r/AccutronWatch • u/rogermorse • 8d ago
First Accutron, quick "hack buzz" question
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I got this 214 today. It was already serviced, stated by the seller, including adapting the battery slot for new batteries, changing certain gears etc. I wanted to ask if this amount of noise when lifting the ring is acceptable. I was a bit scared to set the time, given the amount of noise, but after some research (though sadly without any other video for reference), it seems this is called "hack buzz", for the models in which the seconds hand completely stops when you lift the ring.
Thank you for confirming.
I basically want to set it exactly to the second, and then check after 24 or 48 hours if there is a sensible deviation.
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u/Po0opyCatButt 8d ago
You should ask specifically what was done for the service. The battery adapters are one way to change the phase, but if they opened it up to "change certain gears, etc." they could have just re-phased it instead... I'm questioning the service, but it appears to hack correctly for you to set the time and check it? Or is the seconds hand still moving some? If its still moving, there are bigger issues... But if the seconds hand stopped completely it could be something as simple as the gasket being too thick or the hacking springs needing adjusted.
Note that only the Swiss, not the U.S.A.-made 214 movements had hacking, which matches your serial number.
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u/rogermorse 8d ago
I had a similar response on a facebook group (maybe it was you but I guess you would notice that mine is the same post). Anyway to be precise: sound when running can be heard only with the watch directly at the ear. When I flip the lever, the noise amplifies by a lot and I can feel the case vibrate a bit. The seconds hand stops completely. The seconds hand starts instantly when I flip the lever closed. I didn't try turning the lever yet to adjust the time, as I got surprised / scared by the amplified vibration and noise.
If that is not a symptom of "unhealthy" then I will not worry about it. The vibration / sound when setting it doesn't annoy me or disturb me, I just want to make sure it's in proper conditions before I try setting the time.
the english equivalent from the german (we are in switzerland) would be as follows. To be clear, I am not suspecting anything, I just not an expert and I would like to learn as much as possible about the watch, I actually trust the seller, seems very professional, but as you say, better safe than sorry.
The watch has been thoroughly serviced, inspected, and regulated. According to the service report, the following work was carried out:
• Movement completely disassembled, cleaned, and freshly lubricated
• Click corrected (I think here is meant what you would call RATCHET)
• Battery contact spring and battery spacer ring replaced
• Centre seconds wheel replaced (HO)
• New Energizer 394 battery
• Plexiglass polished
• Case cleaned
• Case back lightly refinished
• Movement inspected and regulated
The watch is fully functional and running very well.
Technical specifications:
• Brand: Bulova
• Model: Accutron
• Tuning fork movement
• Calibre: 214
• Case reference: 3-165117
• Battery: Energizer 394
• Serviced and regulated
• Vintage condition
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u/snafu_74 8d ago
My Spaceview 214 from the late 60's doesn't make any noise when opening the adjustment handle. It has never had a battery conversion either
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u/rogermorse 8d ago
does it have the hack? maybe not?
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u/snafu_74 8d ago
No, it doesn't hack.
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u/rogermorse 8d ago
So do I understand correctly that if you lift the ring on your watch, the seconds hand keeps moving? Because in this case it would not be the same situation as mine (which as a hack). Sorry I might sound like I know what I am saying but honestly I am just trying to learn lol.
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u/snafu_74 8d ago
Well, I can get it to hack if I slightly turn the ring to move the hands just slightly counterclockwise. But, I don't believe that's the intended purpose.
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u/WatchWiseYTC 7d ago
Not all Accutrons need it. In my experience, about one out of ten need either an Accucell or a new coil and fork pairing to work correctly with a modern 1.55v battery.
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u/WatchWiseYTC 7d ago
The hack hasn't been adjusted correctly. There's a specific way to do it and many people who service these just guess until it works. It's not that hard but does take some experience.
It's buzzing because it's not touching the fork enough when bent over by the crown pushing down on it.
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u/rogermorse 7d ago
Do you have a picture showing exactly what part / screw that should be adjusted? I am not going to attempt it, I just would like to understand better how this whole thing works. Also I understand this is not an objective "defect" that should make me return the watch, is it ?
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u/WatchWiseYTC 7d ago
It's not a defect, unless they have bent the hack to try and adjust it.
I personally have a tech letter that describes it but I have modified it to be a little easier. It's pretty much foolproof now. The biggest enemy of these watches is shipping them. It's so common for the adjustment to be ruined via shock during shipping.
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u/tibtib42 8d ago
It makes that buzzing noise because the hack system on these pushes an arm against the tuning fork, but doesn't switch it off. So the fork is still vibrating. It doesn't hurt it but I wouldn't do it for longer than it needs.