Watch On Ebay

[sumtime]

Ebay has a watch in a auction. Claims to have repared it with a new battery. Take a look.
Any comments?

[LiquidLed]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 0005027742

If it's the auction above,

then I have seen this item & description, not sure how he has achieved the "battery change" Just looking at the posts here on DWF tells you to leave it for the professionals, maybe worth sending an email regarding the technique. You never know he might be forth coming.

...Or buy the watch just to see how it was done

[retroleds]

Well, the pictures reveal nothing but graininess....it could be the worst case with a "created" display, stolen photos of someone else's watch, or the real deal. :?

[CompuChron2]

Hi ,
for me it's a fake. pictures are stolen from internet with copy/paste.The battery change isn't something that even Howard can do easily.
Stay away from this one!!!

[Seven Segment]

Synchronar battery replacement is quite feasible - see here:

http://www.ledwatches.net/articles/SynchronarBatteryChange.htm

[Synchroserious]

That's the misleading one as informative as it is.Here he critises the inventor for useing the best batteries available on the planet at that time,then turns around and claims other Ni Cad types can be used,yeah for what 6 months to1.5 years?.Fact is only the Ni cad,s he first mentions will get it to the normal 5-15 years and sometimes shockers that still charge after 30 years!
At other times RWR was critisised for not switching to NiMah type,which he had already done prior to that critisism if someone would have called and asked.However helpful hints were given by Phil to those that wanted to repair their watch,adulterated as would now be. I can,t blame people for being interested to see if batteries can revive the watch.This is why I want to share a few Tap in point locations.This way if it is something beyond the battery and they seem to have stopped all leaking,(some don.t leak much at all and usually the gel in those days did one of it,s multiple tasks and BLOCK THE ACID) atleast it can maintain value for not having broke the original seal and I would accept it then for trade in,or if you prefer sell it for parts,trade to someone or keep it as a conversation piece working or not.Tip of the Week All models have one thing in common and that is + is located at the center pads of the reeds(one on each side) and - is where the Solar cell connects to the backside.It is buy that means you can determine the best place to tap in with the board you may have.A heated needle works for poking thru and you may need to reheat with a lighter several times.Remember that if you try forceing your way in to fast a sudden increace in the momentum of the needle is going to happen when it breaks thru and you have to be prepared to stop this momentum or the needle will go in too far and break something.Now you can solder a red wire to a similar needles eye and Black for - to one.And yes two AA,s can be used(2.8-3V) if you dont have the right power supply.

[CompuChron2]

Hi,

check the pictures used in the ad, they come from the article on how to replace the batteries!!!
The time is the same 22:08!!

[joeywaycool]

Hi,

check the pictures used in the ad, they come from the article on how to replace the batteries!!!
The time is the same 22:08!!

I knew that time on that watch looked familiar!

Stay away from that seller, as he is obviously using a doctored photo from that article and using as his own. Compare for yourself and you will see the same features in the background etc.

I wish I would have noticed all this earlier. I would have warned the high bidder about the probable scam. He has bought several watches from me and seems to be a nice guy and avid LED collector. It's a shame as it was no bargain to begin with.

[retroleds]

Phil's tips are a good starting point, but the Synchronar modules I've opened were all glued very well at the front and back....the front is especially troubling as the edge of the display is right there. Phil's tips indirectly point out something important: try to leave the module CIRCUIT in the top half of the lexan case, you will be less likely to pull the wirebonds of the display loose by the potting gel clinging to the case top. The original Varta(brand) #80 batteries are still made today, and readily available on the 'Net. The batterys weren't a problem except they were only going to last thru 1000 cycels, as Phil and others have noted. I suspect the problem was compounded by [all] Ni-Cad's infamous "memory problem", where they need to be "deep-cycled" or drained every 20-ish charges, otherewise they eventually only hold about the same charge as the amount they are routinely being drained from use. So a Ni-Cad trickle charged by a solar cell every day would eventually only hold one night's worth of "juice"? - leading to a final death the time it gets left in the dresser drawer for a few weeks or more.

[Seven Segment]

those that wanted to repair their watch,adulterated as would now be. .

Hi Synchroserious, you make some interesting points, but the one I have quoted above confuses me. What does adulterated mean with respect to a non-working Synchronar, why would anyone not want their Synchronar repaired, surely a working watch with replaced batteries must be better than a non-worker with batteries slowly decaying the insides away??. That battery change instruction was written a few years ago at a time when the RTC phone was never answered and desperate collectors had no-one to do repairs - You hadnt arrived on the scene to take over your Fathers fine legacy. Regards.

[Synchroserious]

The term adulterated comes from the fact that the watch has lost the folloowing original art qualities.

1.It is no longer the permanent seal.


2.Work has been done to something that not even the Inventor ever intended to be done by an untrained and unauthorised person.I Know a small group of people will always try and tell a glorrified disrespectfull story,because they were too late on the seen to appreciate anything but their own newfound sellfish desires.I truly feel pitty for those swayed into these negative thoughts and am not surprised you have already been mislead in this manner.

3.l I have always said there is nothing wrong with a person trying to violate the seal and attempt battery replacement if they so choose.

4.No loger could the watch be the ultimate shock resistor without the air tight gel shocki absorbing feature.


5.No longer would it be waterproof to exceed 700 ft, and have no effect from pollutants in the air,as well as atmospheric presure and temp changes.



6.History for the watch is based on the Sr#,which would no longer be applicable from the self repaired ones.

8. Once the seal is broken it invites unscrupulous persons to alter it from the advanced watch that it is,including false statements that it is still original.

9. Real persons/ collectors will always be informed of the difference between authentic and a person seeking profit from the inventors work with a cheap knock off.This is no ordinary watch and that is part of the legacy.

10.I am sorry if someone does not appreciate the hard work I have done to continue the line and bring truth, while trying to clear the smoke and mirriors presented by amatuers.
RTC # not answered?,that was 22 years ago.Some left their watch abandoned with him for years and then decided to rush him to find it.Did you try reaching other L.E.D companies after 1977 and get answers?

[Synchroserious]

If anyone did not already know,plans for the production of the MKV were set for my return to the scene,including training the chap that disapeared into the darkness with parts for people that preferred not to call (RWR) him.I simply was waiting just like others.

[Synchroserious]

[quote="Synchroserious"]The term adulterated comes from the fact that the watch has lost the folloowing original art qualities.

1.It is no longer the permanent seal.


2.Work has been done to something that not even the Inventor ever intended to be done by an untrained and unauthorised person.I Know a small group of people will always try and tell a glorrified disrespectfull story,because they were too late on the seen to appreciate anything but their own newfound sellfish desires.I truly feel pitty for those swayed into these negative thoughts and am not surprised you have already been mislead in this manner.

3.l I have always said there is nothing wrong with a person trying to violate the seal and attempt battery replacement if they so choose.

4.No loger could the watch be the ultimate shock resistor without the air tight gel shock absorbing feature.


5.No longer would it be waterproof to exceed 700 ft, and have no effect from pollutants in the air,as well as atmospheric presure and temp changes.



6.History for the watch is based on the Sr#,which would no longer be applicable from the self repaired ones.

8. Once the seal is broken it invites unscrupulous persons to alter it from the advanced watch that it is,including false statements that it is still original.

9. Real persons/ collectors will always be informed of the difference between authentic and a person seeking profit from the inventors work with a cheap knock off.This is no ordinary watch and that is part of the legacy.

10.I am sorry if someone does not appreciate the hard work I have done to continue the line and bring truth, while trying to clear the smoke and mirriors presented by amatuers.
RTC # not answered?,that was 22 years ago.Some left their watch abandoned with him for years and then decided to rush him to find it.Did you try reaching other L.E.D companies after 1977 and get answers?

[Seven Segment]

Hi Synchroserious, many thanks for your reply, however frankly Im still at a loss to understand it, why should you want to keep a watertight seal on a non working watch, would anyone go diving or swimming in a broken Synchronar?
Sorry you seem to take offence, theres none intended and I cetainly would appreciate your hard work. Will you be offering a battery change service, as an ''authorised agent??'' How can anyone be authorised to work on these watches if the company that made them went into liquidation, surely only the administrators would have the rights to appoint an ''authorised'' person by selling the assets of that company.

Once again, Pleeeeease dont take offence! This forum is for discussion isnt it?

[gjlelec]

Seven segment makes a valid point here, if the Riehl Corp or what ever name Roger was finally trading under went in to liquidation (is that statement correct?) who actually owns the trademark, liquidated stock, etc of the company. I'm assuming Howard is the only one able to answer that question. I believe to understand a companies history, how it developed, what problems it faced etc makes for a more rounded appreciation of the product it produced.

[retroleds]

Did you try reaching other L.E.D companies after 1977 and get answers?

Omega, Pulsar/Hamilton, Gruen,Texas Instruments,Bulova, Longines/Wittenaeur and a host of other LED companies continued to supply parts into the mid 1980's....some are still in business today. Granted, they aren't trying to sell LEDs anymore. :wink:
In answer to the question.

[Synchroserious]

Ok Ed ,I will give you that and yes I was talking L.E.D and service of same.From what you say here they did no repairs,but sent L.E.D parts to people on request into the mid 80,s?The companies mentioned are of popular and lasting names.My fly by night comments were refering mostly to names that truly did dissapear in less than 8 months,even still there is nothing wrong with fixing one of them either.I have ads for Solar watches for instance that were out of business buy the time people realized the cells were there for looks and not even connected to a rechargeing battery and if so of no major significance to extending the battery.That was some of the competition back then which in part was why the SW with econo band and case was brought to market.

[retroleds]

Howard, I'm gonna go back to the battery changing topic. I'd have to agree with the other members who think it is a little silly for you to get down on people for cracking open an Synchronar, UNLESS you can answer "Yes" to all of these questions:
1. Are you offering a battery change service;
2. If #1 is yes, how would/do you handle people who sent in a watch they insist worked until the batteries died;
3. Will YOU be able to reseal them to original factory specifications;
4. Will the fact that the case has been opened be obvious or marked so collectors know they are getting one that ACTUALLY has new batteries; and
5. Is there a real[pun] corporation available to back up a warrenty, and if so, are you the person authorized to do the warrenty work?

If you would prefer to do the battery changing work for people(for a fee...I'm thinking $250-500, since there is some risk involved, depending on how you would handle #2 above) - just tell us,"guys, I am trying to make a go of this, I would really appreciate being able to do the battery changing work so the reputation of the Synchronar isn't damaged by shady characters". And then give us some kind of timetable and maybe we could even set up a waiting list here so everyone who supports that direction will get treated evenly. I still say it would be "the cat's ass"(extremely cool 8) ) if you and/or your brothers could get this off the ground again. We are not the enemy, we just have a different perspective.

[Synchroserious]

I wil give some repeated answers to those Q,s
1. If you just paid attention to my post from day 1,98% of your Q,s would be their.I promote people to fix THEIR WATCH,as long as it is not for the intent of resale for profit and mislabeled NOS or something silly like that. Whats up with you and this WE thing?
2.Ask them just how long past the warranty the watch lasted 1-30 years? past the wnty from date of original shippment.And ofcourse if someone opens the watch and takes a picture,they have just exposed the watch to the eliments and there is no promise how long something will work then.Also it would be only natural that if such a person claims "it just needed batteries when I sent it in" why would they not take a picture of it in this opened state of it working with power attached? Ya think!
3. I will need time to get off the ground before I can have the expensive molds of the old bottoms redone for proper original reseal done to vintage repair,meanwhile I have offered several that emailed me(not you because you did not ask) to do a temporary re seal job for those that don,t want to wait. kits etc.

4. Something I already touched on back before you bought the kit and then bought more from my brother,that you said you were not going to bid on.
5.( PUN) No a baby phoenix bird with some clipped wings is going to fly in and take over.Yes I want to do the service,just look at my interests at my profile here when I joined awhile back.Truth is I need a team effort and was told by several colloectors that what ever I offered it would be welcomed.I never said their is a WE that is against me or that I am against the things you claim I am.When I use the word WE,I mean we the currious and interested like me.When you use the term,I think not that people in general on this forum take your comments as accepted by commite.Many times your speaking and representing yourself,not a group.


I say : Top view, side view doesn't matter, colloect them ALL!
Have a nice weekend everyone!

[retroleds]

Dear Howard:

This is a forum, obviously nobody is forming a committee and asking for second opinions here. It is much like a newspaper that has hundreds of thousands of readers, but only a handful each week decide to write to the editor to comment on some story. Each of us has a "right" to make commentary, as long as we are factual and not trying to grind someone else to pulp just for sport or personal objective. Like all who love writing, I take the case of the common collector and approach this from a standpoint of "We" for the multitudes who have neither the time or inclination to do so.

Regarding people hooking up power to an opened Synchronar: many people are not comfortable with trying to open their $500+ watch, let alone hook up power to it after prying it open? Especially when you have indicated that different modules are sealed differently!?!

And what is up with having molds made of the original bottoms(which are also different by model): this would hide the fact that they had been opened, and what about the tops, which get broken in X number of opening attempts?

Obviously I(and others)could not pass any of the scratched up pieces we purchased as NOS - frankly, they appear to be customer returns from the wear marks, which means they have undiagnosed "problems", possibly far exceeding a [less than] simple battery change.

Fellow forum members, make what sense of this you can....I for one will attempt to open and repair the 9 Synchronar modules currently in my possession, and pass along any and all knowledge gained along the way. I am hoping to start into them in early September, as I am trying to take full advantage of the summer season to clear and "recontour" a large tract of land.

I AM a loose cannon - watch where you walk and don't drop any matches

[Synchroserious]

OK, I will be sure to keep my nose out of loose cannons and cat,s rears.
There is nothing wrong with second,third and more opinions,and that,s what keeps the forum interesting I think.However when the posts revert back to a line of thinking while my father was in hospitals and rehab centers{[b]COMPLETELY UNABLE TO ANSWER THE PHONE FROM September 16 ,2004-Feb 2005, I will do my best to stop it. This was at a time when all kinds of misinformation was flying.We the informed understand more about the facts now,so why rewind history to a time where only speculation and conjecture exsisted.Naturaly there will always be the ocasional oddball that considers there complete satisfaction(even though that,s impossible to do)The World,s # 1 concern. What a selfish way to get attention,putting themselves ahead of true history with no regard to the multitudes spanning 4 decades that were satisfied with the Synchronar and or it,s upgrade trade in program.
Nothing to hide about considering makeing a retro vintage remanufactured Synchronar with working quality parts.The important thing is new batteries,reed swithes,Quarts crystal and housing.
If anyone finds a Synchronar being sold as NOS,I sure wish they would report it to me.
1up seems to have a vast knowlege about L.E.D,s and hints on repair on watches with no official representitive,why oh why must he continue speculating on something when I am right here to answer almost any Question a person may have.BTW the few people that sent in something after 1999 will certainly be satisfied somehow,I personaly have cleared 4 RWR backlogs if anyone is keeping score.Yes they all realized it was a tough row for me and paid the extra amount (Current market value) or excepted an older model.No database committee required when I am here to help.
My tap in points atleast offer a better clue to decide wether to open pandoras box. 8)

[retroleds]

1up seems to have a vast knowlege about L.E.D,s and hints on repair on watches with no official representitive,why oh why must he continue speculating on something when I am right here to answer almost any Question a person may have. My tap in points atleast offer a better clue to decide wether to open pandoras box. 8). The important thing is new batteries,reed swithes,Quarts crystal and housing.

Answers:1 - I DON'T TRUST YOU, I think you are involved in some kind of a serious head trip stemming from overall life dissatisfaction. You don't sell a kit, you sold me 4 modules that had test holes already made in them, and all 4 tested DEAD. And a "kit" would have came with a note or something indicating which ones you "thought" were good, instead of including one that was split from end to end, leading one to believe that it was the one to start on. And even if a module tests good thru the holes it STILL needs to be opened. Unless you plan on walking around with two needles with wires soldered to them sticking out of your wristwatch!! That would do wonders for the module and the 700ft. water pressure test rating,etc., and probably get one arrested since it would look like a freak'n bomb strapped to their wrist.

2.Your tap in points expose the circuit to the elements and still leave a person to make the descicion to crack "Pandora's box" open. In case it is the quartz crystal, or the reed switches AND the batteries[your suggestion there]. So it is a virtually useless exploration, more likely to cause damage than have a beneficial effect. And you say that the person should have a new module housing available also - are you saying YOU TOO break a few of them, trying to get them open?

I didn't BID on the watches I bought from your brothers...they contacted ME by calling me at home and asked if I was interested. But you knew that: I specifically asked them if I should let you know I got them - I was told there were no secrets, since they split the money with you! Another example of why I don't trust you - you twisted the truth to get sympathy on this public forum AND to try to make me look like the bad guy.

I made no comment on the 2004-present time period or your late father... I fully understand the concept of r.i.p.

If I buy a Synchronar for $300, get it working and sell it for $1500, why is that any of your concern or business? It's illogical - that would be like someone resenting you and your brothers selling parts you inherited at little cost. Market price is market price.

"We" is commonly used when a writer feels there is a group outside of themselves, that has simular interests or concerns. So yes, "we", the LED collectors of the world, have many simular questions and concerns. And why on earth would I need a representative - I have been the owner of a small registered corporation here for going on 8 years?