The timer marked man’s first step on the moon as 2:56:19am GMT, July 21, 1969. The most notable was the use of 3 Accutron devices on the Gemini II mission and the Accutron timer on the seismometer on Apollo 11 which marked man’s first landing on the moon. Even before the first consumer wrist watch was introduced, Bulova has been serving NASA programs since 1958, providing the same Accutron movement as a timer aboard communication satellites. The name could perhaps be traced back to its earlier applications on Spacecrafts. But it garnered so much interest that Bulova quickly decided to turn that design into a production piece, and named it the Spaceview. When the Accutron was first released, the Spaceview was simply a marketing display design to give customers a glimpse into the working concept of a tuning fork movement. It hums.” That was the advertising line in the 1960s. Inspired by a vintage Spaceview she picked up recently, follow her as she delves into the mysteries of this amazing watch. I can't prove this nor can I find any articles on this possible phenomenon.Editor: Our Technical Chief takes a close look at the Bulova tuning fork as an interesting engineering feat to create a different kind of watch movement. I have a AV Model 218 from 1966 and during the cold months it will lose a few minutes and even stops but during summer runs perfectly. Many times a Accutron will react differently to the environment around it. These are the two most common problems I see. Many times I see the clutch corroded and frozen by the old oil that sat for decades. The only point of lubricant Bulova recommends is at the clutch wheel so the hands don't freeze up. Most of the Accutron's I see have not had service in many years or many I see have never had service. Also there is a clutch that controls the hands that needs oil. Again low voltage because of coil failure can cause this or even a battery with low strength. And to change out Tuning Forks and to recalibrate takes a master Watchmaker is which I'm not.Īnother common problem I see is that the movement hums but hands are no longer moving. A gentle touch of a Accutron coil can break a coil thread that is 1/10 the size of a human hair. So therefore I decided myself to simply change out the movement entirely than to attempt coil replacements. ![]() In most cases it was easier for Jewlelers to send the watch back to the factory for a movement replacement instead of full disassembly for a coil replacement. If the hum fades away and stops and the battery is good, then the watch most likely has failing coils or something within the electronics has gone bad.īulova did not make it easy for watchmakers and jewelers to repair Accutrons. Gently tap at the 3pm position with a ball point pen and you should hear a hum. Movements that are going bad and have tired failing coils and electronics may need a kickstart. Again, instantly you should hear a hum and the movement running. Turn strap back into position and under screw mount and tighten. Now check for any corrosion on the positive side you place the battery now into the chamber. ![]() The 218 requires a jewelers flathead screwdriver to half turn and unscrew the hold down screw on the cell strap. If not carefully check the battery for voltage. Once the hatch makes contact with the negative side of the battery, you should instantly hear the hum of the tuning forks. Now make sure the battery and plastic sleave are seated correctly. Make sure the power cell cover hatch that you screw on and off is clean and the gasket not corroded. For the 214 there are many other considerations. Remember when installing, both movements require the batteries to be mounted with Positive Side Down position and Negative Side up position. ![]() For the 218 movement a 344 will work well. So today for the 214 Movement I use the 387-S. So watchmakers and jewelers had to come up with alternatives and try to attempt to match the same voltage. The original batteries were mercury and were banned. The most common problem I see on my bench are the batteries. Max Hetzel of Basel, Switzerland whom joined the Bulova Watch Company in 1950 invented the incredible Accutron. I won't go into the entire history of the Accutron but it most certainly is rightfully acclaimed in Horological History as the most accurate watch in the world released October of 1960. Bulova has opted for more a conventional and modern manual or automatic movement and their new Tuning Fork movements is a refined more modern approach to vintage Accutron's. There is very little in common with a 214 and 218 Tuning Fork Movements. "I feel now after a decade of vintage timepiece restoration and service on Accutron's, I can finally put to rest some of the crazy rumors and fallacies about these wonderful timepieces." I'm sure you have noticed the new swiss Bulova's with the Accutron logo.
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