Synchronar longevity?

[your_man_in_Hamburg]

It seems that I read a lot about dead Synchronars and Synchronars that have had their
batteries replaced, but how many have lasted more than 20 years?

Your man in Hamburg


BTW: The design longevity for the standard Swatch is 20 years. That is, it was designed to
last at least that long, not to follow a timetable and start falling apart after 19 years and 11
months. (I feel this comment is needed since a lot of people appear to believe that modern
day gadgets are "designed to break down". Except for a few safety devices that are designed
to protect something by breaking down, is this a silly misconception.)

[reallsod]

Longevity - I would think that if the battery manufacturers of the 70s had the technology to make batteries last more than a few years without corroding and also to recharge more than 1000 times (Nicads) then the synchs would never need to be taken apart. Just an observation. I still think they are amazing. Maybe Roger should have developed a battery for his watch. :)

[dot matrix]

Or maybe just used a capacitor instead.

I've never had a Synchronar last more than a few (ie, less than five) years.

[reallsod]

Even with modern batteries? Nimh?

[Dig-it-all]

Mine is still working with the original accumulators. A bit faint but still there. Getting worried about them though, I guess I will have to think about changing them sooner rather than later.

[Planet-LED]

What would any of you estimate the life span to be using modern batteries? And would you just use conventional watch batteries or is there some special battery you would use.

[fronzelneekburm]

Very hard to say - I can only guess but I doubt it would be much more than 10 years. Of course depends on which type and make you buy.

I think the permanent charging and de-charging makes them die so soon. I personally consider Dig-it-all's Synchronar a god-damn wonder. There is some Synchronars out there using the same battery for like 30 years and its still working. rational thinking tells me this just aint possible, but then again there are still quite some of them among collectors and even today working fine. But I wouldnt count on miracles.

[Dig-it-all]

Dig-it-all's Synchronar a god-damn wonder.

I agree - but it is mint and boxed. I know it was stored away for many years (uncharged no doubt) so may be the helps with the life. As yu say constantly discharging and recharging probably does affect the longevity.

I have looked carefull at my watch but I don't believe the batteries (accumulators) have been changed.

[Synchroserious]

Hold on to that near light and shoot for the record " LONGEST LASTING DIGITAL", it is estimated that yours is one of less than 500 in existance,and if it's a MK1 with Big display less than 50 .Many were destroyed for a minimal reason and who knows may otherwise have kept time to this day.I have no doubt in my mind that one day and another more will be discovered working{ORIGINAL SEAL & BATTERIES}at estate sales or a lucky find. Does yours have text SYNCHRONAR 1 on the bottom?