I recently had my 1965 Accutron with a 214 movement repaired with a sealed, new old stock, index wheel by a shop that said they knew Accutrons well and had sold them new when they came out.
But, the watch seems to like to stop and then start again, especially right after setting it. It will also sometimes do this when sitting still or when being put on the wrist.
When it stops, it still hums. The battery hasn't been replaced in probably about a year, but I thought maybe this stopping and starting may be caused by a low, dying, battery.
Any help or advice would be appreciated. I just payed a large amount to have the NOS index wheel installed, so I really would hope that it isn't the problem. Before I had the index wheel replaced, it didn't run at all and did not hum even with a new battery. I'm just not sure what's going on.
These watches typically eat batteries, I would start with replacing the cell.
The issue with any (and all) electronic/electric watches is that the materials used to make them degrade over time. There is plastic and various other materials as well as electrical components mounted on circuit boards. Contacts corrode and oxidize and there is a stem activated switch which can also fail meaning the watch is running but not moving. Another issue, especially with quartz watches is that the mechanical parts get gummed up or wear out so the electronic parts will still function but nothing moves.
We briefly coverd Accutrons in watchmaking school and did work on some, but really you need someone who specializes in them- and it doesn't hurt if they have a grounding (no pun intended) in electronics. As you mentioned, there are specialists around, if the cell does not help, I would give them a call and see what they suggest.
In reply to ....oh, and I would take it by Geoff Baker
I bought some new batteries but it still seems to be doing it. I guess I'll be taking the watch back. Which concerns me a little because they are working on adjusting my other 2 Accutrons at the moment. Funny thing is, when it stops I can sometimes tap it and it will jump a few seconds and then that running again.