Nepro Quartz Solid State: Nepro or Nepro-mancy?

[vpn]

Hi friends! After the big disappointment of the Avia/Optels (a new module from Greg Zanoni is my long-term project), I wanted to get past the grief of that loss with another acquisition, and I managed to win this Nepro on the 'bay from Belgium. I don't know if I'm luckier this time, but the watch is untested, so I keep my fingers crossed, hoping that works and doesn't have the old batteries inside.

I've checked out the pictures carefully, and it seems that it doesn't have a Microma module, but an MSA one, since the "Microma Inc." text is missing from the caseback.

As you can see, the watch has been used a lot before being abandoned: the case is slightly scratched and would need some sandpaper job in order to come back in good conditions, and the internal rubber part of the bracelet detached from the external steel frame, so I'd have to glue that part back in its place. Here are the pictures of the watch:




I got a little question about the module though. From what I've seen on the web, it seems that the ESA 9312/9315 and the MSA module share the same buttons layout. So I guess that I could retrofit an ESA 9315 into the case of the Nepro? I wouldn't be able to use the light but at least I could use the watch in case the module doesn't work.

Fingers crossed, waiting for its arrival and hoping that it won't require the magic of a Nepromancer, in order to be resurrected...

[Kasper]

I've seen it passing by here on ebay Belgium..but it's not the original bracelet and a lot of work to make it presentable:-)

Let me know if you could retrofit another module in it.

[vpn]

I've searched on the forum about a possible retrofit, seems that only MSA modules could be fitted, since the ESA ones have a small plastic "tooth" at 12 'o clock that allows them to not move inside the case. I hope the watch works, otherwise I'll have to search for a working MSA module, used by various brands (such as Nepro, Bulova and Candino).

It seems that MSA ones don't have that plastic "tooth", so I think that they could be fitted even to dead Microma/Nepro DSM cases. They would be turned into Franken-watches but at least the cases could be usable.

MSA modules are recognizable by the layout of batteries: they have a "+ +" layout instead of the "- +" one seen in ESA modules, and they were available both with light (which required two LR41 batteries) or without (requiring only one). Here's a picture of the MSA module without light, fitted in a Nepro LCD (picture source Flickr):



And the one with light and the additional battery, fitted in a Bulova LCD (the watch is upside-down in this picture, hence the position of the batteries. Picture source WUS):



About the bracelet, are you sure it's not the original one? I've checked out Piotr's site and I've noticed that his Microma DSM has the same bracelet (picture source Crazywatches.pl):



I'll replace it with another one, as the rubber part detached from the steel one. I'll see if I could glue it back to its place, maybe with some sylicone.

[peachykeen]

I've searched on the forum about a possible retrofit, seems that only MSA modules could be fitted, since the ESA ones have a small plastic "tooth" at 12 'o clock that allows them to not move inside the case. I hope the watch works, otherwise I'll have to search for a working MSA module, used by various brands (such as Nepro, Bulova and Candino).

The ESA module won't fit at all. It has a different diameter and the display is at a different position. The panel of the MSA module is centered whereas the panel of the ESA module is shifted towards the top by a few milimeters. Furthermore, the ESA panel is considerably larger, so you wouldn't be able to see it completely through the window.
If you are desperate enough to buy a complete watch, I could part with one of mine which I bought in order to have spare parts for such an occasion. It's in almost mint state though, so I would prefer not to rip it apart for the time being.

[vpn]

The ESA module won't fit at all. It has a different diameter and the display is at a different position. The panel of the MSA module is centered whereas the panel of the ESA module is shifted towards the top by a few milimeters. Furthermore, the ESA panel is considerably larger, so you wouldn't be able to see it completely through the window.
If you are desperate enough to buy a complete watch, I could part with one of mine which I bought in order to have spare parts for such an occasion. It's in almost mint state though, so I would prefer not to rip it apart for the time being.

Thank you Peachykeen! I noticed that the ESA module wouldn't fit into the case, mostly due to the "tooth" but I didn't know that the diameter is different as well.

I'll keep my fingers crossed hoping that the module works. I'll let you know when it will arrive.

[quietman]

There is another possibility -

Nepro made something very similar pre-MSA using a two PCB / partially Hand soldered / SSIH Xtal module. The two buttons are in approximately the same place as the MSA module - one button is recessed + one is not. Also doesn't have Microma on the caseback. My module is nice and clean however it has ceased to work as a watch and now functions only as a low power electric heater.





Dodgy images but hopefully you can see the basics.

[vpn]

That's interesting, Quietman! I guess that yours had the date feature or the light?
Mine seems to have both recessed buttons, so it might adopt an MSA module or a variant of yours.

[quietman]

Unfortunately mine was DOA so I don't know what functions it had on the big button. I guess Date and possibly Seconds on a second press like so many LED modules and other early LCDs. No bulb inside.

There is a note in the Doensen literature about an early Nepro module with SSIH Xtal -

"In November, the 'Nepro-N-quartz CX-15' with a quartz crystal by SSIH and a display by Brown Boveri Corp is marketed. This watch was the result of co-operation between Timelec SA of Uster, Switzerland, and Nepro."

Other than a clearly branded SSIH Xtal (and perhaps a late 1975 date code on the case back?) I don't know much about my Nepro.

[vpn]

That makes it pretty fascinating, I must say. And I guess they're quite rare, as I've never seen one with that module before. Seeing a working one with that module would be amazing. It'll be interesting to check out what module has my model, when it'll arrive.

[vpn]

Hi guys! I've just received the Nepro today. Unfortunately I don't have pics to show, as I don't have the watch in this moment (I've took it to the watch maker, in order to open it). The watch itself is in way better conditions than it seemed on pictures on Ebay: the scratches weren't very deep, so I've managed to sand the case and reduce them, it looks way better.

On the other hand, the bracelet is completely broken: the internal rubber part comes off, and if you try to wear the watch with that bracelet, clasp gets dislodged from its place, due to the rubber layer that isn't glued to the steel part anymore, so I have to put another bracelet on the watch.

About the module, I haven't been able to open it, since the snap-fit caseback doesn't have any identation where I could do some leverage with a screwdriver or a little knife,
so I had to use the old technique of putting it under the desk-lamp in order to check the shape of the digits in counterlight. And here's the surprise...

The module is a Microma EWC 2100, the same one used on this watch (picture source: Crazywatches.pl):



The display is clean and spots-free, as you can see in the pictures I've posted on the first post. So I really hope there's not the old battery inside, or there's not any sign of acid on the module. I took it to the watchmaker, in order to see if he could open it, replace the battery and put a new bracelet. In case it won't work, I'll swap the Microma module with the MSA one that our friend Peachykeen sent to me (I haven't received it yet, but I think it'll arrive soon).

I'll keep you updated!

[peachykeen]

I would be honestly surprised if the watch contained a Microma module unless your watch is a DSM watch and not an LCD type.
If it's LCD and there's a Microma module inside, I'd love to see some pictures how it's mounted inside the case.
I have a Microma module and an empty case for an MSA module on my desk right now and there's no way to fit the Microma module inside the case.
By the way... the Microma module has a textures reflector, it can be seen clearly on this picture: http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm163/dogrid/microma.jpg. Does your Nepro have such a textured reflector?
Quietman's module seems to be more likely. There's actually a watch offered at German Ebay with exactly the same module right now, but the price is quite steep. The seller asks 70 Euros for it.
In any case, I hope you'll receive the MSA module soon. According to the tracking, it's stuck at the post office in Milano since 5 days

[vpn]

The Microma module is the EWC 2100, the first generation of field effect modules made by Microma. The one you've showed in your post is the third generation, which supported the backlight and the calendar feature.

Technically, the module is quite similar, if not nearly identical to the DSM version. Except that it has a lower voltage for the FE display. A version with a rudimental backlight was also available.

Unfortunately yes, the MSA module is stuck in Milan since a couple of days. But it's a matter of days before it'll reach my town, at least I hope so.

Here's a Sears that has the same Microma EWC 2100 module used in my Nepro. (The watch below belongs to our friend BENRUS)



And a picture of the module:



The DSM version is clearly recognizable by its yellow-ish panel, which is reflective like a mirror (preventing you to see the outline of the digits), while the field effect one has the opaque grey reflector panel and you can see the outline of the digits if you look at it in counterlight. When I've tilted the watch, in order to see the outline of the digits I've recognized immediately their clunky shape, giving me the confirmation that is a Microma module.

I guess your Microma module won't fit into the MSA case 'cause the module is thicker than the MSA one. While an MSA module can fit into a Microma case, since Nepro adopted MSA modules on "Microma" cases (according from what I've seen on Peter Wenzig's site), the opposite seems that's not possible to do.

[vpn]

Hi friends! I went to the watchmaker this morning, in order to see if he managed to open the watch. Luckily, he did, and there wasn't the old battery inside. He said that the module was pretty clean and oxide free, and when he plopped the new battery, it fired up immediately, with its clunky-looking digits. It's a Microma! And it lives!

The contrast is excellent for its age, the digits look crisp and neat, and they're very easy to read. It seems to keep good time too. I've replaced the old broken bracelet with a new leather strap, since I've noticed that I can put only leather straps or bracelets with curved ends, due to the shape of the lugs.

I've also received the watch that we were going to use as a donor, in case the module didn't work. It looks very nice, so I put a steel bracelet and I will wear it on rotation. Thank you for the swap Martin!

So this story has an happy ending, at least: I got my first Microma, made a new friend on the forum, and an apparently non working vintage watch has been brought back to life. Life's beautiful.

[peachykeen]

Congratulations. It's indeed a beauty. What strap width does it need? If it's 18 or 20mm, there's a good chance I have something that should go along with the case very nicely.

[vpn]

Congratulations. It's indeed a beauty. What strap width does it need? If it's 18 or 20mm, there's a good chance I have something that should go along with the case very nicely.

Thank you Martin! The lug size is 22mm, but the caseback is too large and prevents the installation of a steel bracelet with straight ends. The only solution is to use a bracelet with curved ends or leather straps. So I've bought a new strap with curved spring-bars, which fits well in the case.

[quietman]

Congratulations on the revival. I always look at these Nepros because there always seems to be something interesting going on with them. A couple of points to add -

Quietman's module seems to be more likely. There's actually a watch offered at German Ebay with exactly the same module right now, but the price is quite steep. The seller asks 70 Euros for it.

I don't think so. The German Ebay watch also has a button on the Left Hand Side. I saw it and had it down as a later SSIH module - comme ca (231102598829).

The Microma module is the EWC 2100, the first generation of field effect modules made by Microma. The one you've showed in your post is the third generation, which supported the backlight and the calendar feature.

Technically, the module is quite similar, if not nearly identical to the DSM version. Except that it has a lower voltage for the FE display. A version with a rudimental backlight was also available.

I'm not an expert on these older Micromas but I think there may be some muddle here. The module you show appears to be marked EWC2100 and has a 'flat' untextured display. It is not however technically the same as the DSM Microma module. That had two fibreglass PCBs sandwiched, much less integrated electronics and the display stuck onto the front PCB - as shown here http://www.crazywatches.pl/microma-nepr ... m-lcd-1973.

But your right, there was a Field Effect version of the Microma DSM movement that was the first FE movement by Microma but it wasn't the EWC2100 you show. It is physically identical to the DSM version except it has an FE Display stuck on the front with black epoxy. It looks like this unfortunately strapless dinosaur -

[vpn]

Thank you for the clarification Quietman! So I guess that the EWC 2100 was a more simplified revision of the first FE module made by the company. It seems that the improvements were done mostly to make it easier to assemble and disassemble, as I've noticed that the DSM module was made in a sandwich-like structure, which seems that was impossible to take apart, and I guess the same was for the module you've showed to us.

It's a pity that lacks of the bracelet, because that Microma looks very beautiful.

[fronzelneekburm]

It also looks very awesome with that black leather strap, that was a pretty good choice! I guess after all this watch was a true bargain for such a historic piece. 40 years later and it makes someone happy again...

[vpn]

It also looks very awesome with that black leather strap, that was a pretty good choice! I guess after all this watch was a true bargain for such a historic piece. 40 years later and it makes someone happy again...

Thank you Fronzel! I'm quite happy to know that works amazingly as it did 40 years ago, as I didn't expect to see it working, due to the price I paid for it. I'm checking its accuracy with an NTP clock, and seems that it runs a lil' fast: it gained seven seconds in three hours. Can't complain about it, I'm already glad that works without any problem.

[simone]

Great catch Enzo! Fantastic watch....
I also have a similar one but with the light button...unfortunatly my module present a dead lcd panel...
I'm looking for a donor.... finger crossed

[vpn]

Thank you Simone! Microma modules are quite difficult to find, but not impossible. The most important thing is that you don't give up on your research.

[vpn]

Hi friends, forgive me for bumping the thread, but I've got some news for you all. Today I took the Nepro to the watchmaker, as the battery was dying. He opened the watch in front of me, and I've finally found out the mistery of the module: it's not a Microma EWC-2100, but the very first generation of FE modules made by the American company, which looks exactly like the DSM version. It's basically the one that Quietman showed some posts above:



I've immediately recognized it due to the unusual position of the quartz crystal, the light grey PCB and epoxied oscillator just behind the quartz cap. I haven't a picture of my module as I didn't have the camera with me, but at least now I know exactly what kind of module is fitted in my Nepro.