My Dad gave me his 214 in 1969. I wore it thru high school, college and med school. I found it in a drawer last year, put in a new battery and it ran. I grew up on a farm; it was exposed to real labor. I had it serviced. It’s now part of my regular rotation. I knew these were true marvels but didn’t really appreciate that until your video. Thank you!
I got so fed up with the day-date callender repair, I gave up. telling customers to go elsewhere if the callender fails. Another additional fact is when the original mercury cells were banned, Bulova never has said what the perfect battery is. Although the 344 is most often used now. 8000 turns of those coils and I'm claiming today most are at end of life. A little dust and a broken strand, coils are finished. I've been restoring 214 and 218s for a decade, and they continue to be as frustrating as ever. Found the link via My Bulova, thanks so much. JV Time & Again
Really pleased you recorded this adventure Chris. I loved every minute and felt your frustration only too well being in those movements before. Funnily enough the 218 has a few variants all with slightly different characteristics in the keyless leading to even more frustration on assembly when you get it wrong! I see these types of movements so fascinating. The amount of R&D to take the concept to reality in the 60s is remarkable. You now need a 214 which is the original but you can then move onto the ESA versions often found in Omega tuning forks. Loved the angles you achieved to make this video including that close up shots of the teeth, I can’t imagine the power on the scope required ! Pleased you enjoyed this challenge so well done.
It always amazes me that human hands not only built these watches, but that someone had to design them entirely. Every little mechanism, fitment, screw, etc... Not only that, but they had to come up with the idea to make them work. The entire process is simply stunning in scope. We can sit here and marvel over these being assembled, but taking the time to consider every part being made from raw parts to such precision is mind blowing. Not only that, but watch making went from an entire team of highly skilled artisans in each respective field to build each part, to condensing down to a small team of mostly jewelers who could design and build entire movements. I think the quartz revolution was a shame. It destroyed overnight an entire industry of highly skilled, extremely talented artisans. Moving highly accurate time pieces away from the everyman, and back into the domain of the ultra wealthy. We're lucky to have these old movements still available, while remaining somewhat affordable. They will soon become lost bits of technology, as they succumb to time and simple human carelessness. The same thing has already happened to fountain pens. We can't even make a flexible nib pen that was ultra common prior to 1960. The same era that mechanical watches began to decline as well.
@@brianblauvelt3142 I'd love to get a working Accutron. Any you buy online at a decent price are almost guaranteed not to work unfortunately. Would love to get the Space View, but it's so expensive! Fountain pens are just too cool. I've used one since high school, & am in my early 40s now. It's crazy how they are a lost technology. None of the makers are able to make nibs that flex like the ones prior to the 60s. Similar to the American watch market. The Swiss are the only reason mechanical watches still exist. It's sad to see what was once the pinnacle of watchmaking relegated to cheap Walmart brands. Their reputations still carrying weight to this day, despite the companies being utterly unrecognizable from what they once were. It would be awesome to see a new American brand formed again. Our country still has so many talented machinists & engineers who could build quality parts. If low quality Chinese movements can still make money on mechanical movements, an American company certainly could too. We've done it with pens. There's a bunch of emerging American pen makers that have great products.
Great video! Bulova has such an amazing history and amazing technical innovation. Shame they are not the company they once were. That watch is one of the classics.
Just watched your great video once again. You checked the calendar turning only once. After you disassembled the calendar again, the reason it was getting stuck was NOT because of the oiling. The reason was because the date jumper spring was not all the way pushed down when inserted. Those pictures were outstanding..
I absolutely love these technological marvels. Also I am lucky enough to own a 214 spaceview. Still fascinating that after 61years (M3 d.o.p) its still humming and running perfectly.
I've done 3-4 218 series Accutrons and am doing my first 214 now. They're very cool watches. Working on them is very much like microsurgery, methinks. One thing I like about the 214 is that you remove the magnetic fork before removing the train wheels, including the index wheel. That means that you can set the train wheels before putting the fork in. This makes setting the wheels into their respective lower plate jewels, as well as the bridge jewels, considerably easier. In addition, other than worrying about catching the index jewel/finger on something, you don't have to mess with positioning much, if at all. It's more set it and forget it than the 218 series. One thing for sure is that, as Bulova recommends, one must have a microscope to effectively work on these things. Thanks again for the clear and concise tutorial. Cheers.
I just acquired an Accutron Rail Road from my grandfather's belongings last week. As I wait for the batteries to arrive, I am convinced after watching this that there is no way it could possibly still work having sat unused since at least the 1990s. Albeit, without the date wheel. Hoping for the best.
Very nicely done! While I'm more into mechanical movements, ones such as this are fascinating and I would love to add one to my collection. Great video once again. Cheers!
I had one of those when I was stationed in Key West Florida, the fork vibrates at 360 hz the index wheel has 300 teeth so, it rotates at 72 rpm, they actually used that movement in early satellites…when my hearing was better, I could hear the index jewel pushing the index wheel one tooth at a time…
I very much appreciate you making your set backs or mistakes relevant by not editing them out of the video. Beginners and even those experienced, working in almost any field, must understand that mistakes are part and parcel of human nature.
I'm used to seeing a different channel. When you started the watch cleaning machine I fully expected a list of Patreons to scroll by 😅 What a great watch, and refreshing to hear the parts mentioned by their proper names so casually.
I just got one! Excellent video - I watched it when you launched it, but apparently didn't comment... Reboot! Let's get the BUZZ going about these fascinating electronic watches! 😁
You did a great job of making this video; I know from experience the complications of doing something for the 1st time. When I got an Accuquartz 224 caliber several years ago, I removed the setting stem to remove the movement to clean under the crystal, when I went to re-install the stem I wasn't able to engage the set screw and the stem would not seat no matter how many times I tried. Turns out I had to disassemble a lot of parts to correct the problem, most difficult was the day/date calendar mechanism, as you showws in your video, never worked on one before as I am used to 214s; I finally got it back together and everything worked, I put it away and never messed with it again,,,
I have been repairing Accutrons since 1970 (54 yeas) after graduating from Bulova Watch School as well as worked at Bulova for a short period of time. I do a lot of trade work (for jewelry stores) as well a private customers. First of all, your video and pictures are terrific,. Couldn't be better! However you kept complaining about the brass tweezers which haven't been used in years (don't even know if they are still available). Using antimagnetic tweezers are so much better (Dumont #2C and Dumont #5). When you inserted the battery, you never tightened the top battery strap screw which could have solved your whole problem with the watch not working. If it didn't run with tightening the screw, you should have listened for a hum, indicating that the coils are good. From your video, the watch was perfectly clean which you removed so much that was not necessary. Btw, when loosening screws for the dial half to one turn is good enough. All in all, I'm glad it worked out for you. As I said, the video was terrific..
It should be Obviously to anyone who has ever working on an Accutron 214, 218, etc., that this was a running watch to begin with but was said to be not running for the purpose of making a repair video, nothing wrong with that, it's all part of the semantics of making a video, he did a good job with it,,,
This is like watching the moment we lose beautifully engineered and designed car engines, to moving to electric! Yes its more efficient, but just the amazing mechanics are lost forever! This watch looks like the crossover point, like a Hybrid car!
I suggest some file work on your brass tweezers, its amazing how much better they work when you square up the edges, I tape them tight closed before I start working on them. then you can true them up and make top and bottom equal width and thickness,
@@csspinner I guarantee that you will be pleased with results, I used a sanding block and started rough shaping with 180 grit finished shaping with 320 then used grits until I finished with 2000 grit, then polished with brasso metal polish. I did true up mating surface lightly with folded over 180. with a pulling out stroke. while pressing tweezers shut. just to make sure they didnt have any large casting bumps, Nuts I know. but I can pick up the smallest jewel retaining screws with them now with a feeling of confidence.
It's a beautiful watch. You did a great job, even with the mistakes. Electric watches are pretty cool and accurate, but I haven't worked on any of them. Great video. Thank you
I was a gemologist/jewelry store owner in a previous life 80s/90s, and it was so good to see this Accutron again. It sure brought back memories, especially the threaded back retaining ring and battery strap, and the upside down battery placement which is so different than today's quartz watches. Thanks for the informative video.
i first saw and heard one in high school in 1965. a guy in my class had one. his father was a doctor. i had a 17 jewel manual wind ventura that cost $7.00. it kept excellent time for many years.
I loved watching this service. My grail watch is a Grand Seiko but I just keep bidding on Spaceviews & never winning. I think I'll get a Jet Star just to keep me happy for the start of 2024. Anyways, I do have one question, people use a Bulova 'fluke' or voltmeter looking thing on other videos. Does anyone know its purpose & should thing have been used here at any point or not?
That the tuning fork equivalent timegrapher. I felt it wasn’t worth investing in one since this was a one-off job for me. Instead, I regulated the movement by monitoring the elapsed time against a known good reference. It took a little longer to do it that way though
The single biggest step forward in the history of timekeeping. The Accutron is a great example of “game over” technology for other mechanical watches. Cheap quartz is just that: cheap. But not better. Well done on the service too! I’m saving the video in case I ever get the motivation to do it myself with the two I have! Thanks a whole bunch!!
Great restoration, complete with educational errors. But the Accutron ran at 360 Hz, not 320 Hz. The Swiss ESA 9162/9164 movements ran at 300 Hz and had counterweights on the tuning fork tines to improve positional stability. I have a stainless steel version of the same Accutron 2182 watch. It was double pawling (running fast) until I put an Accucell-1 into it. Now it runs accurately even with a 344 battery.
Just a FWIW - people are selling non-functioning or unknown condition movements on eBay for small money. Different types of Accutron movements, but they are close enough that you'd learn how to disassemble and perhaps reassemble them. I bought several for around $5/each. Good for parts even.. (like battery straps that like to fly away on several movements, NOS they're $15/each. $5 from a movement sounds a lot more reasonable.)
My Dad was a Bulova/Accutron dealer during the 60/70's and always found the Accutrons to be a challenge. Your video brought back great memories of my Dad and his amazing skills that you surely displayed. Thanks for your work and professionalism. Oh, I may have missed it somewhere, but I didnt catch the issue or problem that prevented its initial operation. Could you kindly point me to the time that it was mentioned and, thanks again.
I enjoy watching a craftsman doing his job. You are very knowledgeable about watchs. It's tedious work but you make it look easy. An excellent restoration. I have a Bulova Acturon the was given to me as a Christmas gift in 1971. It needs a thourgh cleaning and the correct battery for it. Beren out of service since 1996. Do you do restoration for the public. Please let me know. Thanks
I have a Tissot Tissonic F300 that uses a similar kind of tuning fork movement, really wish I could get it running some day but it's way too fiddly for me. It's basically just mocking me because the forks hum along just fine but the movement stays still. Would be such a cool piece to wear but definitely not something I can work on with just a magnifying visor and/or loupes
Ugh. Thanks a lot. Thanks to you, I had to go buy an Accutron. I blame you and Mike at My Retro Watches. Guess I’m going to learn how to repair mine too! 😂 I got a 218 as well but different case and dial. Thanks a lot, jerk! Just kidding. You’re awesome!
I have a 1974 model 218 I bought new. 50 years ago. Never dropped or wet. It has stopped. New battery, nothing. Regardless of the gear mechanism and if the indexing arms are touching the index wheel or not, the tuning forks should vibrate. The battery, circuitry and tuning forks operate independently of the gear reduction network. I have noticed some corrosion under the screw connection holding down the metal straps near the coils. This connection is easy to get to as it near the edge of the top of the watch. Any ideas from anyone? Allen M in Mobile, Al.
Bulova Accutron's are great watch's, my father worked for the N&W Railroad, he had a railroad approved pocket watch that he carried for many years back in the 40's, 50's and 60's. Years later he put that watch up for safe keeping and bought a N&W approved Bulova Accutron. He liked it so much he even bought one for our mother. After our parents passing some of my brothers and sisters had those watched past down to them. As for me I had different watches over the years while in serving a career in the Marines, then one day I bought this Seiko Kinetic back in the 90s, it was the best watch I had ever owned. I still have the watch, the last time I had the diode replaced back in 20 teens, it worked fine until I notices the inside works slowly moving out of place. I stop wearing it and put it away hoping to have it fixed one day. Enjoy watching your video's, thanks for sharing!
who will offer 10000 dollars to grand seiko, the same technology was developed in 1980s by swiss counterparts :) i now looking forward for powermatic 80 4knz watch with smooth sweep seconds
10:15 Dang, did a Frisbee land on your wrist? < kidding > I haven't embraced the jumbo watch trend. My gf says smaller watches are becoming fashionable again.
Great video! I've got a 1969 Accutron that I picked up at an estate sale. With a battery in it, it runs, but only the second hand moves. I plan on getting a bit more experience with mechanicals before trying to fix it, but I'll probably be coming back to this video, (and Mike's,) as a reference
Thank you - again - for this superb video on a really special watch. I am learning so much from your work and love how quiet and thoughtful your presentation is. 👍👌👏!
As a wise man told me many moons ago: "We are human beings, we learn by pain." So long as we accept the pain will be forthcoming then we shall never cease to learn.
My grandfather gave me his Bulover as he lay dying. My father, his son made a fuss about it, so I gave it to him. After 20 years he generously gave it back, but it had ceased working. I tried unsuccessfully to find someone who could fix it in the early 90s. I kept it for a few more years and thinking it worthless I chucked it out. Bad move it seems!
I was with my father 50 years ago when he picked up his brand new Accutron from local jeweler in our small Midwest town. I remember him holding it to my ear so I could hear it hum. Was magical to me then. My mother gave it to me a number of years after he died. I treasure it , though I don’t wear it much because my wife bought me a smart watch for anniversary a few years ago. After watching your video, I’m getting a new battery and going to start wearing it again, Thanks CS.
Great story. However, given the situation, I recommend you get your watch serviced before you start wearing it again. The interval is up to 10 years, from what I've read. They're tough and they will run until they wear themselves out; they don't give you the signs like mechanical watches. Lots of good resources on the internet, as I'm sure you know. Good luck.
Nicely done video and I like your style of commentary, very good. However I was waiting to find out why it didn't work in the first place and ... uh? Well? Why wasn't it running?
Awesome! I’m a huge fan of the Accutron, I even own one, not as sweet and blingy as yours (yeah I’m a little jealous) I especially like their hum. We’ll done.
Nice job! I own a 1965 Spaceview and it's a great watch. These movements are really amazing. I mean, that index wheel, how the hell did they make those? What, 3.2 mm in diameter? With 320 teeth?!? Not a one off, but made on a production scale, reliably. Done with, essentially, 1950s technology (all the engineering was done in the 50s). No computers, no CADD, no computer controlled machining. Astounding, really. Again, nice work!
Exactly . I first had to monitor it against NIST time for set periods and adjust as needed. Then I wore it and ensured the 2 second per day accuracy. It was a little trial and error without the proprietary machine
Es increíble, como desarmas y ya que quedó bien limpias todas las piezas del reloj, me gusta mucho como vas explicando paso a paso el ensamblaje del mismo..!! Se llevo mucho trabajo la restauración de ese reloj Bulova..!! Muy interesante documental..!! Excelente video.!! Saludos brother..!!
The original tuning fork design was patented by Jurgen Staudt . The mass production of these crystal etched to perfection was an intricate affair. It kept us busy even untill the early 2000s as R&D prooduction machinery designers.
Thanks so much for making this video. I purchased a vintage Accutron on eBay last year, and after watching this service tutorial, now I feel more confident about servicing mine - and most of all, how to regulate it! Accutrons are truly a technological marvel even by today's standards!
I believe that is a true statement. I did notice, after I was done adjusting it, the pawl cam was in a different position than when I started. So, the battery probably changed things, but the watch was still capable of being regulated
Thanks for posting this awesome video. It's superbly done. I just acquired an Accutron and an Accuquartz. The smooth second hand is mesmerizing. It's fascinating that a 50 yo electronic watch is still working and keeping time accurately. Your video is really informative. I want to get one or two more. Some days I may have to learn how to fix one.😅
Chris, great video! I found a working SpaceView here in NJ! I love the whole history and Technology of it! Of Course the Sweep of the Seconds hand! I trying to learn watch repair, but hard to find time to delve into it. Accutron is a whole new realm of watch repair. Look forward to another video.
That is so interesting video as well as painstaking work! Goog job! All this video I so warried that nothing did not breaks) You have such a platinum nerves) I love it, thanks for your hard work!
The quality of this video (first I have seen on your channel) is outstanding! You were brave to tackle this unique movement but your bravery is well substantiated by your obvious skill. I collect these watches but am not an experienced watchmaker. I hope to use your video as a guide when I finally do decide to dive in deeper. At 60 years of age, I worry about my agility and hope to learn this craft before I am too old. Finding time is the challenge for me at the moment. I may reach out to you as a customer...if you are available in the near future.
My Dad gave me his 214 in 1969. I wore it thru high school, college and med school. I found it in a drawer last year, put in a new battery and it ran. I grew up on a farm; it was exposed to real labor. I had it serviced. It’s now part of my regular rotation. I knew these were true marvels but didn’t really appreciate that until your video. Thank you!
I got so fed up with the day-date callender repair, I gave up. telling customers to go elsewhere if the callender fails. Another additional fact is when the original mercury cells were banned, Bulova never has said what the perfect battery is. Although the 344 is most often used now. 8000 turns of those coils and I'm claiming today most are at end of life. A little dust and a broken strand, coils are finished. I've been restoring 214 and 218s for a decade, and they continue to be as frustrating as ever. Found the link via My Bulova, thanks so much. JV Time & Again
About the coils... I'm sure someone who winds or restores guitar pickups would have the patience and tools to take on one
Really pleased you recorded this adventure Chris. I loved every minute and felt your frustration only too well being in those movements before. Funnily enough the 218 has a few variants all with slightly different characteristics in the keyless leading to even more frustration on assembly when you get it wrong!
I see these types of movements so fascinating. The amount of R&D to take the concept to reality in the 60s is remarkable.
You now need a 214 which is the original but you can then move onto the ESA versions often found in Omega tuning forks.
Loved the angles you achieved to make this video including that close up shots of the teeth, I can’t imagine the power on the scope required !
Pleased you enjoyed this challenge so well done.
Thank you! Lots of long hours and late nights on this one trying to get it right. :)
Now I gotta watch Mike’s series too. He’s pretty good, eh?
@@hangtenboy he’s the best - I’ve learned a lot from him.
I think every watch collection should have an ACCUTRON.
And I thought I was a hero by changing the battery in my vintage Spaceview! LOL
It always amazes me that human hands not only built these watches, but that someone had to design them entirely. Every little mechanism, fitment, screw, etc... Not only that, but they had to come up with the idea to make them work. The entire process is simply stunning in scope. We can sit here and marvel over these being assembled, but taking the time to consider every part being made from raw parts to such precision is mind blowing.
Not only that, but watch making went from an entire team of highly skilled artisans in each respective field to build each part, to condensing down to a small team of mostly jewelers who could design and build entire movements. I think the quartz revolution was a shame. It destroyed overnight an entire industry of highly skilled, extremely talented artisans. Moving highly accurate time pieces away from the everyman, and back into the domain of the ultra wealthy. We're lucky to have these old movements still available, while remaining somewhat affordable. They will soon become lost bits of technology, as they succumb to time and simple human carelessness. The same thing has already happened to fountain pens. We can't even make a flexible nib pen that was ultra common prior to 1960. The same era that mechanical watches began to decline as well.
I have 2 Accutrons, and I am a fountain pen guy (I've got ~20).
@@brianblauvelt3142 I'd love to get a working Accutron. Any you buy online at a decent price are almost guaranteed not to work unfortunately. Would love to get the Space View, but it's so expensive!
Fountain pens are just too cool. I've used one since high school, & am in my early 40s now. It's crazy how they are a lost technology. None of the makers are able to make nibs that flex like the ones prior to the 60s. Similar to the American watch market. The Swiss are the only reason mechanical watches still exist. It's sad to see what was once the pinnacle of watchmaking relegated to cheap Walmart brands. Their reputations still carrying weight to this day, despite the companies being utterly unrecognizable from what they once were. It would be awesome to see a new American brand formed again. Our country still has so many talented machinists & engineers who could build quality parts. If low quality Chinese movements can still make money on mechanical movements, an American company certainly could too. We've done it with pens. There's a bunch of emerging American pen makers that have great products.
Great video! Bulova has such an amazing history and amazing technical innovation. Shame they are not the company they once were. That watch is one of the classics.
Just watched your great video once again. You checked the calendar turning only once. After you disassembled the calendar again, the reason it was getting stuck was NOT because of the oiling. The reason was because the date jumper spring was not all the way pushed down when inserted. Those pictures were outstanding..
I have 2 Accutrons that haven't run for 35+ years. I should get them fixed! Nice to see the insides.
I absolutely love these technological marvels. Also I am lucky enough to own a 214 spaceview. Still fascinating that after 61years (M3 d.o.p) its still humming and running perfectly.
I have an 1970 Accutron Spaceview and love that I can see the movement. I also have a 2020 Accutron Spaceview Redbar. Amazing watches!!
Well, now I want to do this. Always wanted an Accutron.
I've done 3-4 218 series Accutrons and am doing my first 214 now. They're very cool watches. Working on them is very much like microsurgery, methinks. One thing I like about the 214 is that you remove the magnetic fork before removing the train wheels, including the index wheel. That means that you can set the train wheels before putting the fork in. This makes setting the wheels into their respective lower plate jewels, as well as the bridge jewels, considerably easier. In addition, other than worrying about catching the index jewel/finger on something, you don't have to mess with positioning much, if at all. It's more set it and forget it than the 218 series. One thing for sure is that, as Bulova recommends, one must have a microscope to effectively work on these things. Thanks again for the clear and concise tutorial. Cheers.
I just acquired an Accutron Rail Road from my grandfather's belongings last week. As I wait for the batteries to arrive, I am convinced after watching this that there is no way it could possibly still work having sat unused since at least the 1990s. Albeit, without the date wheel. Hoping for the best.
Very nicely done! While I'm more into mechanical movements, ones such as this are fascinating and I would love to add one to my collection. Great video once again. Cheers!
I had one of those when I was stationed in Key West Florida, the fork vibrates at 360 hz the index wheel has 300 teeth so, it rotates at 72 rpm, they actually used that movement in early satellites…when my hearing was better, I could hear the index jewel pushing the index wheel one tooth at a time…
I very much appreciate you making your set backs or mistakes relevant by not editing them out of the video. Beginners and even those experienced, working in almost any field, must understand that mistakes are part and parcel of human nature.
I'm used to seeing a different channel. When you started the watch cleaning machine I fully expected a list of Patreons to scroll by 😅
What a great watch, and refreshing to hear the parts mentioned by their proper names so casually.
Excellent. Great video work too. I’ve always avoided these coz “here be dragons”, but after seeing this I’d definitely give it a go. Thank you.
This is the first video I've seen on the Accutron. I just thought it was a quartz movement.
Nice job. I have a few Accutrons in my collection, and as with all battery watches, I take the batteries out when not in use.
I could never do what you just did. That's why I send my watches out and the onlly thing I will ever do is change batteries.
These watches are absolutely amazing given they were developed in the late 1950's. Quite an innovation.
I just got one! Excellent video - I watched it when you launched it, but apparently didn't comment... Reboot! Let's get the BUZZ going about these fascinating electronic watches! 😁
They are a lot of fun! Can’t wait to see your experience with it.
Watchmakers must have infinite patience! Good job.
You did a great job of making this video; I know from experience the complications of doing something for the 1st time. When I got an Accuquartz 224 caliber several years ago, I removed the setting stem to remove the movement to clean under the crystal, when I went to re-install the stem I wasn't able to engage the set screw and the stem would not seat no matter how many times I tried. Turns out I had to disassemble a lot of parts to correct the problem, most difficult was the day/date calendar mechanism, as you showws in your video, never worked on one before as I am used to 214s; I finally got it back together and everything worked, I put it away and never messed with it again,,,
The accutron is a remarkable watch. One day I will have mine repaired. The coils still vibrate but there's no movement going on
Now I understand why most jewellers won't touch them with a barge pole
I have been repairing Accutrons since 1970 (54 yeas) after graduating from Bulova Watch School as well as worked at Bulova for a short period of time. I do a lot of trade work (for jewelry stores) as well a private customers.
First of all, your video and pictures are terrific,. Couldn't be better! However you kept complaining about the brass tweezers which haven't been used in years (don't even know if they are still available). Using antimagnetic tweezers are so much better (Dumont #2C and Dumont #5). When you inserted the battery, you never tightened the top battery strap screw which could have solved your whole problem with the watch not working. If it didn't run with tightening the screw, you should have listened for a hum, indicating that the coils are good. From your video, the watch was perfectly clean which you removed so much that was not necessary. Btw, when loosening screws for the dial half to one turn is good enough. All in all, I'm glad it worked out for you. As I said, the video was terrific..
It should be Obviously to anyone who has ever working on an Accutron 214, 218, etc., that this was a running watch to begin with but was said to be not running for the purpose of making a repair video, nothing wrong with that, it's all part of the semantics of making a video, he did a good job with it,,,
This is like watching the moment we lose beautifully engineered and designed car engines, to moving to electric! Yes its more efficient, but just the amazing mechanics are lost forever! This watch looks like the crossover point, like a Hybrid car!
Good analogy
Awesome work! ...humbling technology. ....excellent narration and filming!!! Thank you for this.
I typically only buy Seiko mechanical watches but I happened across a accutron 2, restored it to working order, lovely watch.
I own 5 Acutrons the coil are getting harder to get and getting expensive
Hi, congratulations for the video and the excellent resolution thanks to your microscope, may I know which model you used? Thank you
Thanks! I use this microscope (affiliate link): amzn.to/3ZrQ3Pn
I suggest some file work on your brass tweezers, its amazing how much better they work when you square up the edges, I tape them tight closed before I start working on them. then you can true them up and make top and bottom equal width and thickness,
Thanks, Sonny! I saw your Facebook post about it and plan to take your advice on this
@@csspinner I guarantee that you will be pleased with results, I used a sanding block and started rough shaping with 180 grit finished shaping with 320 then used grits until I finished with 2000 grit, then polished with brasso metal polish. I did true up mating surface lightly with folded over 180. with a pulling out stroke. while pressing tweezers shut. just to make sure they didnt have any large casting bumps, Nuts I know. but I can pick up the smallest jewel retaining screws with them now with a feeling of confidence.
Hey thanks for the great Accutron Vid!
It all came together in the end, Stirling effort Chris.❤😂🎉🎉🎉
Thanks for showing the work, warts and all. I really appreciate the honesty and professionalism you show
It's a beautiful watch. You did a great job, even with the mistakes. Electric watches are pretty cool and accurate, but I haven't worked on any of them. Great video. Thank you
I was a gemologist/jewelry store owner in a previous life 80s/90s, and it was so good to see this Accutron again. It sure brought back memories, especially the threaded back retaining ring and battery strap, and the upside down battery placement which is so different than today's quartz watches. Thanks for the informative video.
Enjoyed every second of the video, can’t get enough and have watched it a few times, nice bro, cheers
i first saw and heard one in high school in 1965. a guy in my class had one. his father was a doctor. i had a 17 jewel manual wind ventura that cost $7.00. it kept
excellent time for many years.
I loved watching this service. My grail watch is a Grand Seiko but I just keep bidding on Spaceviews & never winning. I think I'll get a Jet Star just to keep me happy for the start of 2024. Anyways, I do have one question, people use a Bulova 'fluke' or voltmeter looking thing on other videos. Does anyone know its purpose & should thing have been used here at any point or not?
That the tuning fork equivalent timegrapher. I felt it wasn’t worth investing in one since this was a one-off job for me. Instead, I regulated the movement by monitoring the elapsed time against a known good reference. It took a little longer to do it that way though
@@csspinner I see. Yes, makes sense as well. Thanks for the explanation.
You are better than a prof 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Great video, thanks for making it
Smiley face? Really? Too funny!
The single biggest step forward in the history of timekeeping. The Accutron is a great example of “game over” technology for other mechanical watches. Cheap quartz is just that: cheap. But not better. Well done on the service too! I’m saving the video in case I ever get the motivation to do it myself with the two I have! Thanks a whole bunch!!
Brilliant video. I have several of these, and an Omega, all non-functional. This video gives me the confidence to work on them. Once again, thanks.
Beautiful mechanical jewel
Great restoration, complete with educational errors. But the Accutron ran at 360 Hz, not 320 Hz. The Swiss ESA 9162/9164 movements ran at 300 Hz and had counterweights on the tuning fork tines to improve positional stability. I have a stainless steel version of the same Accutron 2182 watch. It was double pawling (running fast) until I put an Accucell-1 into it. Now it runs accurately even with a 344 battery.
Just a FWIW - people are selling non-functioning or unknown condition movements on eBay for small money. Different types of Accutron movements, but they are close enough that you'd learn how to disassemble and perhaps reassemble them. I bought several for around $5/each. Good for parts even.. (like battery straps that like to fly away on several movements, NOS they're $15/each. $5 from a movement sounds a lot more reasonable.)
My Dad was a Bulova/Accutron dealer during the 60/70's and always found the Accutrons to be a challenge. Your video brought back great memories
of my Dad and his amazing skills that you surely displayed. Thanks for your work and professionalism. Oh, I may have missed it somewhere, but I didnt catch the issue or problem that prevented its initial operation. Could you kindly point me to the time that it was mentioned and, thanks again.
I enjoy watching a craftsman doing his job. You are very knowledgeable about watchs. It's tedious work but you make it look easy. An excellent restoration. I have a Bulova Acturon the was given to me as a Christmas gift in 1971. It needs a thourgh cleaning and the correct battery for it. Beren out of service since 1996. Do you do restoration for the public. Please let me know. Thanks
I have a Tissot Tissonic F300 that uses a similar kind of tuning fork movement, really wish I could get it running some day but it's way too fiddly for me. It's basically just mocking me because the forks hum along just fine but the movement stays still. Would be such a cool piece to wear but definitely not something I can work on with just a magnifying visor and/or loupes
Ugh. Thanks a lot. Thanks to you, I had to go buy an Accutron. I blame you and Mike at My Retro Watches. Guess I’m going to learn how to repair mine too! 😂 I got a 218 as well but different case and dial. Thanks a lot, jerk!
Just kidding. You’re awesome!
I have a 1974 model 218 I bought new. 50 years ago. Never dropped or wet. It has stopped. New battery, nothing. Regardless of the gear mechanism and if the indexing arms are touching the index wheel or not, the tuning forks should vibrate. The battery, circuitry and tuning forks operate independently of the gear reduction network. I have noticed some corrosion under the screw connection holding down the metal straps near the coils. This connection is easy to get to as it near the edge of the top of the watch. Any ideas from anyone? Allen M in Mobile, Al.
A real beauty and iconic piece or horology history. Thanks for the servicing video.
Bulova Accutron's are great watch's, my father worked for the N&W Railroad, he had a railroad approved pocket watch that he carried for many years back in the 40's, 50's and 60's. Years later he put that watch up for safe keeping and bought a N&W approved Bulova Accutron. He liked it so much he even bought one for our mother. After our parents passing some of my brothers and sisters had those watched past down to them. As for me I had different watches over the years while in serving a career in the Marines, then one day I bought this Seiko Kinetic back in the 90s, it was the best watch I had ever owned. I still have the watch, the last time I had the diode replaced back in 20 teens, it worked fine until I notices the inside works slowly moving out of place. I stop wearing it and put it away hoping to have it fixed one day. Enjoy watching your video's, thanks for sharing!
Michael, thank you for sharing! I had a kinetic for some time back in early 2000s. It was a fine watch and kept great time.
Thanks@@csspinner
Que belleza de movimiento
who will offer 10000 dollars to grand seiko, the same technology was developed in 1980s by swiss counterparts :) i now looking forward for powermatic 80 4knz watch with smooth sweep seconds
10:15 Dang, did a Frisbee land on your wrist? < kidding > I haven't embraced the jumbo watch trend. My gf says smaller watches are becoming fashionable again.
Very good video amazing talent impressive……have old pocket watch looking for a movement can you help….
I've got an accutron I had re built it was made in 1973, it keeps great time too
I have my dad's space view and it has died now .Just remember to only use silver oxide batteries .They are not meant to run at 1.5 v more like 1.20 V
👋👋👋👋👋👌
One of the reasons the 218 was developed was the inability to make a 214 with a calendar.
Great work.
Witam wszystkich serdecznie życzę miłego dnia Tobie za to co robisz na kanale Dzięki Stary Baca który kocha zegarki Dziękuję za fajny filmik
Dziękuję za komentarz!!!
Un vero professionista Buona Pasqua
Happy Easter. He is risen!
Good work!!
I have a Hamilton electric nautilus are they similar? It was given to me by someone who knew I was a watch geek
Can I send you an Accutron or 2 for cleanings now that you're a pro?
Great video! I've got a 1969 Accutron that I picked up at an estate sale. With a battery in it, it runs, but only the second hand moves. I plan on getting a bit more experience with mechanicals before trying to fix it, but I'll probably be coming back to this video, (and Mike's,) as a reference
Let me know how it goes!
I have six, maybe you can do the original 214 sometime?
Not much electronics. I see a 2.2M resistor, a capacitor, a transistor, and the 2 coils.
Thank you - again - for this superb video on a really special watch. I am learning so much from your work and love how quiet and thoughtful your presentation is. 👍👌👏!
Great to hear!
As a wise man told me many moons ago: "We are human beings, we learn by pain." So long as we accept the pain will be forthcoming then we shall never cease to learn.
Those are indeed wise words to live by.
My grandfather gave me his Bulover as he lay dying. My father, his son made a fuss about it, so I gave it to him. After 20 years he generously gave it back, but it had ceased working. I tried unsuccessfully to find someone who could fix it in the early 90s.
I kept it for a few more years and thinking it worthless I chucked it out. Bad move it seems!
That's a shame.
I was with my father 50 years ago when he picked up his brand new Accutron from local jeweler in our small Midwest town.
I remember him holding it to my ear so I could hear it hum. Was magical to me then.
My mother gave it to me a number of years after he died. I treasure it , though I don’t wear it much because my wife bought me a smart watch for anniversary a few years ago. After watching your video, I’m getting a new battery and going to start wearing it again, Thanks CS.
Great story. However, given the situation, I recommend you get your watch serviced before you start wearing it again. The interval is up to 10 years, from what I've read. They're tough and they will run until they wear themselves out; they don't give you the signs like mechanical watches. Lots of good resources on the internet, as I'm sure you know. Good luck.
Nicely done video and I like your style of commentary, very good. However I was waiting to find out why it didn't work in the first place and ... uh? Well? Why wasn't it running?
Not sure. My guess? Something like old oil or a piece of dust/hair was holding up the train
I have a Bulova Acturon that I received for Christmas in1969. Today's batteries will not work are not
Not without adjustment
What a beautiful watch!!! , I have thing with this accutron watches
If you were to sell it how much it would be. I wish I could fix watches. I'm a watches fan..thanks I enjoy watching your videos..
These go for $100-300 on eBay in various condition. The 214 space view are much more though
Excellent video!!! I loved it! I have a Accutron of those hey days, but is not working. Can you repair it?
Drop me a line at cspinnerwatchrepair@gmail.com
Like to see another one and see how the adjustment is made. Seems like the fine toothed wheel would wear out.
Awesome! I’m a huge fan of the Accutron, I even own one, not as sweet and blingy as yours (yeah I’m a little jealous) I especially like their hum. We’ll done.
Nice job! I own a 1965 Spaceview and it's a great watch. These movements are really amazing. I mean, that index wheel, how the hell did they make those? What, 3.2 mm in diameter? With 320 teeth?!? Not a one off, but made on a production scale, reliably. Done with, essentially, 1950s technology (all the engineering was done in the 50s). No computers, no CADD, no computer controlled machining. Astounding, really. Again, nice work!
Mind blowing . Isn’t it!? 😀
Drove the Soviets nuts trying to copy it. I'm still trying to get the clone the "Slava Transistor" @@csspinner
Sir j have a bulova accutron needs repaired interested
Hi Chris, can i ask how did you ensure it was in time? I'm guessing our usual timegrapher wouldn't be able to do this?
Exactly . I first had to monitor it against NIST time for set periods and adjust as needed. Then I wore it and ensured the 2 second per day accuracy. It was a little trial and error without the proprietary machine
Just like a battery operated mechanical watch quite different than your traditional quartz movement. Way cool
Es increíble, como desarmas y ya que quedó bien limpias todas las piezas del reloj, me gusta mucho como vas explicando paso a paso el ensamblaje del mismo..!! Se llevo mucho trabajo la restauración de ese reloj Bulova..!! Muy interesante documental..!! Excelente video.!! Saludos brother..!!
The original tuning fork design was patented by Jurgen Staudt . The mass production of these crystal etched to perfection was an intricate affair. It kept us busy even untill the early 2000s as R&D prooduction machinery designers.
Thanks so much for making this video. I purchased a vintage Accutron on eBay last year, and after watching this service tutorial, now I feel more confident about servicing mine - and most of all, how to regulate it! Accutrons are truly a technological marvel even by today's standards!
Keep me updated with how it goes!
I have an original Spaceview and when it works it hums!! But now it needs repair.
Battery on those is no longer available. New batteries make them run faster due to voltage difference?
I believe that is a true statement. I did notice, after I was done adjusting it, the pawl cam was in a different position than when I started. So, the battery probably changed things, but the watch was still capable of being regulated
Thanks for posting this awesome video. It's superbly done. I just acquired an Accutron and an Accuquartz. The smooth second hand is mesmerizing. It's fascinating that a 50 yo electronic watch is still working and keeping time accurately. Your video is really informative. I want to get one or two more. Some days I may have to learn how to fix one.😅
Wonderful, I have been servicing 214/8... series and Esa 916 series for quite some time. You made it very simple. Great
Your dexterity literally makes my eyes hurt. I’m an old coin magician who has always prided myself on my skills. I could never do what you do,,,ever.
Chris, great video! I found a working SpaceView here in NJ! I love the whole history and Technology of it! Of Course the Sweep of the Seconds hand! I trying to learn watch repair, but hard to find time to delve into it. Accutron is a whole new realm of watch repair. Look forward to another video.
That is so interesting video as well as painstaking work! Goog job! All this video I so warried that nothing did not breaks) You have such a platinum nerves) I love it, thanks for your hard work!
The quality of this video (first I have seen on your channel) is outstanding! You were brave to tackle this unique movement but your bravery is well substantiated by your obvious skill. I collect these watches but am not an experienced watchmaker. I hope to use your video as a guide when I finally do decide to dive in deeper. At 60 years of age, I worry about my agility and hope to learn this craft before I am too old. Finding time is the challenge for me at the moment. I may reach out to you as a customer...if you are available in the near future.