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Help with non-working vintage Bulova Accutron.

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herf79

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Greetings great horologists!

So I recently acquired this Bulova Accutron module 229
N6 from 1976. Unfortunately it doesnt work. When I put in new batteries I noticed that one of the battery hatches has one clip missing (see picture) which, if I understand it correctly, could stop the watch from working. My questions are if this might be the case with my watch and if so is there a workaround instead of sourcing a new/old clip? All input is welcomed. Thanks!
/herf

Image
 
#2 ·
Maybe you could try stuffing some tin foil, between the hatch and battery.
Battery might not last as long as normal, because the electrical resistance of the foil is probaly higher then the copper clip.
But it should work.
 
#3 ·
I would try to find a small piece of brass or some wire and bend/file a spring that's good enough to know if it works at all. If it works, I'd find one in very poor shape for sale and steal the battery spring off of that.

I don't know these Computrons so well, but the left battery slot looks like it has a foam insulator at the bottom that has degraded. Consider a very thin piece of plastic below the battery prongs to prevent shorting.
 
#5 ·
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#6 ·
I know for people who restore those LCD Quartz watches, your issue is common. Unfortunately there aren’t that many who do that type of restoration.
Finding a replacement part is ideal, but knowing what to search for, let alone what exactly to look for is problematic. You could try the electrician solution, and attempt to complete the circuit on the battery, but then you have to deal with potential shorting, battery degradation, and who knows what else.
I remember my dad dealing with a short in the automotive fuse box with a chewing gum wrapper, but… it actually might work, both were 70’s technology.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
ArchieGoodwin said:
Wondering if it's the same part as for a 214? If so...part # 99028.

I've no connection to the seller of the part below, just showing where the part may be acquired.

www.ebay.com

Vintage Bulova Accutron 214 tuning fork watch battery hatch spring part #99028 | eBay

Rare authentic original Bulova Accutron watch 214part #99028 for sale. This is an original Bulova Accutron tuning fork watch part from the 1960s/70s.
www.ebay.com
Click to expand...
Thank You so much for the tip. Part ordered:) Living in Sweden made shipment a bit over the top. Found another seller that offeredfree shipping. But you really helped me by finding the part. Fingers crossed it works.
 
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herf79
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