Trying to Find One

[BobS]

This is my first post, but I've been reading the forums for some time now trying to gain whatever information I can.

Basically, I've been thinking about getting my hands on a Synchronar for a sometime now, ever since a coworker introduced me to the watch, but its only recently that I decided to actively go about looking for one.

Unfortunately, it appears I may be a little too late to the party.

Based on what I've read on the forum, it looks like Howard Riehl discontinued production sometime last year. Is that correct, or are they still *officially* available, either new or refurbished?

I've sent a couple of e-mails to Mr. Riehl, but haven't gotten any responses, which I understand isn't altogether unusual.

Any advice would definitely be appreciated, it looks like a number of people here have gone through some difficulty acquiring your own Synchronars.

[clockace]

if you have the skills you can probably get something going if you concentrate on the mkI/II versions. the mkIII's have exposed wire bonds on the chip and they are all pretty much dead. sometimes barry, howards brother, has some mkI/II's for sale on ebay. i got all my stuff from howard before things dried up with him. i have had good success with the I/II's. they are more repairable. best wishes, peter

[bucko170]

It might be worth keeping an eye out on eBay - working ones do crop up from time to time.

[BobS]

Yeah, I guess I'll keep my eyes out on eBay. I think Howard actually still puts something up for sale once in a while; parts, bands, etc.

Thanks for the tip on the MkIIIs, I think my natural instinct would have been to assume newer=better, so that's definitely useful information.

[J Thomas]

[redcar66]

[BobS]

I've actually gone ahead and ordered one through pulsarleds.com, I was surprised how easy it was, he's got a couple of them in stock. Its a refurbished Mk I with new batteries and solar cell, can't wait.

[redcar66]

[redcar66]

hey guys looks like a nice sync has hit ebay
what do you all think?
http://shop.ebay.com/170440457971
Kevin

[liquid crystal]

[J Thomas]

I suppose it was an MK4 that required a new solar cell or batteries, and so it was opened and serviced.

If the seller knows how the potting process was originally performed, (vacuum chamber) then moisture would not be an issue. Makes me wonder if he used GE90 or GE615 to pot it with.

Appears the seller isn't really confident in his work though :
"I'm confident that this watch will work for many years to come, although I can't give any guarantee."

Regards, Jeff

[charger105]

Another advantage of filling with this potting gel is that it provides pressure resistance (AFAIK). SImply put, it's harder to crush when full of gel. Thinking about it, this gel would not be as compressible as air. Hence, it would help the casing to remain rigid under high pressures. My MkI manual spcifies an immersion depth of 200m.

I think they decided to market Synchronars to divers at some stage (I read somewhere that they were sold in dive shops).

Rgds,
Andrew.

[retroleds]

[clockace]

Well----! that would certainly explain the rust spots on the chip as well as the rusted off chip leads under the sc. i have seen this on most of the ones i have repaired to some degree or another. water and watches usually don't mix well, especially if it is inside. i had a $100,000 jacob&co for repair not long ago. the owner had gone in the water with it. it was a 5 time zone batt operated with 5 different movements in it. 3 of the 5 still work. what made it so expensive was the diamond paved dial and case. peter

[liquid crystal]

[charger105]

I was thinking that the gel (when hardened......not the gooey stuff), would reduce the flexing of the case when under pressure. Less flexing would mean less likelihood of the case cracking or the case seams cracking.....which would be a really bad thing

I think you are right though, the gel would transfer this pressure into the watch components.

Rgds.

[bruce wegmann]

My experience with potting compounds is that they work well [and best] when de-aired...that is, placed under vacuum until all the dissolved air is pulled out of the mix. Ideally, it is also poured and allowed to cure under vacuum, as well. Then, there are absolutely no voids left to become problems. This is such an industry-standard process, that I'm surprised that Riehl apparently never thought of it.

[retroleds]

Withstanding all of this, I am also confounded that nobody(Riehl) thought of the gases that are vented by a battery as it ages and or dies. Battery chemistry reverses itself on discharge or aging. Acid cells go alkaline, alkaline go acid, gases are formed in the process. I recently sold my clear-top Synchronar to one of our members(surprised he hasn't bragged it up). It is only lightly sealed with a non-acid silicone, has a completely clean board(never potted) and solar cell which are lightly anchored also with silicone(while open for several days just in case.)
The idea of diving with a plastic watch is kind of nutty in my mind: You want something that is really sturdy(like STEEL) and something that won't attract barracudas and other aggressive underwater dwellers. Like most "diver's watches", I think most Synchronars never went any farther than the shower or pool. Besides, any true diver's watch needs at least a 9.5" band to go over one's wet-suit and they is no way you are operating those switches with wet, possibly gloved hands. I have a few workers here and two that were never potted in any fashion. I'll eventually put them together as best I can with modern products and offer them up.

Glad you finally got one Tor(liquid crystal). And thanks for giving me a chance to run this little outpost against sanity. .
_________________
"Watches are like love, hard to get all the compatible pieces together in one place."~E.C.
www.retroleds.com - vintage LED and LCD and watch sales & repairs. Select vintage mechanical watches for sale.

[clockace]

hi ed, it has long been known that acid and alkaline cells become corrosive as they deplete. if they reverse composition as they deplete, has anyone determined what happens when the nicad and niMh deplete? it was my understanding that the niMh has nothing corrosive in it, but that may be while they are still rechargeable, nicad's of course have cadmium as a "not green" ingredient, but what happens as these cells become unusable? probably a stupid question, but someone may be more intelligent than me! peter

[J Thomas]

[liquid crystal]

[redcar66]

Well guys she just sold for US $1,234.56 (123456?)
that is a nice price I believe I would love to
to sell a few of them
Kevin