Sicura VIP 2000 - 389 size rechargeable cell battery

[wzy-hman]

Hi, I wondered if anyone had managed to try a new Maxell XR11630W Rechargeable (by Hitachi Maxell Ltd, Japan) on their Sicura VIP 2000. I think it should do the trick as a replacement battery


....... [edit] I may have an answer to above as just came across a posting where someone used a Varta MBU20 NiMH as a substitute, albeit on a different watch (a 1976 Crystron Solar). Am ordering one and will post results here after I try

[digibloke]

Could I ask where you're ordering it from? I spent ages trying to find a rechargable 389 for mine but didn't come up with anything.

[Old Tom]

I don't think a NiMH rechargeable will work in a Sicura VIP2000 as the cell voltage is only 1.2 volts and the watch circuit has a low battery alarm function that kicks in at about 1.4 volts (display starts flashing).

[Old Tom]

And again- the Maxell XR11630W is a Lithium Titanate cell with a nominal 2 volt rating- only 5 cells in the Sicura array so absolute maximum output would be 2 volts (more usually around 1.6 volts output) which isn't enough to charge the cell. Interestingly the earlier Sicura Solar Quartz digital had a 7 cell array so could use this type of battery.

[wzy-hman]

You might want to wait until I've tried it as its due to arrive in around 10 days time and the batteryis only 1.2V rather than the original cell's (I believe) over 2V or a 389's 1.5V

Here's a link to the battery

http://uk.farnell.com/varta/55602101501/battery-nimh-15mah-1-2v/dp/1902509H