Looking for a good reliable watch repair person. Have a 14k ladies 1924 watch that needs repair. Has a 6 AF Movement 17 jewel.
Good evening. New to the hobby, and of course the first watch I try to work on, I totally mess it up. The $%^&* crown/ratchet screw. Snapped the head right off. Hard waw to learn that these are LH screws - sometimes/most of the time/depends on the company......... The movement is a beauty 17AE pocket watch 21J. Looking for recommendations on a good watchmaker who can drill out the tiny remnant (Chicago area ideal) , or if anyone has a 17AE 21J 6 Adjustment winding bridge for sale ???.jpg)
Can't say enough good things about "The Clock and Watch Shop" (824 Gravier St, New Orleans LA 70112 / 504-525-3961). For years I've been searching for that classic family owned watch shop, someplace I felt comfortable entrusting my Grandfather's 1956 Bulova for repair. Well, they're it! Family owned business, brothers Brett (watches) and Matt (clocks) do great work and are genuinely nice guys. They were recommended to me by a colleague, and I'm recommending them based on my experience. They even salvaged the band my Grandfather wore, it looks great!
i suspect there are many here like me. i have a 1978 218 Accutron that hasn't run in years, and i want to find a dependable tech who can bring it back. it is currently in the hands of business who quoted me $2750 to do the work. i've not OK'd it, and i believe i will ask that it be sent back, but am i wrong in thinking this is way too much?
and should i get it sent back, who should do the work?
In reply to i suspect there are many… by shrinkboy
In reply to That's crazy... Usually a… by plainsmen
In reply to and so, a recommendation, if… by shrinkboy
In reply to John V a few posts up does… by mybulova_admin
Thanks so much for the props.
My services for any Vintage Bulova including Vintage Accutrons remains:
$79.99 for basic service
$179.00 for complete restorations
e-mail with pic of watch and problems
John V.
Time & Again
In reply to Thanks so much for the props… by JEV1A
In reply to I agree with the above… by iplaws
In reply to That's crazy... Usually a… by plainsmen
Good lord... you can find a nice Vintage 218 Accutron for that kind of money. The problem is nobody and I mean legit watchmakers won't touch Accutrons. One bad move on a coil and your sunk. Or to re-install the tuning forks and to calibrate you need to be a master watchmaker and if you don't know Accutrons, forget it. Sometimes I'm so frustrated, I just replace the whole movement. Bulova did not make it easy to service 214 and 218 Accutrons. only a handful of watchmakers today can accomplish this. My costs are based on my time and service.
Makes me sick when I see these prices for Accutron Service. A new client took his non running 214 to a jeweler in Marco Island, Florida and he was quoted $350.00, lest to say he sent it to me and although the watch needed a complete overhaul, I was able to keep the costs down well under $200.00.
But some Accutron Watchmakers will argue they need to charge large fees because who else will do the work?
So you decide.. its not easy, I know.
John V. - Time & Again
I have a 1973 model “CN” with a 218-2 movement. Was purchased in October and claims to have been fully serviced and cleaned. Not sure if it needs a repair / service or not, let me describe the issue: Normally keeps excellent time, I check it every time I put it on my wrist, or put it down for the night, or store it for a few days. About -0.5s per day face up when not worn, and about +0.5s per day when on wrist. About every 10 to 14 days, it losses about 3 to 5 seconds in a wear or rest period of say 10 hours. Any idea what causes this massive time lag and so sporadically? The watch is not mistreated in any way and always rests on a soft surface when not worn.
In reply to I have a 1973 model “CN”… by Slickster514
In reply to I have a 1973 model “CN”… by Slickster514
Your expectations for accuracy on a 218 is way too high. Vintage accutrons react to the environment. Although NASA used the accutron movement within instrumentation on Apollo Missions, Astronauts were not allowed to wear them on their wrists as it had an effect on magnetics! You cannot time a tuning fork movement like other movements. Bulova made a special timing device especially made for Accutrons. And then there is the battery voltage issues. Remember the original Bulova approved mercury cells were banned. And Bulova never really approved any other batteries in the day. So to get that perfect voltage that Bulova recommends is impossible with modern day button cells. If my accutron is slow a minute I don't care. Consider yourself lucky
John V.
Time & Again
John V. at Time & Again (a few posts up) did excellent work on my 1958 Bulova 23 D recently! He is very responsive to messages, his service cost isn't crazy, and has quick turn around time. I will definitely be using his services again if I buy another Bulova needing work done!
In reply to John V. at Time & Again (a… by jstump2490
Thanks so much. It was a real pleasure to bring your watch back to specs and do the restoration work.
Return clients get 10% off!
Best
John V.
Time & Again
I have several old Bulova watches (Sea King, Clipper, Oceanographer) that develop condensation on the underside of the crystal if I wear them when I'm working and just moderately perspiring. They've all been serviced, so I wonder if I need to replace one or more seals. Is there some resource that lists the required seals?
Thanks in advance,
TQ
In reply to I have several old Bulova… by teakyou
In reply to The ABC Parts catalog may… by mybulova_admin
In reply to I have several old Bulova… by teakyou
Removing an old Crystal and sealer ring won't help the damage already done. You need to remove the movement and dial and ultrasonically clean all the parts. The condensation issue probably has caused corrosion if you see discoloration. Movement will have be oiled and recalibration must happen. Simply replacing a Crystal won't help the bigger issue.
John V.
Time & Again
In reply to Removing an old Crystal and… by JEV1A
Thanks, John. All of the watches have been worn sparingly since they were last serviced, so I'm hoping that corrosion isn't an issue. I don't see any discoloration. What I'd like to know is if I should be asking for other seals to be replaced when I have watches serviced, or is the crystal the culprit when it comes to moisture ingress? Is there a document that lists the seals (if any) for a given model or case?
Thanks,
TQ
In reply to Thanks, John. All of the… by teakyou
Not really do I have any documentation.
Manufacturers suggested service is different for every brand. Seals are generally used when watch is sold as waterproof. Such as pro divers and other sports related timepieces. The Accutron Spaceview inner Crystal Ring is famous because of aftermarket size problems. I have made my own gaskets in the past and or use a clear jewelers glue, pressed and mounted makes great seals. No matter what we do moisture finds its way into watches. Either from bezel or back of watches. Bulova had serious problems with dial corrosion and rusting. Once a crystal becomes loose, you need to replace and reset. You can purchase micro-thin strands of silicone and place within the bezel grooves for a super tight seal. Work arounds are tough because of the lack of original parts available.
John V.
Time & Again
I was given a Accutron 214 Spaceview by my late father in 1965. I have not worn the watch in over 20 years. It has enormous sentimental value and I would like to have it serviced and fully restored. While I will not say that price is no object it clearly is a secondary consideration to finding the right person who can restore this heirloom. I live in NYC but will send the watch wherever it will be restored properly.
Thanks in advance for your help and guidance in this matter n
In reply to I was given a Accutron 214… by bklyn1947
In reply to I was given a Accutron 214… by bklyn1947
Happy to help..
Send pic, front and back to [email protected] with short description of services needed
I specialize in 214 and 218 Vintage Accutrons
John V
Time & Again
Apopka, Florida
Just received my 1966 Accutron Calendar watch back from John V. at "Time & Again" ([email protected]).
I could not be happier. I highly suggest him for any Accutron inspection / restoration / service needs.
In reply to Just received my 1966… by Mark Summers