Accutron 214 Repair, & Restoration

Accutron 214 Repair/Restoration Services

FULLY INSURED - 1 YEAR GUARANTY

214 REPAIR/RESTORATION PRICE LIST

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I work on first edition 214's only. If need be, I will help you to verify that your Astronaut is a caliber 214 before you send it. The 214 is set from the rear of the case by lifting a spring loaded "C" shaped lever. Also on the rear of the case is a slotted hatch cover which unscrews to access the battery. If your Accutron does not have these features it is not a 214.

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The process begins with removal of rust and/or corrosion (if any), and ultrasonic cleaning to remove caked on debris.

The back cover is dis-assembled, rust and/or corrosion (if any) is removed, and the parts are ultrasonically cleaned. A new gasket is installed in the battery hatch, and the cover is re-assembled.

The movement is taken apart. All metal parts are ultrasonically cleaned. The movement is then re-assembled lubricated, and adjusted. Finally, the dial and hands are installed on the movement. The assembly is then put back into its case, a new gasket is installed, and the cover is closed. The watch is then observed for approximately 2 weeks, during which time, fine adjustments can be made to the movement.

CAUTION: If you found an old Accutron in a drawer and put a battery in it you may be quite pleased to find that it runs but may I suggest that you remove the battery immediately and have the watch serviced before it self-destructs. For an explanation please visit the Q & A Page

PLEASE NOTE: A readily available 1.55V silver oxide battery usually works well and most 214's can be adjusted to run properly through years of normal use without any difficulty but there are some movements which can only be described as over-active. The adjustment of an over-active movement with a 1.5V battery is so tenuous that any external force will cause the movement to speed up. This explains why some watches run great on the dresser but too fast when worn while others will run well for a while until a hard bump causes them to slip out of adjustment.

The bottom of each tuning fork tine was notched at the factory to set the frequency (click photo). A relative few have tuning forks that were cut to the lower end of their tolerances. This was OK when the magnets were energized by 1.3 volts but at 1.5 volts these forks are over-active. This causes them to index two teeth instead of one either periodically or with every stroke. Previously the only way to correct the problem was to replace the tuning fork with one that has thicker tines but that is not a reliable solution to the problem. Experience has shown that quite often, the watch will run well for months after the fork is swapped but the movement is still susceptible to speeding up after suffering a severe shock.

Is your Accutron running too fast on 1.55V batteries? The electronic circuit in your Astronaut (commonly referred to as the coil) was designed to run on 1.35 volt mercury batteries which are no longer sold in the USA. Currently available batteries produce 1.55 volts. The micro-thin coil wire used in your 214 is already working against the ravages of age. Running an over-voltage of .2V through the delicate wire can't possibly be a good idea. The other delicate components in the circuit will not benefit either. Even if your 214 runs well with the new batteries, the longevity of your coil could be at risk. There is no longer any doubt that all 214's will benefit from a reduction in voltage back to the original 1.35 volts.

Fortunately there is a way to permanently solve the problem. A diode which lowers battery voltage in the circuit by 0.2 volts can be installed in the coil. This is really the best possible solution to the problem. The watch will perform as it did when new, battery issues will be resolved, and the life of the coil will be extended. Whether actually needed or not, this inexpensive modification is highly recommended. It is not noticeable and it is reversible.

See the information at: http://www.accutron214.com/AccutronBattery.htm

214 REPAIR & RESTORATION SERVICES
Prices do not include replacements for damaged or missing parts.

REQUIRED SERVICES

214 BASIC SERVICE: $150. (regulator diode may be required at additional cost)

Cleaning, lubrication, and adjustment of the movement to work correctly with a readily available 1.5V battery
Disassembly and cleaning of the case. (bezel, back cover, battery hatch, setting stem, and threaded lock ring)
Installation of replacement parts.
Polish crystal (included as of 3/11/08) Restores transparency, does not remove scratches
A new 387S battery
New gaskets
New stainless steel spring pins for your band or bracelet.
One year guarantee.

DEPOSIT: A deposit of $35.00 is required. The deposit will cover the cost of inspection and return shipping should you decide not to proceed with the repair. The deposit will be applied to the total if repair is authorized.

OPTIONAL SERVICES

COIL MODIFICATION: Install regulator diode to reduce battery voltage to 1.3 volts: $50. (optional for most 214's) (required on over-active movements)

CRYSTALS:
Sand, buff, & polish old crystal: $20.00 (removes all but the deepest scratches)
New Generic Crystal; $20.
Reproduction Crystal; $45.00.
New-Old-Stock Crystal; $45.00 and up

RESTORATION SERVICES

STAINLESS STEEL BEZELS:
Buff stainless steel bezel; $75.00

GOLD & GOLD FILLED BEZELS:
Gently buffed & polished: $75.

REAR COVERS: **
Restore straight & circular graining on rear cover, setting stem, & battery hatch; $125.00

THREADED LOCK RINGS:
Buff stainless lock ring; $35.00

DIALS: *
Remove old luminous, clean dial and apply fresh high-glow luminous paint; $35.00

LUMINOUS HANDS: *
Rust Free: Clean, and apply fresh high-glow luminous paint; $75.00
Rusted: Clean, clear coat, and apply fresh luminous paint; $95.00

METAL BRACELETS:
Ultrasonic cleaning; $10.00

PLEASE NOTE: Because each restoration project is unique, firm quotes can only be given after careful inspection.

* Ultra-bright, long lasting, long glowing Strontium Aluminate crystals.
** Same as original factory finish. Removes or hides all but the deepest scratches.

The best way to contact me is by e-mail. Please be advised that if you access my voice-mail and leave an e-mail address I will try to reply promptly but if you don't hear from me within one day it's probably because I didn't get your correct e-mail address and my message was returned as undeliverable. Due to the many incoming calls that I receive from people seeking information about their watches, I regret that I cannot return phone calls so please e-mail me by clicking the link below.

If you phone please spell out your e-mail address slowly, enunciate clearly, and indicate whether there are spaces
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