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This site has been moved to a new name www.lititzwatch.com If you are not automatically transported to this site in 5 seconds, click the link above.   Accutron Batteries and Related ProblemsThere is much confusion regarding Accutron batteries (cells). There were 2 major series of Accutron watch movements.1. If your watch sets from the back with a flip out setting device, you have a model 214. Model 214's originally used a 387 (mercury) cell. Because of recent environmental legislation regarding the use of mercury in cells, the 387 cell is no longer available. Its replacement is the 387S. Another option is to use the 394 cell IF you have the small white plastic grommet that came with an old 387 or 387S cell. Simply place the 394 cell in the plastic grommet and the whole assembly in the watch POSITIVE SIDE DOWN and screw on the cell hatch. The larger side of the cell should be down and the larger side of the grommet should be up. Please do not try to cram an oversize cell in a 214 cell compartment because you will only succeed in breaking the coil assembly. 2. If your watch sets from the side like a regular watch but the crown is in the 4 o'clock position, you have a 218 model Accutron. Model 218's originally used the 343 cell (with mercury). The replacement is the 344. Please use caution when installing cells in 218 movements! The coil wires are practically invisible to the naked eye and easily damaged. Do it yourself or send it to us but please don't take it to your local department store. Replacement coils are expensive. Important Note: New non-mercury cells are 1.5 volt instead of 1.35 volts for the old mercury cells. This can sometimes cause Accutrons to "double time", to run very fast. Don't worry, this can be corrected by adjustment. You should also consider a high quality cleaning and oiling at the same time. |