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watch watcher · 26 December 2011, 10:16 PM

I was at my brother's home for X-Mass and at this time of year family topics come up. Anyway, my late father came up in the conversation. He had a Spaceview (10K plated), and casually I asked my brother if he had, or knew what happened to it. He went to his junk drawer and handed it to me to keep! He's not a WIS of course and I was thrilled to receive it. Now I just have to wait for the stores to open to get a new battery.

Where should I get it serviced? It hasn't run in more than 20 years and for sure is due. I don't even know if it runs.

Jakey · 27 December 2011, 01:32 AM

That's gorgeous
I really want one of these.
Do a google search, they have there own members forum with advice on the battery to use, as the old batteries are no longer manufactured.

Regards

Jake

drockadam · 27 December 2011, 01:51 AM

Fantastic! Congrats!

johnswatch · 27 December 2011, 09:36 PM

There are very few people who service and repair electric watches and even fewer who do it at a reasonable price.

I sent my father's omega tuning fork for repair to Paul at electric-watches.co.uk.

Excellent service, turnaround and prices.

I'm in no way affiliated with Paul, just a happy repeat customer!

FeelingTheBlues · 28 December 2011, 06:55 PM

Congratulations, the Spaceview is a great and beautiful watch.

If you need to have it serviced, by all means, don't send it to Bulova if you want to keep that tuning fork movement as they will just replace it with a quartz one. I'd recommend an independant jeweler or watch maker but I don't know any who would do it. If you can't find anybody who would help I think you will not have another choice than finding a movement on Ebay (there are a couple of them for sales, perhaps you'll need to buy the whole watch though).

ohfivepro · 28 December 2011, 10:36 PM

Great watch - very novel. I'd happily wear one.

I wonder how many other people have vintage watches just kicking about that they know nothing about.

"I should really throw Dads Patek in the bin - it doesn't work and I don't want to pay money for a battery"

kyle L · 29 December 2011, 04:08 PM

Nice watch, it would be great if all it needs is a battery!

oneillba · 30 December 2011, 11:17 AM

I wish you luck in getting it back to 100%

brkanand · 30 December 2011, 11:19 AM

First of all, your brother did manage to keep it safe. So congratulations to you both! Enjoy!

ippon20 · 30 December 2011, 02:21 PM

I really hope the battery didn't corrode the inside. I love my space view and get comments on it all the time. I take mine to a local watchmaker here who luckily has a plethora of vintage parts.

etp095 · 30 December 2011, 02:57 PM

That's a very cool watch,i'd love to have one.i've only seen one in the wild,worn by a watch repairman at a jewelry shop in Chicago.Hope you get it working soon,good luck to you.

cruvon · 30 December 2011, 08:03 PM

Big congrats, is a beauty, my commemorative spaceview throws in a salute:)

watch watcher · 31 December 2011, 06:36 AM

I put in a new battery, but it dosen't work.

Oh well, off to a repair center it goes! This place: http://www.accutron214.com/Default.htm

ippon20 · 31 December 2011, 02:56 PM

Did you give it a good knock after you installed the battery on the side of the case? You gotta get the tuning fork started.

Alcan · 31 December 2011, 03:26 PM

Congratulations on your find!!

The Accutron has been quoted as being one of the 10 most significant watches made. I enjoy this old one:

watch watcher · 31 December 2011, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ippon20

Did you give it a good knock after you installed the battery on the side of the case? You gotta get the tuning fork started.

I whacked it, yes, but still no love.

Next, I'm going to dig up my multi-meter and test the battery. Hey, who knows, maybe the one-in-a-million chance is that the battery is defictive!

Jakey · 9 January 2012, 07:17 AM

Any luck with the watch.? It's notnormallyadvisableto insert a new battery if the watch has been stood still for a long time. Just makesure you use the correct battery. Good luck

watch watcher · 9 January 2012, 10:23 AM

^

This is what he told me he would do and why:

Unfortunately the coil is dead.

Accutron Tuning Forks have a steel spring called an Index Finger attached to one of the tines. The Index Finger in turn, has a tiny jewel mounted on it (photo). The Index Finger (bottom) vibrates with the Tuning Fork, and the jewel pushes against tiny ratchet teeth on a part called an Index Wheel causing it to turn. The pawl finger (top) is there simply to prevent the wheel from rotating backwards.

The jewel which should be mounted on the Index Finger attached to your Tuning Fork is missing. The sharp end of the steel finger that used to hold
the Index Jewel has been pushing against the Index Wheel. That condition allows the watch to run for a while, but will eventually damage the
microscopic index teeth. The Index Wheel is the heart of the mechanism. It is the part that drives the gear train in the movement.

The Tuning Fork has to be replaced. I can't say how long your Index Wheel will last.

cruvon · 9 January 2012, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by watch watcher

^

This is what he told me he would do and why:

Unfortunately the coil is dead.

Accutron Tuning Forks have a steel spring called an Index Finger attached to one of the tines. The Index Finger in turn, has a tiny jewel mounted on it (photo). The Index Finger (bottom) vibrates with the Tuning Fork, and the jewel pushes against tiny ratchet teeth on a part called an Index Wheel causing it to turn. The pawl finger (top) is there simply to prevent the wheel from rotating backwards.

The jewel which should be mounted on the Index Finger attached to your Tuning Fork is missing. The sharp end of the steel finger that used to hold
the Index Jewel has been pushing against the Index Wheel. That condition allows the watch to run for a while, but will eventually damage the
microscopic index teeth. The Index Wheel is the heart of the mechanism. It is the part that drives the gear train in the movement.

The Tuning Fork has to be replaced. I can't say how long your Index Wheel will last.

Atleast half the problem solved. Does he have a period correct tuning fork spare for you? Make sure he's putting in the period correct one since there are 2 and 3 coil versions.

watch watcher · 10 January 2012, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cruvon

Does he have a period correct tuning fork spare for you?

I'd like to believe so! He's charging me $435, so I can't imagine I'm get nothing but NOS parts but then again I could be completely wrong.

His web site:http://www.accutron214.com/

Here's the invoice he sent to me:

Basic Service-------------------------------------------------$150.00 (required)
Coil--------------------------------------------------------------$145.00 (required)
Tuning Fork---------------------------------------------------$125.00 (required)

Battery-----------------------------------------------------------N.C.
Gaskets----------------------------------------------------------N.C.
New Spring Pins-----------------------------------------------N.C.
Return Shipping/Insurance-------------------------------- $ 15.00
SUB TOTAL---------------------------------------------------$435.00
DEPOSIT------------------------------------------------------ $ 50.00
BALANCE-----------------------------------------------------$385.00

cruvon · 10 January 2012, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by watch watcher

I'd like to believe so! He's charging me $435, so I can't imagine I'm get nothing but NOS parts but then again I could be completely wrong.

His web site:http://www.accutron214.com/

Here's the invoice he sent to me:

Basic Service-------------------------------------------------$150.00 (required)
Coil--------------------------------------------------------------$145.00 (required)
Tuning Fork---------------------------------------------------$125.00 (required)

Battery-----------------------------------------------------------N.C.
Gaskets----------------------------------------------------------N.C.
New Spring Pins-----------------------------------------------N.C.
Return Shipping/Insurance-------------------------------- $ 15.00
SUB TOTAL---------------------------------------------------$435.00
DEPOSIT------------------------------------------------------ $ 50.00
BALANCE-----------------------------------------------------$385.00

Cool, I have heard good things about that site but best to crosscheck here http://www.watchtalkforums.info/foru...ccutron-forum/ where the members have quite a few spaceviews and servicing info. Also avoid any cosmetic restoration services if possible to keep it all original.

watch watcher · 11 January 2012, 12:18 AM

Thanks for the feedback, curvon, and yes I have instructed him to not do any cosmetic restoration. Fortunately, though, it's in excellent condition as it looks like my father put it away once it stopped working and never bothered with it again, which was SOP with him and mechanical things (what a shame!).

cruvon · 12 January 2012, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by watch watcher

Thanks for the feedback, curvon, and yes I have instructed him to not do any cosmetic restoration. Fortunately, though, it's in excellent condition as it looks like my father put it away once it stopped working and never bothered with it again, which was SOP with him and mechanical things (what a shame!).

Cheers, post pre and post pictures when done:). Btw did your father take off the battery when he had put it away?

Formulansx · 25 February 2012, 08:13 AM

Sweet! That's a lucky find. Really like those.

DiamondJack · 10 May 2012, 08:22 AM

Cool watch and hugely undervalued classic IMO.

The first electronic watch just has to be in every watch collection.....

Here's mine .....

ebxchange · 10 May 2012, 05:24 PM

Wow, thats an impressive watch.

MikenAZ · 29 August 2012, 01:30 AM

Martin does Top Notch Work! He has done repairs and service on all my Accutrons.

26 December 2011, 10:16 PM	#1
watch watcher "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: ME Watch: Vintages Posts: 565	I got a Spaceview I was at my brother's home for X-Mass and at this time of year family topics come up. Anyway, my late father came up in the conversation. He had a Spaceview (10K plated), and casually I asked my brother if he had, or knew what happened to it. He went to his junk drawer and handed it to me to keep! He's not a WIS of course and I was thrilled to receive it. Now I just have to wait for the stores to open to get a new battery. Where should I get it serviced? It hasn't run in more than 20 years and for sure is due. I don't even know if it runs. Attached Images

27 December 2011, 01:51 AM	#3
drockadam "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Real Name: Adam Location: Ontario, Canada Watch: Pepsi. Posts: 5,749	Fantastic! Congrats! __________________ - Adam Instagram: @GMTSUBTIME

27 December 2011, 09:36 PM	#4
johnswatch "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: in a dream world Posts: 488	There are very few people who service and repair electric watches and even fewer who do it at a reasonable price. I sent my father's omega tuning fork for repair to Paul at electric-watches.co.uk. Excellent service, turnaround and prices. I'm in no way affiliated with Paul, just a happy repeat customer! __________________ 18k GMTIIc, II,16013 DJ, PAM 112, Patek ref 96J, Helson Bronze, Elgin Trench, Gruen Curvex, Omega F300 and a few others......

28 December 2011, 06:55 PM	#5
FeelingTheBlues "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Real Name: Carl Location: Always moving Watch: If you wish... Posts: 22,039	Congratulations, the Spaceview is a great and beautiful watch. If you need to have it serviced, by all means, don't send it to Bulova if you want to keep that tuning fork movement as they will just replace it with a quartz one. I'd recommend an independant jeweler or watch maker but I don't know any who would do it. If you can't find anybody who would help I think you will not have another choice than finding a movement on Ebay (there are a couple of them for sales, perhaps you'll need to buy the whole watch though). __________________ Mon corps c'est un pays en guerre sur l'point d'finir, Le général de l'armée de terre s'attend au pire, J'ai faim, j'ai frette, je suis trop faible pour me lever debout, On va hisser le drapeau blanc un point c'est tout. - André Fortin

30 December 2011, 11:17 AM	#8
oneillba "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: Brian Location: Hamilton, MI USA Watch: My beloved TT DJ Posts: 3,831	I wish you luck in getting it back to 100% __________________ My Trusty TT DJ

27 December 2011, 01:32 AM	#2
Jakey "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Real Name: Jake Location: London Watch: SD43 & SS Daytona Posts: 309	That's gorgeous I really want one of these. Do a google search, they have there own members forum with advice on the battery to use, as the old batteries are no longer manufactured. Regards Jake

28 December 2011, 10:36 PM	#6
ohfivepro "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Scotand Watch: Too many :o) Posts: 262	Great watch - very novel. I'd happily wear one. I wonder how many other people have vintage watches just kicking about that they know nothing about. "I should really throw Dads Patek in the bin - it doesn't work and I don't want to pay money for a battery"

29 December 2011, 04:08 PM	#7
kyle L "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: USA Watch: Rolex Explorer I Posts: 10,278	Nice watch, it would be great if all it needs is a battery!

30 December 2011, 11:19 AM	#9
brkanand 2025 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Real Name: DrK Location: India Watch: 4=YMDaytonaGMTHulk Posts: 7,065	First of all, your brother did manage to keep it safe. So congratulations to you both! Enjoy!

30 December 2011, 02:21 PM	#10
ippon20 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Real Name: Dan Location: Orlando/NSB, FL Watch: 16710 (3186) Posts: 1,629	I really hope the battery didn't corrode the inside. I love my space view and get comments on it all the time. I take mine to a local watchmaker here who luckily has a plethora of vintage parts. __________________ Official Member "Perpetual 30" Las Vegas International GTG 2016 Official Member "WIS-CON" Las Vegas International GTG 2017 Official Member "WIS-CON" Las Vegas International GTG 2018 Instagram @pivot_and_spine

30 December 2011, 02:57 PM	#11
etp095 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: rudolph Location: chicago burbs Posts: 2,026	That's a very cool watch,i'd love to have one.i've only seen one in the wild,worn by a watch repairman at a jewelry shop in Chicago.Hope you get it working soon,good luck to you. __________________ tt date circa 69' 5513 circa 81' ss sub w/date (z) pepsi gmt for dad(D) polar expy II(z) 1675 gmt circa 68' ladies datejust on jubilee for mom (z) sea dweller16600(M) SS Sub-C(g) Omega Planet Ocean,45.5 on mesh(2500D)

30 December 2011, 08:03 PM	#12
cruvon "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Australia Posts: 4,689	Big congrats, is a beauty, my commemorative spaceview throws in a salute:) Attached Images __________________ Last thing I remember, I was Running outta sight I had to find the passage back,To the place I was before. ’Relax,’ said this Rolex place,We are programmed to receive. You can checkout any time you like, But you can never leave!

31 December 2011, 06:36 AM	#13
watch watcher "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: ME Watch: Vintages Posts: 565	I put in a new battery, but it dosen't work. Oh well, off to a repair center it goes! This place: http://www.accutron214.com/Default.htm

31 December 2011, 02:56 PM	#14
ippon20 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Real Name: Dan Location: Orlando/NSB, FL Watch: 16710 (3186) Posts: 1,629	Did you give it a good knock after you installed the battery on the side of the case? You gotta get the tuning fork started. __________________ Official Member "Perpetual 30" Las Vegas International GTG 2016 Official Member "WIS-CON" Las Vegas International GTG 2017 Official Member "WIS-CON" Las Vegas International GTG 2018 Instagram @pivot_and_spine

31 December 2011, 03:26 PM	#15
Alcan "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Al Location: Way Up North Watch: your P's & Q's Posts: 10,473	Congratulations on your find!! The Accutron has been quoted as being one of the 10 most significant watches made. I enjoy this old one: Attached Images __________________ Member #1,315 I don't want to get technical, but according to chemistry alcohol IS a solution!

9 January 2012, 07:17 AM	#17
Jakey "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Real Name: Jake Location: London Watch: SD43 & SS Daytona Posts: 309	Any luck with the watch.? It's notnormallyadvisableto insert a new battery if the watch has been stood still for a long time. Just makesure you use the correct battery. Good luck

9 January 2012, 10:23 AM	#18
watch watcher "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: ME Watch: Vintages Posts: 565	^ This is what he told me he would do and why: Unfortunately the coil is dead. Accutron Tuning Forks have a steel spring called an Index Finger attached to one of the tines. The Index Finger in turn, has a tiny jewel mounted on it (photo). The Index Finger (bottom) vibrates with the Tuning Fork, and the jewel pushes against tiny ratchet teeth on a part called an Index Wheel causing it to turn. The pawl finger (top) is there simply to prevent the wheel from rotating backwards. The jewel which should be mounted on the Index Finger attached to your Tuning Fork is missing. The sharp end of the steel finger that used to hold the Index Jewel has been pushing against the Index Wheel. That condition allows the watch to run for a while, but will eventually damage the microscopic index teeth. The Index Wheel is the heart of the mechanism. It is the part that drives the gear train in the movement. The Tuning Fork has to be replaced. I can't say how long your Index Wheel will last.

11 January 2012, 12:18 AM	#22
watch watcher "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: ME Watch: Vintages Posts: 565	Thanks for the feedback, curvon, and yes I have instructed him to not do any cosmetic restoration. Fortunately, though, it's in excellent condition as it looks like my father put it away once it stopped working and never bothered with it again, which was SOP with him and mechanical things (what a shame!).

25 February 2012, 08:13 AM	#24
Formulansx "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Real Name: Guy Gadbois Location: Norcal Watch: Rolex,Omega,Seiko Posts: 1,757	Sweet! That's a lucky find. Really like those.

10 May 2012, 08:22 AM	#25
DiamondJack "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: London Watch: Quite a few Posts: 4,315	Cool watch and hugely undervalued classic IMO. The first electronic watch just has to be in every watch collection..... Here's mine .....

10 May 2012, 05:24 PM	#26
ebxchange "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: OC, CA Posts: 5,672	Wow, thats an impressive watch.

29 August 2012, 01:30 AM	#27
MikenAZ "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Real Name: Mike Location: Arizona Watch: Rollie GMT Posts: 82	Martin does Top Notch Work! He has done repairs and service on all my Accutrons.

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