Bulova Accutron - Servicing a TECHNOLOGICAL MARVEL - My First Tuning Fork Watch

[@charlesthayer8668]

My Dad gave me his 214 in 1969. I wore it thru high school, college and med school. I found it in a drawer last year, put in a new battery and it ran. I grew up on a farm; it was exposed to real labor. I had it serviced. It’s now part of my regular rotation. I knew these were true marvels but didn’t really appreciate that until your video. Thank you!

[@derekmacieski3992]

I think every watch collection should have an ACCUTRON.

[@starfindings]

Just watched your great video once again. You checked the calendar turning only once. After you disassembled the calendar again, the reason it was getting stuck was NOT because of the oiling. The reason was because the date jumper spring was not all the way pushed down when inserted. Those pictures were outstanding..

[@mikeh5950]

Great video, thanks for making it

[@brendanfarthing]

Great video! Bulova has such an amazing history and amazing technical innovation. Shame they are not the company they once were. That watch is one of the classics.

[@brianblauvelt3142]

I have 2 Accutrons that haven't run for 35+ years. I should get them fixed! Nice to see the insides.

[@k-ozdragon]

It always amazes me that human hands not only built these watches, but that someone had to design them entirely. Every little mechanism, fitment, screw, etc... Not only that, but they had to come up with the idea to make them work. The entire process is simply stunning in scope. We can sit here and marvel over these being assembled, but taking the time to consider every part being made from raw parts to such precision is mind blowing. Not only that, but watch making went from an entire team of highly skilled artisans in each respective field to build each part, to condensing down to a small team of mostly jewelers who could design and build entire movements. I think the quartz revolution was a shame. It destroyed overnight an entire industry of highly skilled, extremely talented artisans. Moving highly accurate time pieces away from the everyman, and back into the domain of the ultra wealthy. We're lucky to have these old movements still available, while remaining somewhat affordable. They will soon become lost bits of technology, as they succumb to time and simple human carelessness. The same thing has already happened to fountain pens. We can't even make a flexible nib pen that was ultra common prior to 1960. The same era that mechanical watches began to decline as well.

[@brianblauvelt3142]

I have 2 Accutrons, and I am a fountain pen guy (I've got ~20).

[@k-ozdragon]

@@brianblauvelt3142 I'd love to get a working Accutron. Any you buy online at a decent price are almost guaranteed not to work unfortunately. Would love to get the Space View, but it's so expensive! Fountain pens are just too cool. I've used one since high school, & am in my early 40s now. It's crazy how they are a lost technology. None of the makers are able to make nibs that flex like the ones prior to the 60s. Similar to the American watch market. The Swiss are the only reason mechanical watches still exist. It's sad to see what was once the pinnacle of watchmaking relegated to cheap Walmart brands. Their reputations still carrying weight to this day, despite the companies being utterly unrecognizable from what they once were. It would be awesome to see a new American brand formed again. Our country still has so many talented machinists & engineers who could build quality parts. If low quality Chinese movements can still make money on mechanical movements, an American company certainly could too. We've done it with pens. There's a bunch of emerging American pen makers that have great products.

[@ericvillari8100]

The single biggest step forward in the history of timekeeping. The Accutron is a great example of “game over” technology for other mechanical watches. Cheap quartz is just that: cheap. But not better. Well done on the service too! I’m saving the video in case I ever get the motivation to do it myself with the two I have! Thanks a whole bunch!!

[@JEV1A]

I got so fed up with the day-date callender repair, I gave up. telling customers to go elsewhere if the callender fails. Another additional fact is when the original mercury cells were banned, Bulova never has said what the perfect battery is. Although the 344 is most often used now. 8000 turns of those coils and I'm claiming today most are at end of life. A little dust and a broken strand, coils are finished. I've been restoring 214 and 218s for a decade, and they continue to be as frustrating as ever. Found the link via My Bulova, thanks so much. JV Time & Again

[@gabotron94]

About the coils... I'm sure someone who winds or restores guitar pickups would have the patience and tools to take on one

[@fubarmodelyard1392]

The accutron is a remarkable watch. One day I will have mine repaired. The coils still vibrate but there's no movement going on

[@chetmyers7041]

Watchmakers must have infinite patience! Good job.

[@almolloy5817]

And I thought I was a hero by changing the battery in my vintage Spaceview! LOL

[@Cledus2000]

I just acquired an Accutron Rail Road from my grandfather's belongings last week. As I wait for the batteries to arrive, I am convinced after watching this that there is no way it could possibly still work having sat unused since at least the 1990s. Albeit, without the date wheel. Hoping for the best.

[@plhebel1]

I very much appreciate you making your set backs or mistakes relevant by not editing them out of the video. Beginners and even those experienced, working in almost any field, must understand that mistakes are part and parcel of human nature.

[@Walaki]

I absolutely love these technological marvels. Also I am lucky enough to own a 214 spaceview. Still fascinating that after 61years (M3 d.o.p) its still humming and running perfectly.

[@C_HILL_OUT]

I have an 1970 Accutron Spaceview and love that I can see the movement. I also have a 2020 Accutron Spaceview Redbar. Amazing watches!!

[@MrRoundel]

I've done 3-4 218 series Accutrons and am doing my first 214 now. They're very cool watches. Working on them is very much like microsurgery, methinks. One thing I like about the 214 is that you remove the magnetic fork before removing the train wheels, including the index wheel. That means that you can set the train wheels before putting the fork in. This makes setting the wheels into their respective lower plate jewels, as well as the bridge jewels, considerably easier. In addition, other than worrying about catching the index jewel/finger on something, you don't have to mess with positioning much, if at all. It's more set it and forget it than the 218 series. One thing for sure is that, as Bulova recommends, one must have a microscope to effectively work on these things. Thanks again for the clear and concise tutorial. Cheers.

[@bramweinreder2346]

I'm used to seeing a different channel. When you started the watch cleaning machine I fully expected a list of Patreons to scroll by 😅 What a great watch, and refreshing to hear the parts mentioned by their proper names so casually.

[@michaelfonseka7657]

It all came together in the end, Stirling effort Chris.❤😂🎉🎉🎉

[@zok1492]

I was with my father 50 years ago when he picked up his brand new Accutron from local jeweler in our small Midwest town. I remember him holding it to my ear so I could hear it hum. Was magical to me then. My mother gave it to me a number of years after he died. I treasure it , though I don’t wear it much because my wife bought me a smart watch for anniversary a few years ago. After watching your video, I’m getting a new battery and going to start wearing it again, Thanks CS.

[@christophervictoria4776]

Great story. However, given the situation, I recommend you get your watch serviced before you start wearing it again. The interval is up to 10 years, from what I've read. They're tough and they will run until they wear themselves out; they don't give you the signs like mechanical watches. Lots of good resources on the internet, as I'm sure you know. Good luck.

[@markn3586]

These watches are absolutely amazing given they were developed in the late 1950's. Quite an innovation.

[@michaelgardner800]

Bulova Accutron's are great watch's, my father worked for the N&W Railroad, he had a railroad approved pocket watch that he carried for many years back in the 40's, 50's and 60's. Years later he put that watch up for safe keeping and bought a N&W approved Bulova Accutron. He liked it so much he even bought one for our mother. After our parents passing some of my brothers and sisters had those watched past down to them. As for me I had different watches over the years while in serving a career in the Marines, then one day I bought this Seiko Kinetic back in the 90s, it was the best watch I had ever owned. I still have the watch, the last time I had the diode replaced back in 20 teens, it worked fine until I notices the inside works slowly moving out of place. I stop wearing it and put it away hoping to have it fixed one day. Enjoy watching your video's, thanks for sharing!

[@csspinner]

Michael, thank you for sharing! I had a kinetic for some time back in early 2000s. It was a fine watch and kept great time.

[@michaelgardner800]

Thanks@@csspinner

[@EnvAdam]

I typically only buy Seiko mechanical watches but I happened across a accutron 2, restored it to working order, lovely watch.

[@mstcrow5429]

Well, now I want to do this. Always wanted an Accutron.

[@robertlancaster8190]

I had one of those when I was stationed in Key West Florida, the fork vibrates at 360 hz the index wheel has 300 teeth so, it rotates at 72 rpm, they actually used that movement in early satellites…when my hearing was better, I could hear the index jewel pushing the index wheel one tooth at a time…

[@MyRetroWatches]

Really pleased you recorded this adventure Chris. I loved every minute and felt your frustration only too well being in those movements before. Funnily enough the 218 has a few variants all with slightly different characteristics in the keyless leading to even more frustration on assembly when you get it wrong! I see these types of movements so fascinating. The amount of R&D to take the concept to reality in the 60s is remarkable. You now need a 214 which is the original but you can then move onto the ESA versions often found in Omega tuning forks. Loved the angles you achieved to make this video including that close up shots of the teeth, I can’t imagine the power on the scope required ! Pleased you enjoyed this challenge so well done.

[@csspinner]

Thank you! Lots of long hours and late nights on this one trying to get it right. :)

[@hangtenboy]

Now I gotta watch Mike’s series too. He’s pretty good, eh?

[@csspinner]

@@hangtenboy he’s the best - I’ve learned a lot from him.

[@chrispurzer9461]

Awesome work! ...humbling technology. ....excellent narration and filming!!! Thank you for this.

[@WatchWithMike]

I just got one! Excellent video - I watched it when you launched it, but apparently didn't comment... Reboot! Let's get the BUZZ going about these fascinating electronic watches! 😁

[@csspinner]

They are a lot of fun! Can’t wait to see your experience with it.

[@Mitch.Wasserman]

I was a gemologist/jewelry store owner in a previous life 80s/90s, and it was so good to see this Accutron again. It sure brought back memories, especially the threaded back retaining ring and battery strap, and the upside down battery placement which is so different than today's quartz watches. Thanks for the informative video.

[@estorey1465]

wow wow wow, amazing video on the accutron, thanks

[@Kevins-Philippine-Retirement]

A real beauty and iconic piece or horology history. Thanks for the servicing video.

[@hockeyrd99]

Nice job. I have a few Accutrons in my collection, and as with all battery watches, I take the batteries out when not in use.

[@kenhelix4494]

Brilliant video. I have several of these, and an Omega, all non-functional. This video gives me the confidence to work on them. Once again, thanks.

[@vicrod5]

Thanks for showing the work, warts and all. I really appreciate the honesty and professionalism you show

[@skiegazer1953]

Thanks so much for making this video. I purchased a vintage Accutron on eBay last year, and after watching this service tutorial, now I feel more confident about servicing mine - and most of all, how to regulate it! Accutrons are truly a technological marvel even by today's standards!

[@csspinner]

Keep me updated with how it goes!

[@james5796]

I have an original Spaceview and when it works it hums!! But now it needs repair.

[@hdbicker]

Enjoyed every second of the video, can’t get enough and have watched it a few times, nice bro, cheers

[@nathanmoak1515]

i first saw and heard one in high school in 1965. a guy in my class had one. his father was a doctor. i had a 17 jewel manual wind ventura that cost $7.00. it kept excellent time for many years.

[@Bristol1]

Very nicely done! While I'm more into mechanical movements, ones such as this are fascinating and I would love to add one to my collection. Great video once again. Cheers!

[@scottthorning3963]

I've got an accutron I had re built it was made in 1973, it keeps great time too

[@jozsefizsak]

It's remarkable to finally see how these work after so many decades! I really had no idea beyond being aware of the tuning fork.

[@johnboyd7158]

I’m reassured by your comments regarding confidence and mental state. Great video

[@colsanjaybajpai5747]

Wonderful, I have been servicing 214/8... series and Esa 916 series for quite some time. You made it very simple. Great

[@yambo59]

That is one beautiful Accutron in great condition, I had an uncle back in the 70's/80's who had one very much like this but in silver and I was just amazed with the unique qne different way it operated compared to all other watches.

[@csspinner]

I could be wrong, but I don’t believe Bulova makes tuning fork watches anymore. They have an electrostatic out that’s supposed to be as revolutionary though

[@jlitwiller]

Great video! I've got a 1969 Accutron that I picked up at an estate sale. With a battery in it, it runs, but only the second hand moves. I plan on getting a bit more experience with mechanicals before trying to fix it, but I'll probably be coming back to this video, (and Mike's,) as a reference

[@csspinner]

Let me know how it goes!

[@andybrananigan6524]

It's one of the interesting hobbies that once you have great confidence in an area of watchmaking, the next step gives you that feeling of uncertainty and caution! I remember first starting on old Elgin pocket watches and when graduating to wrist watches it seemed so daunting! Now I'm taking apart A.S. and Jeanbrum movements like a breeze for servicing! Now stepping into the complications of a chronograph or an electric watch like this gives me that kind of cautious and daunting feeling again!

[@csspinner]

It’s so true. Amazing how you can still get the “beginner jitters” after all that time, with a new a unique movement.

[@michaelk4741]

Good work!!

[@MurrayC]

My dad's Bulova Accutron is on the desk in front of me, fascinating watches

[@csspinner]

Amazing technological achievement. One for the history books!

[@FredFlintstone1959]

You are better than a prof 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@SkyBlue-le7cd]

Wow, the technology was really impressive in light of the age of the watch. Good work too. Thanks for the video.

[@DanaTheInsane]

they were so state of the art they were literally used in satellites.

[@SkyBlue-le7cd]

@@DanaTheInsane Thanks for the info.

[@GentlemensWatchServices]

Excellent. Great video work too. I’ve always avoided these coz “here be dragons”, but after seeing this I’d definitely give it a go. Thank you.

[@WristwatchMedic1953]

It's a beautiful watch. You did a great job, even with the mistakes. Electric watches are pretty cool and accurate, but I haven't worked on any of them. Great video. Thank you

[@simonmellor781]

Great video. Thanks I loved the “one hour later” comment! Putting on the bridge is always a fun time….. it’s actually easier if you do the movement side first because you only have 3 pivots to locate. With the dial side done first, you then have to locate all 4 pivots in one go. Again- great video and many thanks.

[@csspinner]

Ahh that’s brilliant! I’ll remember that for the next one. Forgot about the removable bridge on the dial side

[@ramingo.craftsman]

Beautiful mechanical jewel

[@Alejandro1957]

That was my dream watch back in the 70s. The ads were so chick

[@richhowe4139]

I have an Accutron from around 1973 that my parents gave me. The advertising back then said "within one minute per month" and it was fabulous. My watch has no stem/crown, which was to show you didn't need to adjust the time. There is a small circular lever on the back that I can lift up to set the time. I sent it for servicing a couple of years ago and one thing they did for me was adjust the timing to work with today's batteries. The voltage was just a bit different on watch batteries from that era - I suspect that is one of the adjustments you made here, without acknowledging the possible reason, to get it to run at 2 seconds per day. It was good to see what is involved in taking one apart and clean/lubricate it. Thanks.

[@csspinner]

Rich, they are wonderful watches. The “pawl cam” is used to make those large adjustments. I noticed the cam as I have it now is different from what it was before. Likely due to the more modern battery

[@ygrbooks]

Thank you - again - for this superb video on a really special watch. I am learning so much from your work and love how quiet and thoughtful your presentation is. 👍👌👏!

[@csspinner]

Great to hear!

[@loutsont2985]

Very organised action, explanation and camera shots! Best I saw so far.

[@rowejon]

Great work.

[@durchwelday]

Mine gussl The new watch is great! I've praised its realism many times. I really recommend checking out their selection.

[@terrygillam2700]

Work of modern art

[@ehrenkrause9861]

Just like a battery operated mechanical watch quite different than your traditional quartz movement. Way cool

[@rickallen8158]

You did a great job of making this video; I know from experience the complications of doing something for the 1st time. When I got an Accuquartz 224 caliber several years ago, I removed the setting stem to remove the movement to clean under the crystal, when I went to re-install the stem I wasn't able to engage the set screw and the stem would not seat no matter how many times I tried. Turns out I had to disassemble a lot of parts to correct the problem, most difficult was the day/date calendar mechanism, as you showws in your video, never worked on one before as I am used to 214s; I finally got it back together and everything worked, I put it away and never messed with it again,,,

[@TexanUSMC8089]

This is the first video I've seen on the Accutron. I just thought it was a quartz movement.

[@christophervictoria4776]

Nice job! I own a 1965 Spaceview and it's a great watch. These movements are really amazing. I mean, that index wheel, how the hell did they make those? What, 3.2 mm in diameter? With 320 teeth?!? Not a one off, but made on a production scale, reliably. Done with, essentially, 1950s technology (all the engineering was done in the 50s). No computers, no CADD, no computer controlled machining. Astounding, really. Again, nice work!

[@csspinner]

Mind blowing . Isn’t it!? 😀

[@DanaTheInsane]

Drove the Soviets nuts trying to copy it. I'm still trying to get the clone the "Slava Transistor" @@csspinner

[@BeeUseful]

Hey thanks for the great Accutron Vid!

[@johnvaluk1401]

Thank you for the video. I for one have not tackled an accutron watch as of yet

[@moboei]

What an amazing movement I love it. Not into gold watches but that movement is a technical wonder.

[@coetroy]

Awesome! I’m a huge fan of the Accutron, I even own one, not as sweet and blingy as yours (yeah I’m a little jealous) I especially like their hum. We’ll done.

[@christmastavares8120]

You almost have talked into getting one of these watches.Good job and thank you for the video

[@williamharms7582]

Wow I love this motion it’s like a hybrid car power over mechanical

[@dalehammond1749]

I found a 1970's plain stainless Accutron (no day/date) at an estate sale for $1. It's in near mint external condition. I just ordered batteries for it and I hope it runs well. Very nice video.

[@csspinner]

Wow! What a find!

[@mauriceclemens3286]

I own an accustom too but mine isn’t a round type,it’s long and narrow. I bought it in 2014 and wear it occasionally. Beautiful watch that I wear as a dress watch.

[@larrykelly2838]

Very nice cleaning and restore, beautiful watch.

[@csspinner]

Thanks, Larry!

[@EnriqueOchoaMaldonado-uc8kl]

Es increíble, como desarmas y ya que quedó bien limpias todas las piezas del reloj, me gusta mucho como vas explicando paso a paso el ensamblaje del mismo..!! Se llevo mucho trabajo la restauración de ese reloj Bulova..!! Muy interesante documental..!! Excelente video.!! Saludos brother..!!

[@bobosdreams]

Thanks for posting this awesome video. It's superbly done. I just acquired an Accutron and an Accuquartz. The smooth second hand is mesmerizing. It's fascinating that a 50 yo electronic watch is still working and keeping time accurately. Your video is really informative. I want to get one or two more. Some days I may have to learn how to fix one.😅

[@YensonCorrea-c6p]

Que belleza de movimiento

[@Adrian2000ization]

That is so interesting video as well as painstaking work! Goog job! All this video I so warried that nothing did not breaks) You have such a platinum nerves) I love it, thanks for your hard work!

[@foxbatmotorsports]

Can't wait to send you my 1974 Accutron Astronaut II will be nice to have it running once again.

[@csspinner]

Sounds great! Hope all is well with you.

[@johnpenny2328]

Fantastic watches. You made it look easy.

[@csspinner]

Thanks, John!!

[@sandienochs6132]

Your dexterity literally makes my eyes hurt. I’m an old coin magician who has always prided myself on my skills. I could never do what you do,,,ever.

[@Sestorema]

I love Accutron🙂 Great job 👍

[@nathanhastings8293]

The original tuning fork design was patented by Jurgen Staudt . The mass production of these crystal etched to perfection was an intricate affair. It kept us busy even untill the early 2000s as R&D prooduction machinery designers.

[@marcuslieberman3577]

Chris, great video! I found a working SpaceView here in NJ! I love the whole history and Technology of it! Of Course the Sweep of the Seconds hand! I trying to learn watch repair, but hard to find time to delve into it. Accutron is a whole new realm of watch repair. Look forward to another video.

[@sheldonmeadows6142]

My Dad was a Bulova/Accutron dealer during the 60/70's and always found the Accutrons to be a challenge. Your video brought back great memories of my Dad and his amazing skills that you surely displayed. Thanks for your work and professionalism. Oh, I may have missed it somewhere, but I didnt catch the issue or problem that prevented its initial operation. Could you kindly point me to the time that it was mentioned and, thanks again.

[@benjaminepstein5856]

I really enjoyed this video! Thank you for walking us through your ups and downs in assembling and reassembling and reassembling this lovely piece of horology. Nearly all the accuracy of quartz with the charm and sophistication of a mechanical movement. It bespeaks a level of technical prowess and ingenuity that the folks at Bulova came up with something so out of the box. The indexing tines make me very nervous lol. Also, spring-to-mouth noise is mood. If you feel like it, I would love to listen to you get into more of the "how" of the Accutron vs. the more readily understood mechanical movement. In any event, thank you for sharing this!

[@csspinner]

Thank you, Ben!! I loved learning about the accutron and gained even more of an appreciation for the technology as I fumbled my way through it 😂

[@peterhoare3219]

Now I understand why most jewellers won't touch them with a barge pole

[@tervelp3852]

Great video, I really appreciate it! Keep it up!

[@rustyosgood5667]

The quality of this video (first I have seen on your channel) is outstanding! You were brave to tackle this unique movement but your bravery is well substantiated by your obvious skill. I collect these watches but am not an experienced watchmaker. I hope to use your video as a guide when I finally do decide to dive in deeper. At 60 years of age, I worry about my agility and hope to learn this craft before I am too old. Finding time is the challenge for me at the moment. I may reach out to you as a customer...if you are available in the near future.

[@FannieLaGreca]

Beautiful Chris!

[@AdamSmith-du1qr]

Wow, if that was what you call fumbling through a watch repair i hate to think what my amateur work on watches would be called! Another great video applying your expertise to a ground breaking movement of the time. Lovely work!👍

[@csspinner]

Thanks, Adam! I really appreciate that. :) - Chris

[@reneurquiza3957]

What a beautiful watch!!! , I have thing with this accutron watches

[@fieldie]

This is like watching the moment we lose beautifully engineered and designed car engines, to moving to electric! Yes its more efficient, but just the amazing mechanics are lost forever! This watch looks like the crossover point, like a Hybrid car!

[@csspinner]

Good analogy

[@tommyherbert3931]

I enjoy watching a craftsman doing his job. You are very knowledgeable about watchs. It's tedious work but you make it look easy. An excellent restoration. I have a Bulova Acturon the was given to me as a Christmas gift in 1971. It needs a thourgh cleaning and the correct battery for it. Beren out of service since 1996. Do you do restoration for the public. Please let me know. Thanks

[@lexmedic157]

Like to see another one and see how the adjustment is made. Seems like the fine toothed wheel would wear out.

[@ronl7131]

Accutrons are fun.

[@starfindings]

I have been repairing Accutrons since 1970 (54 yeas) after graduating from Bulova Watch School as well as worked at Bulova for a short period of time. I do a lot of trade work (for jewelry stores) as well a private customers. First of all, your video and pictures are terrific,. Couldn't be better! However you kept complaining about the brass tweezers which haven't been used in years (don't even know if they are still available). Using antimagnetic tweezers are so much better (Dumont #2C and Dumont #5). When you inserted the battery, you never tightened the top battery strap screw which could have solved your whole problem with the watch not working. If it didn't run with tightening the screw, you should have listened for a hum, indicating that the coils are good. From your video, the watch was perfectly clean which you removed so much that was not necessary. Btw, when loosening screws for the dial half to one turn is good enough. All in all, I'm glad it worked out for you. As I said, the video was terrific..

[@rickallen8158]

It should be Obviously to anyone who has ever working on an Accutron 214, 218, etc., that this was a running watch to begin with but was said to be not running for the purpose of making a repair video, nothing wrong with that, it's all part of the semantics of making a video, he did a good job with it,,,

[@christopherprince3250]

Awesome watch.

[@pjoe1950]

I could never do what you just did. That's why I send my watches out and the onlly thing I will ever do is change batteries.

[@vintagewatches-pk]

Nice Vintage Watch....!

[@sonnymoorehouse1941]

I suggest some file work on your brass tweezers, its amazing how much better they work when you square up the edges, I tape them tight closed before I start working on them. then you can true them up and make top and bottom equal width and thickness,

[@csspinner]

Thanks, Sonny! I saw your Facebook post about it and plan to take your advice on this

[@sonnymoorehouse1941]

@@csspinner I guarantee that you will be pleased with results, I used a sanding block and started rough shaping with 180 grit finished shaping with 320 then used grits until I finished with 2000 grit, then polished with brasso metal polish. I did true up mating surface lightly with folded over 180. with a pulling out stroke. while pressing tweezers shut. just to make sure they didnt have any large casting bumps, Nuts I know. but I can pick up the smallest jewel retaining screws with them now with a feeling of confidence.