Have you even wanted to show your friends and relatives the Tuning Fork in your watch? Unless you have a spaceview that's hard to do - Until Now!...We can now provide a window for the back of your Accutron watch called a SPACEBACK! The original back will remain unmodified should you want to use it again. Click the picture below to see before/after pictures. Pricing is available by using the "Basic Estimate" link above.
Fix your watch right
or use our CONTACT FORM
Or TEXT US at any time for fastest response
Watch Problems? Whether Tuning Fork/ Mechanical/ Auto/ Quartz or Chronograph
we've got you covered.
WE CAN FIX IT!
since 1995
For a limited time save $20 on each watch repair when 2 or more are sent in together. If Using our online store to complete your service order there is a check box for this feature to give you the $20 off.
WATCH SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS
our shipping address is:
Budget Accutron Service
5036 Dixie Hwy., STE#822
Waterford, MI 48329
Use Bubble wrap and a box - no original boxes please. Send using US priority mail, Fedex, or UPS with signature. Include a note with instructions and contact information. You can also place an order for your service online below with the option to pay by paypal. Click below to see our online store and pricing options:
New: You now have the option to order Polishing, Refinishing and Plating for your watches. See Store above for details.
If your Accutron, Tuning Fork, Mechanical, or Quartz watch has stopped functioning properly or has not been serviced in a while, you have come to the right place for watch repair. We specialize in fixing any type of Accutron watch, regardless of how stubborn the issue may be. Our expertise also extends to repairing complex Chronograph watches and Pocket watches. In fact, major OEM watch companies and jewelry stores use and recommended our services for conventional and tuning fork watches that they need help with. We provide a high-quality yet affordable alternative to costly OEM servicing. While your watch is in our care, we treat it with the same level of concern and attention that you have as the owner. We thoroughly clean, lubricate, and adjust your watch to ensure it functions properly, maintains accurate timekeeping, and avoids excessive wear.
If you own a Rolex and are weary of paying $1000+ for basic service, we offer a 2-year warranty at less than half that cost, without compromising on superior service and reliability. Each and every part is meticulously cleaned, lubricated, and adjusted to ensure optimal performance. Part that have reached the end of their service life are replaced with genuine Rolex parts.
Our service includes a two-year warranty for proper time-keeping. Timing for Accutron and Tuning Fork watches is adjusted to within ± 2sec/day or better. Conventional watches are adjusted for timing, amplitude, beat error, and position. Timing is targeted to +/-10sec per day depending on movement design capability. Watch case restoration is also available from our expert metalsmith. Free estimates are available prior to service. Basic service includes all cleaning, adjustments, precise long-lasting lubrication, crystal polishing, timing, case cleaning, band adjustments, and the 2-yr warranty. How long has it been since your watch was serviced?
Tuning Fork Watches
Are rare and exotic compared to modern watches. Although we fix all types of watches, the remarkable tuning fork index mechanism of the Accutron works well only when it is properly phased and adjusted. The jeweled index fingers must have the proper force pushing against the index wheel and they must have the proper orientation with the index wheel and each other. If not, poor time keeping, stopping, or rapid time gaining will result. There are 9 separate and precise adjustments required for the index mechanism alone. Once the index mechanism is fixed, fine adjustments in time keeping can also be made by adjusting fork frequency.
We see a number of watches that have not had service for a long time and are starving for lubrication.
Click to see a slow-motion video of an actual running tuning fork watch mechanism. You will see the motion of the fork and index finger under 30x magnification.
Loss of proper lubrication can stop any movement or wear out the ends of the geartrain axles (pivots). Furthermore, there may be
- no symptoms -
while this wear is taking place. Tuning fork watches in particular have powerful movements that can keep good time even when abnormal wear is occurring. Pivots have an iron composition and can rust if not protected by the lubricating oil.
Dust, debris, and corrosion build up act like an abrasive causing severe wear as well as blocking normal geartrain motion. Tuning fork watch magnets attract rust and metal particles which accumulate and wear against the coils if not removed. It also increases power consumption and can cause poor time keeping.
If your Bulova Accutron or other tuning fork or Mechanical watch has not been serviced in the past 6 years then it is in need of cleaning and lubrication as preventative maintenance.
Failure to do so will eventually result in damaged parts and extra expense. Here you can find some pictures of Accutron watch components prior to servicing:
BATTERIES
Battery voltage and size Table
Some watches, particularly some early Accutron 214's can not be made to operate properly with the higher voltage of modern silver-oxide batteries unless other means are taken. This is due to variances in manufacturing...some forks are thinner at the base and tend to vibrate with higher amplitudes. These are the problem ones. The slightly higher silver-oxide voltage makes the amplitude even higher and so the mechanism indexes by more than one tooth, regardless of phasing adjustments. I can, however, reduce the effective operating voltage so that the watch again works properly with 1.56v silver-oxide batteries by using a tiny electronic device added to the existing circuit (this is easily reversible at any time in the future). Also, subject to availability, the tuning fork may be exchanged to eliminate the problem.
A few words about
Phasing
and battery voltage: Phasing is done using special Bulova equipment and techniques. It is critical for the proper functioning of a tuning fork watch. This adjustment is actually
independent of the battery type
you use in your watch (old or new). However, the higher voltage of silver oxide batteries means that this adjustment must be made as accurately as possible. To accomplish this, We have developed special techniques to fine tune the phasing and index adjustments.
Battery replacement: Be sure you have your battery replaced by an expert. The tiny coil wires and index mechanism parts are exposed in certain places and vulnerable to the stray motions of an inexperienced battery replacement technician. I have seen quite a few watches that have been damaged in this way. Also pay attention to the correct orientation of the battery. Watches can be damaged by placing the battery in upside down. Refer to the table below.
Never use Zinc-Air Batteries!
These batteries are made for hearing aids and other non-sealed electronics using only very low currents. They usually have a plastic film that covers a hole that must be pealed off to expose the battery to air. They are not meant for use in small sealed devices. Besides requiring fresh air to operate, they will leave nasty corrosive green gooey deposits all over the insides of a watch. I have seen far too many watches that have been operated with Zinc-Air batteries. It's very difficult to clean and can totally ruin a watch movement.
CRYSTALS
All curved Accutron and Omega crystals are plastic. Flat crystals are usually mineral crystal (with a few exceptions). Plastic crystals can successfully be polished to remove scratches. Watch crystal scratch repair can not remove cracks!
AFFORDABLE RELIABLE REPAIR
Depending on where you go, the cost of a cleaning and / or repair can exceed the value of the watch!
We have tools and experience to do the job at a fraction of the cost you'll find elsewhere PLUS a 2 year warranty.
Whether you have an Accutron, Omega, Movado, Certina, Eterna, Universal Geneve, Longines, Tissot, Titus, Allegro, Rado, or Other Tuning Fork watch you may Email me for an estimate by clicking one of the following two links:
Basic Estimate:
- Email us at this address if your watch has stopped or needs routine service. 90% of watches can be fixed in the course of a basic overhaul. This includes: Poor time keeping, stopped hands, no hum, setting malfunctions, cleaning and oiling, etc. Within 24 hrs, a list of standard services will be sent including information on crystals, dial refinishing, basic case refinishing, shipping instructions, and more. A personalized message will be included based on your questions.
Special Requests:
- Email us at this address if you have other questions not covered by the standard services response.
Many poorly working tuning fork watches do not need to have parts replaced. They just need proper adjustment and cleaning! My services include ultrasonic cleaning and lubrication as part of a normal overhaul to prevent future problems and wear.
Watch brands that had a tuning fork movement version at one time or other include: Rolex, Accutron, Omega, Universal Geneve, Longines, Eterna, Certina, Movado, Rado, Zenith, Allegro, Wyler, Tissot, Citizen, Slava & Titus. Models names included: Accuquartz, Megasonic, F300, F8192, Astronaut, Electrosonic, Electroquartz, Ultraquartz, Dynasonic, Ultronic, Chronolympic, Electrosonic, Cosmotron, Certronic, Unisonic, C-Tronic, Beta 21, Transistor, and Tissonic. We fix all brands of watches and all types of non-digital movements.
Now offering Watch Case repair, restoration, refinishing, and plating
While your watch is being repaired, why not have the case refinished as well! We can restore your case to original like-new condition at reasonable cost. All watch brands are eligible for case refinishing.
CASE Refinishing and Restoration Examples:
See the amazing results of watch case restoration...(click on these pictures to see the transformation). Read the emailed list of standard services (basic estimate) for details on case restoration, or go to our case restoration sister site:
The Time Preserveand request a restoration service form to be emailed to you. Simply include that service form with your watch when you send it in.
Color Changes:
Next, consider what your watch might look like by changing it's color...see this amazing example of a transformation of 14k gold to Rose Gold by clicking on this picture...Our proprietary finishes include 12K,14K,18K Gold, Rose Gold, Rhodium(white gold), Platinum, Ruthenium (dark gray), and Black Rhodium (space black). Note: we do not plate watch hands.
Chrome plating? This is not offered, because of the porous nature of chrome, and poor durability on watches. It is also a very toxic process. Instead we utilize Rhodium plating which does not suffer from these issues. Rhodium is the brightest metal - more so than chromium. It is used on all the shiny "white Gold" jewelry you see in stores.
The above image shows a worn-out Chrome plated Omega watch transformed to a modern high-tech Look with polishing and Dark Gray Ruthenium Plating. The dial was also refinished to black.
Established 1995
Member NAWCC
Waterford, MI
[BSME (April '83) and MSME (June '84) in Mechanical Engineering, Univ. of Michigan, Summa Cum Laude ]
and "Accutron" are registered trademarks of the Bulova Corp. This website is not sponsored by, endorsed by, or affiliated with the Bulova Corporation, or it's parent company.
Links A page of several links relating to Accutron and Tuning Fork Watches
Testimonials From some of our customers.
The Time Preserve Our sister site for plating Apple Watches and Bands
Our sister site for Watch Case Restoration
Battery voltage and size Table
We have a long history of fixing Accutrons and other mechanical watches
WHO WE ARE
We've been Servicing and Restoring electric and mechanical watches since 1995. Through the years we've developed unique procedures and processes to fix and restore the watches that others have given up on. Our skill goes well beyond the service manuals and instructions supplied by the OEMs. As engineers, we utilize the operational principles of the movement designs to advance the level of service only we can provide.
Read more
We understand and respect the emotional and historical value of the watches in your collection. We treat them with the same care and pride that you have as the owner. Our work is warranted 2 years for proper time keeping.
We repair watches from all over the world
SEND YOUR WATCH IN FOR A VISIT
Budget Accutron Service
5036 Dixie Hwy. STE 822
Waterford, MI 48329
Mail: service@accutrons.com
Phone Hours: 5pm-10pm M-F at 586-907-4500
We are here to serve you for all your watch repair, restoration, and plating needs.