Thread: What types of watches do you like?

I wear a Jacques Lemans 1-1679. I'd like to get a nicer watch if I ever get the money to spare.

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

Parts can be had, the coils can be repaired,The problem with the batts is they need 1.35 V Mercury batts ( no can get them anymore)
The fix is a simple gear change to run on 1.65 batts.

They have 1.35V Silver Oxide Accutron Battery suitable for 214 Accutrons



Talked to them today and they can also convert to the higher voltage plus do total restores. Of course all relative to what has failed or broken. We'll see in a week or so.

Thanks for the feedback. Maybe there is hope for one of those five.

Exciting stuff. I was entertaining chucking it but it is such a trip to look at.

Might even have some parts value.

I stumbled into watch collecting after my Father passed. So far I've got a Mido Multifort powerwind, a Bulova Accutron 218, that I switch between. In my tbr (to be repaired) pile is a Bulova and an Elgin both tank style from the late 40's and a Seiko autowind.

The 218 was found in a box of junk - nuts, bolts and misc papers, on the dirt floor of the shop building. The Mido was a gift from Dad about 15 years ago.

Originally Posted by jmercer

They have 1.35V Silver Oxide Accutron Battery suitable for 214 Accutrons



Talked to them today and they can also convert to the higher voltage plus do total restores. Of course all relative to what has failed or broken. We'll see in a week or so.

Thanks for the feedback. Maybe there is hope for one of those five.

Exciting stuff. I was entertaining chucking it but it is such a trip to look at.

Might even have some parts value.

I recall a few years ago they had issues with those accucells. Basically a standard battery with a capacitor or similar attached to reduce the voltage. Then they seemed to vanish for years.

Are those improved versions?

Don't know. Hopefully will find out.

The verdict is in on my 1966 Accutron 214 SPVU. Now... do we want a WB FBUO... or... what's behind door Number 3?

COAE Thoroughly Clean and Regulate Vintage Electronic Watch Movement including complete disassembly, re-assembly, proper lubrication of the movement, new gaskets, new battery, labor involved in replacing any worn or damaged parts, polishing all pivots, plates, screws, etc. This service is necessary in conjunction with the replacement of critical parts (below). We'll also ultrasonically clean your case and/or bracelet. $346.50

COA ADD Because your movement includes "additional complication", there are separate labor charges for each of these. Examples of additional complication are: hack mechanism, ligne size, date, day, start/stop, automatic movement, elapsed time, chrono function, Astronaut Zulu function. The number of complications involved is shown to the right in the "Quantity" column of this estimate. 1 $65.00

SSP Replace damaged SWEEP SECOND PINION (in 214 models) or 3RD WHEEL AND PINION (in 218 models) in this movement with genuine Accutron parts - Genuine Vintage Accutron - Correct for this purpose
$215.50

RESHM Restore original hand set: Your original hands are showing signs of Material flaking into the movement, and must be restored. The restoration will come as close as possible to the original color and markings, and most often is exact. 115.90

CASPF **Complementary** Case Polish will remove light surface scratches and tarnish from the case bezel. We also polish the case back and components, re-apply all the original style "sanding marks" to resemble the Original Factory Finish while preserving any engraved markings. No additional charge with this repair/restoration. $0.00

XASP-M We'll need to Install a new acrylic Accutron Spaceview Crystal correct for this model. Older plastic crystals, once removed for cleaning, never seat properly again and there's a chance of moisture.
$119.50

SHI6 Zone 6 Shipping & Handling by Federal Express w/ Additional "DECLARED VALUE EXCEPTION" Insurance for High Value and Jewelry Items
49.38 49.38 Sub-Total of above items ------------------> $911.78

CCF If you decide to use a credit card, there's a bank fee on all card transactions (only applies when credit/debit card is selected instead of check or money order payment).
4.70% 42.85 - $954.63

Thats nutz,sell it on the bay as a parts watch.

So, you can spend all that and you still have the same tuning fork and coil and index wheel which are the main parts that go south so those could go out two days after the service.

Notice they don't say replacement parts are new or NOS-har har.

I'd sure pass on that.

Even Rolex wouldn't charge that much to do similar on one of their mechanical watches. The Accutron is a relatively simple mvmt with few moving parts.

And the rest of the Accutron story.

I sold it to them for parts.

Advice from those in the know is invaluable. Thanking everyone for your input. Your help made the decision a lot easier to make.

Ok now where's that mint WB...