Advices on buying an Accutron 214, having it serviced & accuracy
by Eric Grafton - Quality Time - 856.931.5113 - qytime@aol.com
214 Service
I'd like to answer some questions I've received from several Accutron 214 enthusiasts.
My Accutron 214 movements are NOT modified in ANY way that changes the original electrical and mechanical operation of the watch. The adjustment I make is commonly referred to as "phasing" a movement to run properly on the current available battery. Phasing may require that I exchange forks or coils to achieve a "winning" combination, this in no way alters the originality of the watch. That being said, there are a few Accutron 214 movements that may require the addition of a diode to help lower the voltage through the coil.
There are others on the web who claim they have the largest Accutron 214 collection available. This may be true but it's nothing more than a collection of running movements, poorly done conversions or Accutron 214s that aren't serviced and the seller lacks the ability to properly service them. I'll be happy to share what I know so you can steer clear of purchasing a poor quality Accutron 214.
PLEASE NOTE: Eric Grafton is not affiliated with any other Accutron Spaceview or Accutron 214 repair facility. Quality Time / Eric Grafton is the first and only accutronspaceview.com web address. Others may have similar URLs but few provide the level of expertise, care, professionalism or knowledge that Eric Grafton does. Quality Time specializes in Spaceviews and 214 Accutrons.
Accuracy
Many Accutron 214 enthusiast believe their 35+ year old Accutron should run as accurate as it did new. The guarantee made by Bulova for 214 Accutrons was plus or minus 1 minute a month. Unfortunately the small print in the ads reads "Guaranteed 1 minute a month accurate for a period of 1 year" Yes, that's correct, 1 year from the date of purchase on a new watch. This guarantee required repeated trips (often 4-6 times) to the dealer for adjustment and the watch needed to be worn daily. It's unrealistic to think a vintage watch only guaranteed for 1 year when purchased new can run that accurate 40 years later. My restored and serviced 214 Accutrons typical run within 2-4 minutes a month. This accuracy is exactly what's expected of a modern $4,000 Swiss Chronometer.
Availability
Another issue I'd like to address is my current availability of restored 214 Accutrons. I do have many completely restored and serviced 214 Accutrons currently available. Please email or call and I'll be happy to provide photos, price and details.
If you're looking for a pristine example of a specific 214, I'll be happy to accommodate you, I only ask for your patience. I often compare my work to that of an artist and not a job. The demand for these watches has increased tenfold and my work would suffer if I were to just "crank" them out like so many others do.
Please call me at 856.931.5113 or email me at qytime@aol.com and I'll be happy to help you to decide the right watch for you. Generally speaking if I don't already have the watch restored it'll take 2-3 weeks for the watch you're looking for to be completed. It's a short amount of time to ask for something you'll enjoy for many years to come.
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