Bulova Accutron Spaceview Repair
Jun 19, 2017 00:20:10 #
I didn't see any forum which would accommodate watch repair, so feel free to move this.
I have a 214 series (back set) Accutron Spaceview which needs repair. This is the "real" Accutron tuning fork model, not the current quartz pretender! Does anyone out there have any suggestions for a reputable repair firm? I've read horror stories of incompetents who either butcher these fine timepieces or don't return them. Since this Accutron was a college graduation gift from my Parents in 1965 it is of considerable value to me.
I have a 214 series (back set) Accutron Spaceview which needs repair. This is the "real" Accutron tuning fork model, not the current quartz pretender! Does anyone out there have any suggestions for a reputable repair firm? I've read horror stories of incompetents who either butcher these fine timepieces or don't return them. Since this Accutron was a college graduation gift from my Parents in 1965 it is of considerable value to me.
Jun 19, 2017 00:40:14 #
Can't find any that I would recommend. Maybe the manufacturer?? If they are still in business.
Jun 19, 2017 00:45:23 #
ken hubert wrote:
Can't find any that I would recommend. Maybe the manufacturer?? If they are still in business.
Thanks for the reply, Ken, but Bulova no longer services the tuning fork Accutron. There have been reports of Bulova replacing the original movement with a quartz replacement, apparently without the owner's permission. Needless to say, this is TOTALLY unacceptable.
Jun 19, 2017 00:55:02 #
Jun 19, 2017 02:33:33 #
GeorgeH wrote:
Thanks for the reply, Ken, but Bulova no longer services the tuning fork Accutron. There have been reports of Bulova replacing the original movement with a quartz replacement, apparently without the owner's permission. Needless to say, this is TOTALLY unacceptable.
Agree. I think the problem is getting an original tuning fork. Those that have them aren't giving them up for that exact reason wether their watch is still functional or not. The places I found that claim to repair them have very bad reps and complaints.
Jun 19, 2017 02:50:42 #
https://www.oldfathertime.com/ says that they've bought all of Bulova's parts for the Accutron. If this is correct they would have a leg up on other repair folks. But who knows?? And the coils wound with incredibly fine wire must be very vulnerable.
Jun 19, 2017 02:51:56 #
Jun 19, 2017 07:19:28 #
GeorgeH wrote:
I didn't see any forum which would accommodate wat... (show quote)
I have a similar model, don't think it is the Spaceview version, I bought in 1968. I still have the coin key used to access the battery compartment (check prices on that item on the Bay😳). Dropped it a few months later and it never kept good time again. One thing to remember is getting a battery with the correct voltage. The original battery had an odd voltage spec, something like 1.35 or 1.45. The modern conversion battery is 1.5v, which will run the movement fast. I found an eBay seller (several years ago) that had the correct battery which I bought, but it still did not work. If I remember correctly the factory accuracy was about a minute a month. My modern Swiss made Invicta automatic is not any better than that. I will be interested to know if you find a solution.
Jun 19, 2017 09:23:02 #
Billbobboy42 wrote:
I have a similar model, don't think it is the Spac... (show quote)
You'd know if it were the Spaceview! The works are on display. They were designed to use the now-banned mercury cells, which had a voltage of 1.35. The advantage of the Hg cells is that the voltage is very constant until failure. Some Accutrons can be adjusted to handle 1.55v from silver oxide cells, others run fast. Apparently a diode can be added which will let the "gainers" keep proper time with silver oxide cells.
I've long felt that Hg cells could be sold with an enormous deposit, refunded at a recycling center. This would let us with some older cameras and meters, and Accutrons, keep those old-timers running.
Jun 19, 2017 10:36:11 #
GeorgeH wrote:
You'd know if it were the Spaceview! The works ar... (show quote)
Yea, I remembered that after I sent my post. Mine is a series 214, but has a stainless back. I still have the original owner's phamphlet.
Jun 19, 2017 11:19:24 #
Billbobboy42 wrote:
Yea, I remembered that after I sent my post. Mine is a series 214, but has a stainless back. I still have the original owner's phamphlet.
Sounds like mine, stainless steel case and back. Before its troubles I set it twice a year at the changes between Standard and Day Light Savings. At those times it might be a minute off. Hard to complain about that!
Jun 19, 2017 15:52:00 #
GeorgeH wrote:
Ken, what's the word on Old Father Time??
He seems to be a very reputable guy. Few complaints and most of those were BS. I would call and talk to him to make sure he knows what you want. I think your repair would be around a grand, so he's not expensive.
Jun 19, 2017 16:24:32 #
ken hubert wrote:
He seems to be a very reputable guy. Few complaints and most of those were BS. I would call and talk to him to make sure he knows what you want. I think your repair would be around a grand, so he's not expensive.
Umm...From what I could tell from the site the work might run about $350. If it were a grand I'd call it too expensive!
Jun 19, 2017 18:54:09 #
GeorgeH wrote:
Umm...From what I could tell from the site the work might run about $350. If it were a grand I'd call it too expensive!
I would call and talk to them. And of course, get it in writing! Never know when it might turn into a tort!
Jun 20, 2017 06:35:15 #
I used Old Father Time a few years back. It cost about $1000. The watch ran for about a year and stopped. I thought it was the battery but the local jeweler said it was shot. May have been a "used" tuning fork. Who knows. Buyer beware.
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