I am forwarding two photos of a Bulova Accutron watch, which I believe was assembled in 1974 (N4 on the back). Serial number is IO58988. Note that it has a date indicator - Question: does this make the watch a Model 218D?
The hour and minute hands do not move, even with a new battery; therefore, the date wheel is also inoperative.
A local watchmaker told me that there might be a short circuit (he can hear a humming sound) and that he doubts that the watch is economically repairable. Another watch repairman also suspects a short circuit. Both of these people mention the word "coil" in their diagnosis.
Based on these very sketchy notes, I would appreciate your comments.
I would like to have the watch repaired, but of course do not want to spend more than what it would be worth after repairs. Could you direct me to a watchmaker close to Fairfax, VA?
In reply to Merely touching the 300 by Reverend Rob
I have been fortunate in paying low prices for most of my Accutrons so I can gamble a little with market value when I have to pay for service. My friend and I have used a gentleman here in the U.S. for some of our Accutron repair. For normal servicing, he only charges $59. Unfortunately, he will not accept any more Accutron customers as he only does those in his spare time, having service contracts for a few jewelry stores. Turn-around time may be as short as a month or so or as long as six months. You never know.
I may have a first rate expert on the watch that can do the repairs but I will have to contact him and see if he is willing to take on another job. I will get back to you tomorrow since I will be talking to him this evening and can ask then. I will try to get an approximate cost if possible and may be able to get the answer to the other questions we have as well.
In reply to I may have a first rate by JP
Thanks!
In re-reading the string, I noticed that your watch people said it might have a short circut because they could hear a humming. The watch is supposed to humm, it is a tuning fork watch and they don't tick they humm. Can you show us the back of the watch?? It should have a place to remove and replace the battery if it is a true accutron tuning fork watch.
In reply to In re-reading the string, I by JP
Since that watch has a Date window, it would be a 218 or 219 caliber if it's a true tuning fork Accutron. No battery hatch on those case backs. The entire case back must be removed to replace the battery. Most 218/219 Accutrons had the Date window at the 4 o'clock position but some did have the mvt. rotated so the date window would be at the 3 o'clock position.