Accutron 214 Repair

ACCUTRON HOME | SITE MAP | Back to SERVICES MENU

Accutron 214 Repair Services

FULLY INSURED - 1 YEAR GUARANTY (Parts and Labor)

Specializing In The Cleaning, Repair And Restoration
of First Edition Accutron Tuning Fork Timepieces.

Restoration process photo page: click here

214 REPAIR/RESTORATION PRICE LIST - CLICK HERE

Please Click Here For The Latest Schedule Information

I work on first edition 214 caliber Accutron tuning fork watches only. If need be, I will help you to verify that your Accutron is a 214 before you send it for repair.

The 214 is set from the rear of the case by lifting a spring loaded "C" shaped lever. Also on the rear of the case is a slotted hatch cover which unscrews to access the battery. If your Accutron has these features it is a 214. Click on the thumbnail image (left) to see a larger photo.

The Repair Process

Contrary to popular belief, the grade of stainless steel used for watch cases will rust over a period of years. Water gets in between the metal parts where it can stay wet for days. The inevitable result is shown in these photos.

The repair process begins with the the disassembly and ultrasonic cleaning of all case parts. Rust and/or corrosion (if any) is then removed with hand tools and wire brushes.

A new gasket is installed on the battery hatch, and the cover is re-assembled. Full or partial restoration is also available at additional cost. The original graining on any 214 cover can be restored to factory specs as follows.

The angled surfaces on the cover, setting stem, battery hatch, and outer lock ring are buffed to a brilliant shine. The straight graining on the flat part of the rear cover is restored with special care taken to preserve the depth and crispness of engravings. The circular graining is restored on the setting stem, & battery hatch.

The photo above left is a typical 214 cover. Adjacent is a before/after composite and the photo above right shows the same cover fully restored. For most covers, all but the deepest scratches are removed and even the deep ones are less noticeable.

Most basic 214 dials have a factory applied clear coat finish that after decades has become fragile due to age. The old lacquer, whether tinted or clear is often crazed and is prone to flaking off which can result in a patchwork of different colors and missing printing.

Furthermore, what can appear to be dirt spots to an owner are usually corrosion blooms from the base metal under the lacquer and plating. True dial restoration can only be accomplished by professional dial restorers who have the silk screen equipment and literally hundreds of screens to strip and restore a dial to it's original state.

The above clear coat issues are not a problem with more durable enamel dials. Examples are the standard black Astronaut and white Railroad Approved models.

The movement is taken apart. All metal parts are ultrasonically cleaned. The movement is then re-assembled lubricated, and adjusted. Finally, the dial and hands are installed on the movement. The assembly is then put back into its case, a new gasket is installed, and the cover is closed. The watch is then observed for approximately 2 weeks, during which time, fine adjustments can be made to the movement. Optional buffing of the bezel is available at additional cost.

CAUTION: If you found an old Accutron in a drawer and put a battery in it, you may be quite pleased to find that it runs, but may I suggest that you remove the battery immediately, and have the watch serviced before it self destructs. For an explanation please visit the Q & A Page

See the information at: http://www.accutron214.com/AccutronBattery.htm

BASIC 214 (non hacking) REPAIR / RESTORATION PRICE LIST
Prices do not include replacements for damaged or missing parts.

*REQUIRED SERVICE: $150.00 plus parts
Cleaning, lubrication, and adjustment of the movement to work correctly with a readily available 1.5V battery
Disassembly and cleaning of the case. (bezel, back cover, battery hatch, setting stem, and threaded lock ring)
Installation of replacement parts (if any)
Crystal polish (restores transparency and shine, does not remove scratches)
New 387S Energizer battery
New gaskets
New stainless steel spring pins for your band or bracelet
One year guarantee (parts and labor)
*Regulator diode may be required at additional cost

DEPOSIT - ALL MODELS:
A deposit of $50.00 is required. The deposit will cover the cost of inspection and return shipping should you decide not to proceed with the repair & restoration. The deposit will be applied to the total if repair is authorized.

OPTIONAL SERVICES

COIL MODIFICATION:
Install regulator diode to reduce battery voltage to 1.3 volts: $50. (optional for most 214's) (required on over-active movements)

CRYSTALS:
Sand, buff, & polish old crystal: $20.00 (removes all but the deepest scratches)
New Generic Crystal; $20
New-Old-Stock Crystal; $45.00 and up

RESTORATION SERVICES

STAINLESS STEEL BEZELS:
Buff stainless steel bezel: $95.00

GOLD & GOLD FILLED BEZELS:
Gently buffed & polished: $75.

REAR COVERS: **
Full Restoration Includes: Buff all angled surfaces, restore straight and circular graining on rear cover, setting stem and battery hatch. Buff stainless lock ring - $150.00

Partial Restoration: Buff angled surfaces and restore circular graining on setting stem and battery hatch - $95.00

214 DIALS: *
Remove old luminous, clean dial and apply fresh high-glow luminous paint: $35.00

LUMINOUS HANDS: *
Rust Free: Clean, and apply fresh high-glow luminous paint: $75.00
Rusted: Clean, clear coat, and apply fresh luminous paint: $95.00

METAL BRACELETS:
Ultrasonic cleaning: $10.00

PLEASE NOTE: Because each restoration project is unique, firm quotes can only be given after careful inspection.

* Ultra-bright, long lasting, long glowing Strontium Aluminate crystals.
** Same as original factory finish. Removes or hides all but the deepest scratches.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Martin Marcus
5 Laurel Court
Marblehead, MA 01945 (781) 639-0442

e-mail: martin@accutron214.com

Site Map

Please be advised that I almost never get up from my microscope to answer the phone which seems to ring constantly, even on weekends.
I do however, reply to my e-mail every evening, so that's the best way to contact me. Simply click on the link above.

For those of you who hate to type, feel free to call and leave a message on my answering machine, but don't forget to leave your e-mail address.
Please spell out the address slowly, enunciate clearly, and indicate whether there are any special characters such as dashes, underscores, or capital letters.

I always try to reply to e-mail on the day in which it was received, so if you don't hear from me within one business day,
it's probably because I didn't get your correct e-mail and my message was returned as undeliverable.

I regret that I simply don't have the time to return either phone calls, or e-mails from people who are just looking for information, or advise.
There are just too many of you, and my first priority is to keep from falling behind on my repairs.

Questions? Send eMail

If you phone please spell out your e-mail address slowly, enunciate clearly,
and indicate whether there are spaces or capital letters.

Work Spaces

Click on the thumbnails for a larger image, then use your back button to return

Ultrasonic Cleaning