Compu Chron - Losing Time

[Steamerpoint]

Hi guys,
Last year I bought my mint Compu Chron LED and have been wearing it carefully all year. It still looks good with only a few minor scuffs.

I haven't had to change the battery yet as the seller fitted a new one before sending the watch to me, but over the last few weeks it has been losing a minute or two a day.

It still seems bright, so not sure if it is the battery that is failing, though it has been running for a year now.

Should I just buy myself a new battery (If so where can I get them from & what type) or does it sound like something else is wrong.
I figured that the LED's would go dim before I noticed it losing time, but I could be wrong.

Your advice would be most welcome.

Regards Chris.

[joshhorn]

I am curious about that as well. I've been wearing my CompuChron ever since my Father gave it to me. What do these things do when batteries start going?

dim display? Or losing time? - Or stop displaying everything?

[charger105]

In my experience, the display will dim, and the watch behave unpredicatbly with dying batteries. I haven't seen it simply lose/gain time. A battery change might be worth a try though if it's been a year.

Rgds.

[rewolf]

And if you want to do yourself something good, use Silver Oxide batteries, not Alkaline.

[Steamerpoint]

Okay, thanks.
I'll try and find some Silver Oxide batteries and give them a try.

I hope that this solves the problem. If not, it could be a fault developing!

[Steamerpoint]

Hi again. Before I can even look for some Silver Oxide batteries, I need to establish the size & type of battery inside the watch.

No problem I thought, all I need to do is whip out the battery and take a look at it.

Looking at the bottom of the watch, I cannot see how to open it!

Prise it open with a small screwdriver or unscrew the back plate, I really can't tell and I really don't want to scratch it up trying!

Anyone have any idea's?

This is a link to an identical watch if this helps anyone to recognise the model.
http://www.ledwatches.net/photo-pages/compuchron16.htm

[bruce wegmann]

Looking at the pic of the back of the watch, notice a dark line on the case lug, running parallel to the bracelet. That is an "indexing mark"; there is a similar mark on the caseback...they should align when replacing the back to ensure proper battery connection. 180 degrees opposite that mark, there is a small area, a few millimeters wide and about half a millimeter high, that has been milled away...it's there to give an opening tool a purchase on the rim and minimize the chance of slipping and doing damage to the case. Brace your opening tool against the case lug, apply upward pressure, and the back should pop right off. BTW, like the Pulsars, this watch uses a 357-size cell. This watch was a good mid-range competitor with Time Computer for price and styling.

[Steamerpoint]

Thanks. I tried opening the watch, but unless I damage it, it is impossible without the proper tools. Looks like I'm going to have to visit a jewler shop after all!

[bucko170]

I have had good results with a tip I picked up on the forum for removing seized on case backs......carefully work around the edge of the case back with a sharp blade (e.g a Stanley knife) and gradually lever it off, simple but effective!

Just be careful as the blade is easily snapped and bits can fly anywhere!

Good luck!

http://www.dwf.nu/viewtopic.php?t=3494&highlight=

[webvan]

Okay, thanks.
I'll try and find some Silver Oxide batteries and give them a try.

I hope that this solves the problem. If not, it could be a fault developing!

So did new batteries fix the problem?

Mine just came in today and it's slowed down to a crawl over the course of the day, not responsive and loses a minute per...minute now, not sure what's going on !

[retroleds]

Sounds like you have a bad quartz oscillator crystal but you may want to check those batteries first, could be one is darn near flat....read on..

Regarding the batteries going weak, really depends on how the watch has been used. See, your watch's module uses ONE battery, exclusively for running the clock, and both batteries together for displaying. A watch worn regularly will probably have both batteries get weak at same rate, so the display will dim. A watch worn infrequently may have one battery that is almost dead while the other is still quite charged; unfortunately, when you check the time the display may not look too dim due to one strong battery, but the strong drain of the display may leave the other battery gasping for breath after you check the time, causing it to momentarily lose time.

Your case back - look for the indentation on caseback. I would suggest you NOT pry with a knife blade - pushing straight in provides plenty of leverage and greatly reduces the risk of jumping out of the slot and scratching the watch or stabbing yourself. A straight edge razor blade works great or a sharp pocket knife can do. Again, it is not about prying on this or any other watch, just push striaght in, then move to another spot(like moving from 1 oclock to 2 oclock) and push in again.

[webvan]

Thanks for the insight on the battery interplay. Turns out they are new so there might be something else going on.

The seller has kindly offered to take it back to check it and change the module if need be. I'll report back when that piece of history is back in my grubby hands

[retroleds]

[quote="webvan"I'll report back when that piece of history is back in my grubby hands [/quote]If you would wash your hands more, you wouldn't have to buy stainless steel.

Seriously, that watch uses $386 batteries. Has a Hughes 25 mm module.

[webvan]

Yes, will try to keep them clean

Oh I thought it used a 29mm module, the sixth version with the Leap Year. Wasn't sure about the batteries, 386 or 357.

Actually I had started a topic detailing my problems here if you get a chance to take a look at it : http://www.dwf.nu/viewtopic.php?t=3836

[azimuth_pl]

hi Guillaume :)
your square faced CC has a 29mm module with 357 batteries.
I'd say it's the quartz crystal 90% chance.

[webvan]

Hey Piotr ! Well as soon as the skies clear up you'll be able to find for sure

[retroleds]

hi Guillaume :)
your square faced CC has a 29mm module with 357 batteries.
I'd say it's the quartz crystal 90% chance.

According to the picture the original poster directed us to, the setting button would be at the 7 o'clock position. Ironically, he has started another thread indicating a button on both sides. So, we are back to 29 mm. and #357 batteries. Steamerpoint, the details are important....and this isn't your watch http://www.ledwatches.net/photo-pages/compuchron16.htm

BTW: a 25 mm Hughes will always be fitted with 386 batteries - 357s are too tall and will shove the circuit board off the plastic battery holder/hubholder if forced, tearing the quartz crystal loose(it is not mounted on the board)..

[azimuth_pl]

you're right in reference to the first post, but then Guillaume asked another question that refers to his new purchase shown in his avatar picture which is a square faced CC with 29mm. this one takes 357, whereas the first post with the smaller CC takes 25mm and 386 cells.

[retroleds]

you're right in reference to the first post, but then Guillaume asked another question that refers to his new purchase shown in his avatar picture which is a square faced CC with 29mm. this one takes 357, whereas the first post with the smaller CC takes 25mm and 386 cells.

Gentlemen, please: new questions on new pieces or problems need to go to a new thread - ditto for their answers. I know, I know, stuff happens.

[webvan]

Yes, that's why I had started this new topic http://www.dwf.nu/viewtopic.php?t=3836 Here I was just asking if the OP had solved his problem, looks like he's no longer around unfortunately.