Vintage Helbros Day-Date Diver Watch withElgin AS 1914, Keeps Time FOR PARTS/REPAIR

Although the AS 1914 manual wind movement keeps accurate time over an approximate 40 hour power reserve period and both the day and date wheels roll over as they should the crown is on unevenly. Although the crown/stem connection is solid occasionally the stem doesn't want to engage the hands to set the time. When this happens I'll push the crown in, pull it back out and then turn it again. Or I'll simply continue to turn the crown until the stem reengages the hands. While the crown winds without issue it turns a bit rough when setting the time. Given the crown/stem issue and considering the movement's unknown service history a complete overhaul is required. This seldom seen vintage 1970's Helbros diver, which came from the estate of its original owner, has a satin blue "SWISS" only signed dial that shows age-related wear and the original lume, which emits a quick burst glow after being exposed to bright light, has aged gracefully. The faded bezel, which shows wear and rotates bidirectionally with an appropriate amount of tension, presents nicely. The all stainless steel lugholes case shows honest wear with insignificant signs of oxidation.

The outside of the case back is stamped "ALL STAINLESS STEEL WEST GERMANY" with the inside of the case back being stamped HELBROS WATCHES. The crystal needs to be replaced. The 17 jewels unadjusted Swiss "ELGIN 338" stamped AS 1914 manual wind movement with quickset date function keeps accurate time and both the day and date wheels roll over as they should. The quickset date function usually works consistently by pressing in on the crown. Occasionally it won't so I'll manually roll over a new day/date and then try the quickset function again.

This tends to work out the kinks. After recently winding the non-screwdown crown 33 full revolutions the movement had an approximate 40 power reserve period. However, as seen in several of the pictures the crown is on unevenly. He crown winds without issue it turns a bit rough when setting the time. Given this issue and considering the movement's unknown service history a complete overhaul is required.

This watch measures approximately 37 mm excluding the crown, approximately 40.5 mm including the crown and approximately 19 mm between the lugs. Case thickness, measured from the bottom of the case back to the top of the bezel, is approximately 10.5 mm. Including the crystal thickness measures approximately 11.5 mm. A complete overhaul is required. As such there are no warranties, express or implied, attached with the sale of this watch. Vintage means old and while my personal belief is that old-school means better quality and workmanship, things can and do go wrong from time to time. For this watch that time is now. Any servicing costs going forward are your responsibility.

And please study the 22 high magnification pictures carefully as they are part of the description and serve as an accurate representation of the condition of this watch.

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