[rollerberg2000]

Hello all,
Glad to have found this forum!

I was a semi-serious collector back in the 80s and 90s, had a pretty good collection going (around 20+ or so), and lost interest around the same time my then wife lost interest in me...:blush:

At the end of 2017, I started digging through some of my old boxes and came across the only two Accutrons I had managed to keep.

Researching what it would take to get this one running led me to this forum:

1974 Mickey Mouse 218 I've had since 1989 or so. I took it to one of the remaining Accutron watchmakers I knew to get it repaired and authenticated.

And now the monster is loose!

I've spent the past month looking for 214's and I'm quite shocked at what the prices are after having been out of the market for 20 years!

On the flip side, I did not have access to such a valuable resource as WTF back then, so I'm really enjoying the shared wisdom!

I'll be posting pics on this page as I find treasures, any comments or insight will be appreciated!

 

[ArchieGoodwin]

Greetings Jeff. Glad to see you here.

Eric

 

[Spaceview M2]

Welcome to the WTF.

 

[oliverb]

Nice Mickey! I know a guy who has 2 brand new factory original Mickey dialed movements. Haven’t been able to convince him to part with one.

 

[rollerberg2000]

My "mission" for the last couple of months has been to replace a beloved Astronaut that mysteriously grew legs and left my desk years ago. I was in for some sticker shock to say the least.

I did manage to snag this one, not running.....

 

[rollerberg2000]

The case back was very firmly adhered, it took some work too get it off. Lots of scratches on the movement, was surprised the ink was still present inside the case back!

Looking at some of the previous stickies regarding Astronauts, this would appear to be the silver "enhanced" dial with Dauphine radium markers. The minute hand has the "bent tip" indicating it is original and not a replacement.

Any info as to whether or not these components are correct would be appreciated!

 

[Spaceview M2]

Nice Astronaut "L"/w Silver Enhanced Dial.

The only thing I can see that may have been replaced at one time is the Astronuat 214HN pillar plate. Having observed these watches for awhile now, I am guessing that 30-40% of all astros selling out there don't have a correctly 214HN pillar plate. Some may have been replaced due to issues(battery corrosion etc), others may have not been installed at all with that stamping and I know of some circumstances where sadly, they were removed and swapped out with regular Stamped 214 pillar plates by repair persons looking to keep the best parts out of your watch without you knowing it. 214HN pillar plates are very hard to come by so the reasons why not all Astros come with that correct stamping are numerous. That being said, I don't see your pillar plate stamped 241HN. It may be and I can't see the HN stamping which many times is 'faint' an hard to see. Other then that it looks pretty correct for that model watch (dial,hands etc).

***Note: 214HN Pillar Plates are unique to accutron Astronauts only. Also, there are kits out there to make any 214 movement work properly in an Astronaut watch.

214HN Stamped Pillar Plate example:

Your Pillar Plate:

 

[rollerberg2000]

Thank you very much for your insight!
I learned about the "HN" designation only recently while looking for an Astro.
Who knows, maybe even the one I had years ago was a retrofit???

I would not say I'm devastated to learn it's not the original movement. I'm sure I will enjoy it regardless.

I wore it all day with no battery, I was just happy having an Astronaut on my wrist!

Just a few hours ago, I went to my stash:

Well over 20 years ago, when our benevolent govmt decided Accutron (mercury oxide) batteries would topple civilization as we know it, I snatched up all of these batteries I could get my hands on.

Lo, all these years since, I've managed to hang on to them, transferring them from one refrigerator to the next as if safeguarding embroyos for future generations.

Would you believe this old Astro jumped right to life and (so far) is keeping time?

And don't berate me, I have seen on this forum that is a sacriledge, you should NOT install a battery on a watch with unknown service record, but I could not help myself!!!!!

 

[ArchieGoodwin]

Rollerberg wrote, "....transferring them from one refrigerator to the next as if safeguarding embroyos for future generations."

:lol:
You're our best hope, for humanity! :thumbup1:
:001_smile:

Eric

 

[watchabit]

Good job Rollerberg! Damn good bracelet too. I would've popped one of those batteries in, in a heartbeat.

 

[rollerberg2000]

1969 YGF textured and brite polish cushion case 214 with YGF Champion mesh bracelet. Recently serviced and new crystal by John Miller.

 

[Spaceview M2]

Recently serviced and new crystal by John Miller.

So is John Miller located near you?

 

[rollerberg2000]

Yes, he's about 20 minutes from me, we've been meeting in a grocery parking lot like drug dealers. I'm pretty sure we are under surveillance :cool1:

 

[rollerberg2000]

1972 Lady Accutron YGF with fancy lugs and red sweep second hand. I have a really tough time finding things my wife likes, was very pleased she likes this one. New coil and battery, it's ready to go!

 

[oliverb]

1972 Lady Accutron YGF with fancy lugs and red sweep second hand. I have a really tough time finding things my wife likes, was very pleased she likes this one. New coil and battery, it's ready to go!
View attachment 175409 View attachment 175417

That’s one model I have oft admired!

 

[rollerberg2000]

Thanks!
It's only the second lady Accutron I've physically had my eyes on, I don't know if they are rare, or, as a guy they fly under the radar.
I bought it for next to nothing, my wife liked it and wanted to wear it non-running, I couldn't take that however. These babies should hum!

 

[ArchieGoodwin]

I have several vintage Accutrons for my wife. However, presently none of them are running :-( They need attention. It seems I never have any luck with 2210 or 2300 movements.

Eric
________

Thanks!
It's only the second lady Accutron I've physically had my eyes on, I don't know if they are rare, or, as a guy they fly under the radar.
I bought it for next to nothing, my wife liked it and wanted to wear it non-running, I couldn't take that however. These babies should hum!

 

[oliverb]

Back a few years ago the Lady Accutrons were really cheap. The 214 was “THE ACCUTRON” to have and most others were ignored, especially the Lady Accutrons. My luck with the 230 and 221 has been mostly the opposite. My daughter and each grand daughter now have one, my wife has a few and I have several others. Haven’t added to that part of my collection for some time though.

 

[accutronredux]

IMHO an Accutron collection should have at least one example...

 

[rollerberg2000]

This one is nice, a 66 SS 214 with "bow tie" lugs. I had a SS period correct bracelet to install, but I like the contrast with the black strap better.