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Accutron Anomalies
Even though a vintage Accutron keeps perfect time for us here on the timing equipment and through all our testing, it can exhibit irregularities once shipped. Just for information, here are a few things we've learned over the last 20 years of handling antique electronics.
There are many things that affect the timekeeping in these watches. Most of them didn't even exist in the 1960s and 1970s when these watches were produced.
Airplane cabin pressures can cause serious damage--crystals can come off and damage the hands.
Of course, airport security scans (whether on the belt, in the suitcase, or on the wrist) will often stop the watch entirely and necessitate repairs.
Also scanning devices (such as those found in grocery and home improvement stores) will affect the timekeeping because of the rare earth magnets in the movement.
All sorts of medical equipment will stop an antique Accutron, but particularly exposure to x-ray and diagnostic machines, such as MRI type devices.
Moisture and extreme changes in temperature can cause problems, such as moving in and out of air conditioned buildings during very humid summer days may cause condensation under the crystal (which needs to be addressed immediately).
High altitudes can cause minor variations in timekeeping, but not permanent damage.
Extreme cold or extreme heat can cause timekeeping problems.
We've found that copper bracelets, worn for arthritis, can interfere with the timekeeping of these watches as well, and probably many similar things we're still learning about.
When taking the watch off at night, rest it on a cloth or other soft surface. Resting the watch on a wooden or other hard surface can cause variations in timekeeping accuracy from minutes per day, to hours. This is because the silver oxide batteries used today deliver voltage differently than the original mercury batteries and hard vibrations against solid objects interfere with the normal rhythmic vibration of the tuning fork.
Jim, in Loveland, Ohio recently discovered timekeeping irregularities with his 2182 model Accutron whenever he rested it near his telephone answering machine. He moved the watch to a different location and the problem stopped.
When new, these watches, (equipped with a 1.35V Mercury battery), were considered "self starters", which meant that after installing the battery and closing the back/door, it would immediately begin running. That's not always the case with the Silver Oxide batteries used today. Often the watch will require a slight "thump" on the 9 o'clock side after installing a battery. This will start the tuning fork vibration, and then the new battery will continue that motion.
If you've noticed something strange that affects the accuracy of your vintage Accutron, let us know and we'll try to add it to this list.
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