The Spaceview from Accutron

Submitted by JEV1A on February 21, 2021 - 6:28am

Hello all... I just got into my shop a beautiful 214 Accutron Spaceview M6 (1966). The watch had no service for decades. The battery inside was non-conforming (wrong voltage) and once I installed the correct 394 battery and spacer ring, it started to hum. The second hand moved a single revolution and then stopped. The minute and hour hands never moved. I checked the voltage and the coils had reached "end life". I told my client immediately of the failure.

Its important to realize the Accutron 214 and 218 movements especially the coils are only good for so long. Once they die a full disassembly is required to replace the coils. A few years ago I decided to replace the entire movements which back in the day was cheaper for myself and the client. But today Spaceviews especially original have become the rage. Non Working Spaceviews I have seen on e-bay being auctioned for hundred's of dollars. And fakes are running rampant.

So for this repair I decided not to move forward with a restoration as the Client had a certain repair cost ceiling. That's a shame I know for many that expect miracles. But in the case of Accutron original models these complications are at times a improbable fix.  And many times, just a question of installing a new battery and crossing your fingers. No that doesn't sound very horological, I realize but Bulova back in the day in their claim of the Most Accurate Watch in The World -The Accutron-, may or may not have considered that 55 years later these watches would still run?

As a Vintage Timepiece restorer and Bulova specialist, I can only do what I can do. And with Accutron its only a matter of time when these Movements fail for good.

John V / "Time & Again" 

 

mybulova_admin
Posted February 21, 2021 - 5:13pm

John that's interesting to know. So what you are saying is that the 214s and 218s colis have a operation lifespan. Do we know what this meant to be in terms of hours or years of continuous use? May mean pulling out the crown on your much loved hummer what not using it.

JEV1A
Posted February 22, 2021 - 8:35pm

In reply to by mybulova_admin

Thanks for the reply... 

Another Accutron myth!  Pulling out the crown or hacking the movement on a 218 Accutron Movement does not stop the continuous voltage. The only way to truly "hack" the movement is to remove the battery. 

Now, in Bulova Accutron Model dreamland, upon special order a 218 hack movement exists. When the crown is pulled out the stem dismounts a battery pole. Therefore cutting the voltage. I have never seen this movement nor do I know the movement model number.  

Yes, these coils have a lifespan but Bulova never discussed it. The wire is less than the thickness of a fine hair so you be the judge here. Bulova suggested a full Accutron service every year. I regularly get in my shop Accutron's with no service record. 

John V.