Accutron 214 repair
Sep 1, 2020 16:12:12 #
I have an Accutron 214 Spaceview, given to me by my parents as a college graduation present. It used a mercury cell. A reputable shop in south east Georgia attempted to phase the movement to use a silver oxide cell, but without success. It probably needs the voltage dropping diode installed. I did find and have installed a NOS crystal.
Can any Hogger suggest a good shop?
Can any Hogger suggest a good shop?
Sep 3, 2020 18:21:41 #
GeorgeH wrote:
I have an Accutron 214 Spaceview, given to me by my parents as a college graduation present. It used a mercury cell. A reputable shop in south east Georgia attempted to phase the movement to use a silver oxide cell, but without success. It probably needs the voltage dropping diode installed. I did find and have installed a NOS crystal.
Can any Hogger suggest a good shop?
Can any Hogger suggest a good shop?
Have you checked online for the kit? I have a vintage Accutron myself that needs a battery. I'd love to get it going myself. I think I checked online at onetime for the kits necessary to do the job. It's amazing what vintage Accutrons will go for.
Sep 3, 2020 18:56:54 #
SteveR wrote:
Have you checked online for the kit? I have a vintage Accutron myself that needs a battery. I'd love to get it going myself. I think I checked online at onetime for the kits necessary to do the job. It's amazing what vintage Accutrons will go for.
From looking at various repair sites, I don't think I'd care to install the diode myself. A much more delicate job than working on a shutter, for example. Yes, "real" Accutrons with tuning forks aren't cheap. When my Parents bought mine in 1965 I think they paid about $125.00, that taking into account inflation is about $1028.00 in 2019 dollars. Sadly from what I've seen Boulva no longer supports the vintage Accutrons.
Sep 3, 2020 19:33:29 #
GeorgeH wrote:
From looking at various repair sites, I don't think I'd care to install the diode myself. A much more delicate job than working on a shutter, for example. Yes, "real" Accutrons with tuning forks aren't cheap. When my Parents bought mine in 1965 I think they paid about $125.00, that taking into account inflation is about $1028.00 in 2019 dollars. Sadly from what I've seen Boulva no longer supports the vintage Accutrons.
No, I realize that you wouldn't want to do it yourself. Jewelers, however, probably would not carry the kits in stock. However, my thought is that I would provide the kit for the jeweler to do the work.
You might want to pull up vintage Accutrons, and check for yours. You might be surprised at what they go for. Much more than $1000. They've become collector pieces. I have a 14K gold case. Couldn't afford a Rolex so got the gold Accutron. I'd like to get it going again. It's sharp. The gold case is brushed, so it's not too gawdy.
Sep 4, 2020 08:42:27 #
I also have a 214 purchased in 1968. I found out through an eBay search that the accutron took a 1.3v button battery. Today, the same battery # is 1.5v. If the watch will run on a 1.5v, the suggestion is to get the watch regulated to run accurately on the higher voltage. My watch would not run on it nor could I find any jeweler in my local area that would touch it.
I still have the battery compartment tool. Check the eBay prices for that😳.
I still have the battery compartment tool. Check the eBay prices for that😳.
Sep 4, 2020 09:16:30 #
Thanks for the responses, folks. I've got the same query out on other fora, and I'll share results.
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