Accutron Astronaut

amphib44 · May 16, 2023

Hello,
I'm in possession of a mid-60's Accutron Astronaut with a dead battery. I've taken it to the watchmaker that services all of my mechanical watches, but he is unable (or unwilling) to replace the battery. Apparently the old type of battery isn't available anymore.

My understanding is that the movement needs to be "re-phased". What is the process necessary to re-phase the movement to allow it to take a more modern battery?

Thanks very much...

rcs914 · May 16, 2023

I think @Canuck may be able to answer this question

X350 XJR · May 16, 2023

Accucell Accutron battery.

duc · May 16, 2023

Battery change is pretty simple. Plastic tweezers and the correct replacement. If more is needed, Jarett has done a couple of restorations for me. The price is very reasonable and the quality is tip top: Sales and Service of Hamilton Electric Watches, Accutrons & Others (unwindintime.com)

Battery: 387S Amazon.com: Energizer 387S Button Cell Silver Oxide Watch Battery Pack of 5 Batteries : Health & Household

Edit: Put the positive side down when you install the battery.

redpcar · May 16, 2023

http://www.julesborel.com/products/batteries-watch-batteries-accucell-batteries/bulova-acc-1-battery

Accucell uses a 395 battery, a diode and a brass cap to achieve the 1.35V. Web site says 1.55V but is a misprint.

Walrus · May 16, 2023

amphib44
Hello,
I'm in possession of a mid-60's Accutron Astronaut with a dead battery. I've taken it to the watchmaker that services all of my mechanical watches, but he is unable (or unwilling) to replace the battery. Apparently the old type of battery isn't available anymore.

My understanding is that the movement needs to be "re-phased". What is the process necessary to re-phase the movement to allow it to take a more modern battery?

Thanks very much...

Cool how does yours look. I just picked up a 67 that is at my watchmakers he should be able to straighten it out if not I’m going to mail it out. The suggestions above should be fine. Don’t have mine now but I think I still have the picture. Looking forward to getting it going they are nice looking watches with a cool history. No original bracelet I’m thinking it might look nice on leather

SpeedyPhill · May 17, 2023

Read: https://omegaforums.net/threads/accutron-214-astronaut.85321/

drunkenseamaster · May 20, 2023

amphib44
Hello,
I'm in possession of a mid-60's Accutron Astronaut with a dead battery. I've taken it to the watchmaker that services all of my mechanical watches, but he is unable (or unwilling) to replace the battery. Apparently the old type of battery isn't available anymore.

My understanding is that the movement needs to be "re-phased". What is the process necessary to re-phase the movement to allow it to take a more modern battery?

Thanks very much...

Many 214 movements will run acceptably on modern silver oxide 394 or 387S (394 in a plastic spacer) batteries. My '66 Astronaut is about +2 seconds/day on the wrist using a 394/387S.

Also, Accutrons can be adjusted positionally (12 o'clock up to slow down a few seconds/day, 6 o'clock up to speed up).

drunkenseamaster · May 20, 2023

Walrus
. . .
No original bracelet I’m thinking it might look nice on leather
. . . ]

They're not cheap, but Forstner sells a modern version of the "bullet" bracelet which is nice (I have it on my Astronaut pictured above). It doesn't have the curved end-links of the originals, but since the bezel overhangs on the Astronaut, you can't see where the bracelet meets the case, anyway. Per the other Astronaut thread, Forstner's Komfit also works for an authentic '60s look.

Walrus · May 20, 2023

drunkenseamaster
They're not cheap, but Forstner sells a modern version of the "bullet" bracelet which is nice (I have it on my Astronaut pictured above). It doesn't have the curved end-links of the originals, but since the bezel overhangs on the Astronaut, you can't see where the bracelet meets the case, anyway. Per the other Astronaut thread, Forstner's Komfit also works for an authentic '60s look.

Oh shoot thanks I thought they were more. I was reading the U2 pilots often wore the komfit I have one for a seamaster I like but sometimes it gets snagged on things, not often just a couple times now I need to rethink this. I see some on leather that look pretty good which is why I was going to go in that direction but honestly that’s not a lot more than you pay for a “good” leather strap. Now I’m in a quandary.

Accutron Astronaut

amphib44

rcs914

X350 XJR

duc

redpcar

Walrus

SpeedyPhill

drunkenseamaster

drunkenseamaster

Walrus

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