Let's See Your Watches! The Vintage Watch Thread.

[Two Types]

Cheers.

 

[munimula]

1966 (m6) accutron 214 "astronaut" gmt tuning fork watch.

 

[Talbot]

Nice Bulova. Those are electric yes? What do you use for batteries?

 

[munimula]

thanks mate ! yes its electric tuning fork. this accutron "astronaut" model was used by some u.s. astronauts during the 1960's "mercury" space program. also was used by vietnam era u.s. fighter pilots as well as airline pilots. the battery is an "energizer 387s." all the accutron model "214's" require this battery. "the accutron place" site recommends the use of this battery - not the "ronata" brand - has to do with battery thickness. the ronata is slightly thicker and man damage the watch, so they say. regards, steve.

 

[esteban68]

splintercellz the seiko is the best of the lot to be honest, it's a Seiko 5 which are a decent watch probably late 60's?...the 5 refers to:

1. Diaflex (unbreakable mainspring)
2. Diashock (Seiko's shock resistant design, equivalent to the Swiss "Incabloc")
3. Automatic winding
4. Date/date indication
5. Water resistant

To get it going you could try swirling it for a while like you would a brandy in a glass, then possibly a flick of the wrist to set it running may work, if these fail then it may be broken or just gummed up where the oils have solidified so away to the menders which won't be cheap and will more than likely cost more than the financial value of the watch, however since it has sentimental value is worth doing, a new glass should only be around £20 fitted.

 

[splintercellsz]

Thanks for the info, Esteban!

I took it to a watch shop on Monday, and the guy said it should be ready next week! Can't wait!

 

[esteban68]

a polish with Autosol would bring it up a treat, worth saving and a nice watch, I have a similar -ish one somewhere I'll put it up soon.

 

[kiwilrdg]

BK: Do you know any good places in London for repairs? There's no one in my area and even the local specialist jeweller couldn't recommend a local one. (I've got a fifties Zentra that needs some work).

I would look for anyone from the local horological society. If you can't find a local club you might try posting the question on the NAWCC forums. There are several UK horologists that post things there.

 

[munimula]

here's my 1966 (m6) bulova accutron factory "spaceview." note the chapter ring. also note the back set and battery hatch. the stainless steel band is a period accutron band made by duchess u.s.a. .

 

[Stearmen]

I forgot that there was a time when people liked to show off transistors. I supposes it was like having no lamp shade on a bulb in the early days of electric lighting. I do remember how cool it was to get your first transistor radio!It would have been even cooler to have one of those watches.

 

[Talbot]

here's my 1966 (m6) bulova accutron factory "spaceview." note the chapter ring. also note the back set and battery hatch. the stainless steel band is a period accutron band made by duchess u.s.a. .

Very striking. I'll bet it gets a lot of comments.

 

[munimula]

thanks talbot! not really. i think most people don't care. only the guys who collect these accutron spaceview 214's, or had one in the 1960's/70's would probably comment. their first question would probably be, "is that a factory spaceview or a conversion?" if you don't already know, a conversion spaceview is when the "dial" is removed to expose the componants. people do this because they think they can get more money when they sell it. if you go to the "the accutron place" site you will find-out what a factory spaceview vs. a conversion is. thanks. steve.

 

[splintercellsz]

Went and had the Seiko serviced. $70 later, and she runs perfectly! It feels good to have my Great-Grandfathers watch running again!

 

[jamespowers]

Went and had the Seiko serviced. $70 later, and she runs perfectly! It feels good to have my Great-Grandfathers watch running again!

Nice! You brought it back to life. I am sure he would be pleased. 21 jewels no less.

 

[jamespowers]

thanks talbot! not really. i think most people don't care. only the guys who collect these accutron spaceview 214's, or had one in the 1960's/70's would probably comment. their first question would probably be, "is that a factory spaceview or a conversion?" if you don't already know, a conversion spaceview is when the "dial" is removed to expose the componants. people do this because they think they can get more money when they sell it. if you go to the "the accutron place" site you will find-out what a factory spaceview vs. a conversion is. thanks. steve.

I have a blue and black dial one around here somewhere. The sound they make kind of drives me nuts though.

 

[esteban68]

the Seiko looks great, money well spent, a grain of rice bracelet would look killer on that.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Went and had the Seiko serviced. $70 later, and she runs perfectly! It feels good to have my Great-Grandfathers watch running again!

They are an underrated watch. That's a very cool looking 5. 1970's?

 

[splintercellsz]

I think 60's, but I could be wrong!

 

[esteban68]

mid late 60's............ after the late 60's it was illegal to state waterproof( IIRC it was brought about in the USA first?) on a watch back etc as unless specifically a 'divers' watch with screwdown crown etc a watch could not be guaranteed waterproof! resistant yes but not proof...so any watch with waterproof on it will be late 60's or earlier...generally!

 

[Young fogey]

André Bouchard here. The man at the shop where I had it tuned up says early ’60s. A lookalike Timex gave up the ghost.