Edition Spaceview Book Set (300 pieces)
A special deluxe box-edition of ACCUTRON: From the Space Age to the Digital Age, with a limited edition Accutron Spaceview 2020 timepiece will also be offered—both watch and edition are individually numbered with corresponding xxx/300. The limited edition Spaceview 2020 re-creates the stunning visual impact of the original open-dial design, now showcasing an electrostatic movement. With a polished stainless-steel case and bezel, and a signature green dial on a fine black leather strap with matching green stitch accents, the limited-edition box set retails for $4,000 and is available on HODINKEE.com and at exclusive Accutron retailers.
For more information and for a full list of retailers, please visit www.accutronwatch.com.