I've got a few automatic watches I'm looking into getting restored/serviced. I do have several contacts for watchmakers to do the work, but I figure I could cast a line out here and see if anyone has anyone they would personally recommend.

The watches I'm looking at getting restored and/or serviced are all Bulova automatics, 1950s-1970s.

I'm also looking for someone who is proficient with Accutrons.

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Onus probandi incumbit ei qui dicit, non ei qui negat

I recondition w123/w126/w124/w140/r107/r129/ steering boxes!


1984 300D "Elsa" odo reset 6/2011 160k [315k total]
1983 300TD "Mitzi" ~268k OM603 powered
1995 E300 "Adelheid" 262k [Sold]

Check your local antique shops. Even if they don't deal in time pieces they're a great way to find "someone who knows someone".

Yeah, I've tried that and I keep getting folks that either don't have good track records or high end watchmakers who want $300 to look at it (and it'll take a year to get to me).

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Onus probandi incumbit ei qui dicit, non ei qui negat

I recondition w123/w126/w124/w140/r107/r129/ steering boxes!


1984 300D "Elsa" odo reset 6/2011 160k [315k total]
1983 300TD "Mitzi" ~268k OM603 powered
1995 E300 "Adelheid" 262k [Sold]

I used Terry for a pocket watch repair/restoration several years ago and he did amazing work.


https://www.watchrepair.cc

Send GMOG220D here on the forum a PM. He does watch repair.

Phil Forrest

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1972 220D "Trudy," named by a friend.

"The 220D sounds good... I suspect it is the only car that you need a calendar for, rather than a stopwatch, when doing acceleration tests."
Tom Abrahamsson

The self-winding Bulova's can be done by a local shop.. But the Accutron requires a specialist. I would bet that a local shop may not even be able to open the case. Parts are scarce, and the batteries are not the same as are used in modern watches. If you were in New York, I'd direct you to Star Findings:

HOME OF THE WINGED ANKLETS-Full selection with FREE engraving! Bring back a touch of the 60's when Rock and Roll and 'going steady' was the 'IN thing'!

In Dallas there is, or at least was (I think they are still around) a place called Adlestines. This is a HIGH dollar place that does a lot of work for the upper class folks in Dallas. There is nothing they can't fix.

There is also a watchmaker in Kearney, NE who is a true old school watch maker. This guy is usually backed up for six or so months as he is the only watch repair shop between Chicago and Denver that deals is mechanical rebuilds.

Indeed, I work on watches, including original Accutrons that have the tuning fork movements. I have the special tools, and the original meter, for servicing them. I knew a few old school guys who were factory trained, and was able to learn some of the finer points from them. Those guys are all gone now.

I used to work for a Rolex dealer here in ABQ, but I stopped doing that years ago. My main focus these days is vintage pocket watches, particularly those made in the USA.

I sometimes carry an Elgin pocket watch from 1902. It has been serviced twice.

It runs like a top and keeps excellent time. It's amazing the accuracy they were able to deliver back then.

Cool! Look up the Pocket Watch Database. Enter the serial number from the movement and it'll give you many details about it. The production records from those old companies survived, for the most part.

Those old pocket watches, especially railroad grade ones, were some of the finest machine-made goods ever produced in the USA. Railroad approved watches had to keep time within + or - 30 seconds per week. A properly running watch will time well within those limits. Compensation for changing temps is built in, a bi-metal strip essentially. Take a look a the balance wheel (the wheel that rotates back and forth, the watch's pendulum), and you'll see that the outer rim is brass on the outside, and that the rim is cut in two places near the arms.