Yema Spationaute III Aragatz Purchased

[jamesam]

The US eBay seller listed two of them as 7-day auctions with the same opening bid price of $99.00, both ending at the same time tonight. Seller described both as “New with tags. Never worn” that were purchased at the estate sale of a jeweler, but without batteries so not running.
I purchased serial #5-591 for $202.17.
The other one, serial # 4-756. sold for $201.50.
eBay item #175390876966 and #175390869676.

back Compressed 2.JPG (59.78 KiB) Viewed 11053 times

IMG-5478 (2) compressed.JPG (129.74 KiB) Viewed 11053 times

[Seiko7A38]

Congratulations on your acquisition James ! It just goes to show that you don't necessarily need to pay inflated prices for NOS Yema Spationaute III's, despite what I wrote about greedy speculators in that other thread. Yes, those two US eBay auctions were certainly unusual in a number of aspects, clearly due to an inexperienced seller.

They came up in my eBay saved search notifications on Monday 22nd August:

Yema-SpationauteIII-x2-eBay-August2022-Notification.png (59.82 KiB) Viewed 11018 times

The seller used the same set of 8 photos for both eBay listings (showing case-back serial # 4-756). Here's a few of them:

rsz_yema-spationauteiii-ebay-august2022-1.jpg (175.25 KiB) Viewed 11038 times

rsz_yema-spationauteiii-ebay-august2022-2.jpg (243.24 KiB) Viewed 11038 times

rsz_yema-spationauteiii-ebay-august2022-4.jpg (235.63 KiB) Viewed 11038 times

rsz_yema-spationauteiii-ebay-august2022-7.jpg (121.82 KiB) Viewed 11038 times

rsz_yema-spationauteiii-ebay-august2022-8.jpg (243.09 KiB) Viewed 11038 times

Wondering if there might be any subtle differences between them, I messaged the eBay seller and asked if she could send me photos of her other NOS Spationaute III. She kindly obliged. Here's just half the additional images she supplied:

rsz_yema-spationauteiii-ebay-august2022-additional-1.jpg (238.74 KiB) Viewed 11034 times

rsz_yema-spationauteiii-ebay-august2022-additional-5.jpg (243.74 KiB) Viewed 11034 times

rsz_yema-spationauteiii-ebay-august2022-additional-7.jpg (226.88 KiB) Viewed 11034 times

rsz_yema-spationauteiii-ebay-august2022-additional-9.jpg (243.83 KiB) Viewed 11034 times

The craziest thing was that the seller not only had her two auctions for NOS Yema Spationaute III's ending at exactly the same time (6:00pm PDT / 02:00 BST on Monday 29th morning), but she also had another 7-day auction listing for a NOS Yema N8 Flygraf ending at exactly the same time !!

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175390869676

Yema-SpationauteIII-eBay-August2022--Ended-Sold-$201.50.png (45.59 KiB) Viewed 11031 times

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175390876966

Yema-SpationauteIII-eBay-August2022-Another-Ended-Sold-$202.17.png (45.69 KiB) Viewed 11031 times

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175390931378

Yema-N8-Flygraf-eBay-August2022-Ended-Sold-$350.png (45.5 KiB) Viewed 11031 times

I wasn't prepared to stay up till the early hours of the morning to bid, so I set up a couple of automated snipe bids using Auctionsniper. There was obviously more interest in the auction for the N8 Flygraf, because it had over 50 watchers. It sold for $350 after 9 bids - I was out-sniped. But as I've written many times before, I really didn't need another ....

The other one, serial # 4-756. sold for $201.50.

But then I could never resist a bargain. The other NOS Yema Spationaute III # 4-756 is headed across The Pond to me.

[jamesam]

But then I could never resist a bargain. The other NOS Yema Spationaute III # 4-756 is headed across The Pond to me.

I just wish that it had come with an instruction manual—in English.
I’ve seen a posted French version which isn’t useful to me.

Can I assume a standard three-point case back removal tool can be adjusted to fit the Spationaute III’s 6-hole configuration to insert a battery? (although it will be a couple months, before I can get around to that).

Although I very much like the original blue sharkskin strap, I wouldn't mind having a second one-piece, pull-through strap that would provide some minimal protection for the case back, like the strap actually used in space.

[Seiko7A38]

James. You may gain some benefit from reading these three old threads from the archived forum:

Yema N7 / N8 (Spationaute III etc.) specific case-back tool anybody ?
My newest incoming Yema Spationaute III .... and strap changes !
Different Methods of Bracelet / Strap Attachment

To answer your questions:
I believe I have a US / English A4 instruction sheet for the Yema N8 somewhere. It's not great - a poor quality photocopy. Basically it's exactly the same as the Seiko 7A38 manual, with a screw-down crown and uni-directional bezel. Correct positioning of the crown is important in setting mode. It can be a bit fiddly.

Yes it is possible to unscrew a Yema N8 case-back using the 3 prongs of a Jaxa-style case-back removal tool. However, because the 6 holes are on a much smaller P.C.D., more force is often required to unscrew tight case-backs, which is why you see so many case-backs ruined by graunches inflicted by slipped tools. Because I ended up with so many Yema N8's, I had myself a custom tool made up. Works perfectly every time.

Personally, I would not attempt to remove an original Yema Spationaute III shark strap if one were fitted and in good (NOS) condition. The straps are held between the case lugs by pin and tube fixings, which can be difficult to press out cleanly, without marking the lugs. Yes I have fitted a variety of different straps to Yema Spationaute III's but sometimes using spring bars, for want of the original fixings.

.... would provide some minimal protection for the case back, like the strap actually used in space.

These are what I use on all my Yema Spationaute III's and N8 Flygrafs which don't have their factory protection stickers:
Labels (Watch Case Backs), Swiss Made 30mm.

[Seiko7A38]

I believe I have a US / English A4 instruction sheet for the Yema N8 somewhere. It's not great - a poor quality photocopy.

FWIW, I found it. Apologies for the crappy photo, but as I said it's a poor quality photocopy to start with. That one came with a gold-dialed Yema N81W63, rather than a Spationaute III. Other than that crudely folded A4 sheet, I can't remember seeing a pukka hard covered US / English only language instruction manual shipped with any Yema N8's.

rsz_p1850086-crop.jpg (239.57 KiB) Viewed 10803 times

There was a clearer copy of the same A4 instruction sheet included in this Catawiki auction in October 2020.

Yema-SpationauteIII-Catawiki-Oct2020-7.jpg (77.22 KiB) Viewed 10957 times

I just wish that it had come with an instruction manual—in English.
I’ve seen a posted French version which isn’t useful to me.

If you read this old archived forum thread The question of what exactly is a Yema N9 ? - Finally solved, you'll see the generic French / International Yema N7 / N8 / N9 manual comes in 6 languages, including English.

Yema-N8-V906A-Manual-1-P1060970.jpg (81.27 KiB) Viewed 10960 times

[jamesam]

THANK YOU for posting the English version instruction sheet. The screw-down crown was as you described "fiddly." Glad to have it so i know its not because of of my handling.
The photo was fine after a slight adjustment to edit the image

[jamesam]

Yes it is possible to unscrew a Yema N8 case-back using the 3 prongs of a Jaxa-style case-back removal tool. However, because the 6 holes are on a much smaller P.C.D., more force is often required to unscrew tight case-backs, which is why you see so many case-backs ruined by graunches inflicted by slipped tools. Because I ended up with so many Yema N8's, I had myself a custom tool made up. Works perfectly every time.

Personally, I would not attempt to remove an original Yema Spationaute III shark strap if one were fitted and in good (NOS) condition. The straps are held between the case lugs by pin and tube fixings, which can be difficult to press out cleanly, without marking the lugs. Yes I have fitted a variety of different straps to Yema Spationaute III's but sometimes using spring bars, for want of the original fixings.

.... would provide some minimal protection for the case back, like the strap actually used in space.

These are what I use on all my Yema Spationaute III's and N8 Flygrafs which don't have their factory protection stickers:
Labels (Watch Case Backs), Swiss Made 30mm.

Since I don't have a custom tool, I suppose I have to trust a competent high-end jeweler to open it (I assume they've learned to use care so they don't damage the watches they're selling for over $15,000).

Not sure if it would even be worth my time to try one of these suction-type "Non Marking Watch Case Opener" (also labeled "friction-type for screw-on back"), listed on eBay for $7.

case back removal tool.jpg (12.21 KiB) Viewed 10947 times

Thanks for the tip regarding the use of a protective film, I wasn't aware you could get that in a shape that fits the back of a watch case.
So with the film, I could wear it with the dressy blue sharkskin strap. To me, however, there is also something fitting about having a work-like, black, one-piece strap similar to the strap actually used by the astronauts.
I read your post about using the Seiko S-926 band-sizing tool to remove the existing pin and tube to change the strap. Are you recommending against that as something that might still end up damaging the lugs?

[Seiko7A38]

Although I originally recommended using the Seiko S-926 bracelet sizing tool, the cheap ex-eBay link remover (with the wider jaws) that I discovered later works just as well. Whichever tool you use, place a couple of small strips of 'Duck' tape on the lugs to prevent them being marked - just visible in the photo below.

P1370037.jpg (144.57 KiB) Viewed 10941 times

To me, however, there is also something fitting about having a work-like, black, one-piece strap similar to the strap actually used by the astronauts.

Those Kevlar / Velcro NASA style straps (as came supplied fitted to my ex-Jean-Loup Chrétien space flown example) are fine and dandy if you want to wear it over a space suit, or solely for display purposes. Frankly they're not particularly comfortable on the wrist. If you look at photos of Michel Tognini's much loved (and space flown) example, he wore his on a 'double jonc' leather strap for many years. Lots more photos in this old archived forum thread.

MichelTognini-YemaSpationauteIII-April1992-GettyImages-857015418.jpg (217.5 KiB) Viewed 10923 times

rsz_soyuz-tm-15-crew-michel_tognini-spationauteiii-1.jpg (245.01 KiB) Viewed 10923 times

[Seiko7A38]

My NOS Yema Spationaute III was delivered late this morning, although I nearly missed spotting it. Hermes, a notoriously unreliable UK courier company, who've re-invented themselves as 'Evri' and handle the import / UK delivery of eBay's Global Shipping Program, advised earlier today that it had left their depot. No knock at the door, no signature. I found the package dumped unceremoniously in an empty flower pot near my front door just before Midday, after checking their tracking history again, only to discover it had been delivered at 10:50am ! Although the outer shipping carton had been damaged, thankfully the US eBay seller had packed it well in wads of tissue paper.

More or less as I received it (but with the bezel correctly oriented and strap unbuckled for the purposes of the photo):

rsz_p1850088.jpg (220.02 KiB) Viewed 10838 times

The case-back was screwed on very tightly, but my custom tool made relatively light work of it. It was evident that it had been unscrewed at least once before from a short slipped tool-mark (bottom right removal hole).

rsz_p1850089.jpg (238.9 KiB) Viewed 10838 times

Would be interested in hearing whether it has no battery at all or a dead battery inside -- when I asked the seller she had no idea.

The (long since flat) replacement Renata battery which had been fitted showed signs of gassing ....

rsz_p1850090.jpg (243.19 KiB) Viewed 10838 times

.... but thankfully no leakage. The battery well was almost spotless:

rsz_p1850091.jpg (244.72 KiB) Viewed 10838 times

[Seiko7A38]

I fitted a new Seizaiken #394 battery, greased the case-back O-ring seal and tentatively screwed the case-back back on. The watch didn't immediately spring to life, but thankfully it woke up after a couple of seconds, with full functionality. At which point I felt safe tightening down the case-back. I gave it a quick wipe with lighter fluid to remove a couple of sticky marks and the tiniest smear of excess grease. The previous small slipped tool-mark is clearly visible bottom right.

rsz_p1850092.jpg (244.42 KiB) Viewed 10834 times

These are what I use on all my Yema Spationaute III's and N8 Flygrafs which don't have their factory protection stickers:
Labels (Watch Case Backs), Swiss Made 30mm.

Although 'the damage is done', I habitually fitted a case-back protection sticker:

rsz_p1850093.jpg (243.56 KiB) Viewed 10834 times

First quick and dirty wrist shot, just in time for lunch. I'll take a couple more this afternoon.

rsz_p1850094-crop.jpg (244.18 KiB) Viewed 10834 times

[Seiko7A38]

Here's another slightly better wrist shot - different to the couple I posted in the WRUW thread earlier this afternoon.

rsz_p1850098-crop.jpg (244.11 KiB) Viewed 10816 times

[jamesam]

The watch didn't immediately spring to life, but thankfully it woke up after a couple of seconds, with full functionality.

Today I took my Spationaute III to jeweler that services expensive watches, to have him insert a working battery. (It had a dead Eveready #394 made in the USA.)
Like your watch, it did not spring to life immediately. After a minute or two, the chronograph functions were working fine, but the hour and minute hands did not work. He suggested I send it to Seiko to have it serviced because of its age.

Any thoughts?

[Seiko7A38]

It sounds as though you may have been unlucky, James. Buying any quartz watch that 'just needs a new battery' is always something of a gamble. Most of the time, if a watch is genuinely 'New Old Stock', pop a new battery in and you'll be fine. That said, I've had my share of D.O.A. N.O.S. 7A38's over the years. The problem is often caused by the oil in the jewels becoming more viscous with age (and lack of agitation from rotation). In worst cases, it can solidify. Instead of acting as a lubricant, it adds friction, acting as a brake on components and prevents them from moving. It's known as 'Old Sticky Oil Syndrome'. With 7Axx's it usually manifests itself as a recalcitrant chronograph sweep second hand or the time not functioning (like yours).

If you wish to confirm this diagnosis, leave the watch somewhere warm (not hot) for a couple of hours. I use the airing cupboard above my hot water tank. When you take it out, the time may have started, or at least you may be able to see the constant seconds hand (6 o'clock sub-dial) twitching. It's only a temporary fix, due to the warmed thinner oils.

He suggested I send it to Seiko to have it serviced because of its age.

He's right that it probably needs a service. However, I'm not sure whether Seiko would accept it as being their product, even though we know it's a re-branded 7A38 movement inside. I've personally got nothing against Seiko's US service center; Coserv, Mahwah, NJ, but over many years of browsing other watch forums, most of the reviews I've read have been negative. This was a post from the latest thread on SCWF last month.

Seiko-Coserv-SCWF-Post.png (21.84 KiB) Viewed 10759 times

See this thread for alternatives. Not much choice, Stateside - or at least that I'm aware of. Personally I've always used Simon Wilkinson (Sir Alan) for servicing my 7A38's and would recommend him, though I'm not sure what his workload / backlog is like nowadays. I know a number of US SCWF members send Simon their watches for servicing.

[jamesam]

Thank you for your perspective and advice. I completely understood and accepted this possibility as a risk when I bought it, since the seller was quite forthright about it. That’s why I was only willing to pay about $200. I think I’ll try Seiko first. After that, I’ll try a watch repair service recommended by a family member who owns a company that designs and manufactures jewelry, so he’s accustomed to sending out his customers’ expensive watches for service.

[Seiko7A38]

The watch didn't immediately spring to life, but thankfully it woke up after a couple of seconds, with full functionality.

Perhaps my Spationaute III may also need a movement service. I picked it up this morning, planning to quickset the date forward (from 31) for the new month and found that it had lost 15 minutes since I last wore it (on 10th September). That's 5 minutes per week; 43 seconds per day - well outside tolerable limits.

Here's another slightly different wrist shot (post correctional adjustment) to the one I just posted in the WRUW thread.

rsz_p1860016-crop.jpg (242.02 KiB) Viewed 10612 times

[Seiko7A38]

After I'd reset it, I monitored that Yema Spationaute III more closely. Transpires it didn't lose time linearly - the first 10 minutes took a couple of days. Over the next two weeks, the deficit gradually crept up to 22 minutes. Then it stopped losing and kept almost perfect time (albeit 22 minutes slow) for the remainder of the month. This morning I corrected the time for the end of British Summer Time (to GMT / UTC). So far it looks like it's keeping time again. Fingers crossed.

[Seiko7A38]

Update: It hasn't lost a second since last weekend. No manual intervention whatsoever. Here's a slightly different wrist shot to the one I just posted in the WRUW thread.

rsz_p1860036-crop.jpg (244.97 KiB) Viewed 9384 times

[jamesam]

And what is your thought on why it initially lost 22 minutes but now is running accurately?
I had mine serviced, by Simon as you recommended, and he reports that its now working perfectly and is now on its way back to me. It was just a matter of the sticky oil in a 30+ year old watch that had never been used or serviced. Seems random that yours would not have the same issue.

[Seiko7A38]

I've absolutely no idea, James. I guess I've been lucky. My watch seems to have overcome the binding effect of the old sticky oil all by itself - just by keeping running. I'll hasten to add that I didn't give it any assistance (by resorting to my usual trick of leaving the watch in the airing cupboard overnight). It's remained at a fairly chilly room temperature - I haven't turned my central heating on yet.

[Seiko7A38]

I have a confession to make. I've been a naughty boy. I've gone and bought myself yet another Yema Spationaute III Aragatz. In my defence it was relatively cheap. It was listed on Yahoo Japan auctions the weekend before last, with a reasonable opening bid price of ¥18,000 Yen and a duration of only 35 hours. The Japanese listing title, which didn't actually include the word 'Spationaute' translated as: YEMA quartz chronograph CCCP France mint condition.

https://buyee.jp/item/yahoo/auction/o1095848392

Yema-SpationauteIII-YahooJapan-June2023-Listing.jpg (196.58 KiB) Viewed 2491 times

Yema-SpationauteIII-YahooJapan-June2023-1.jpg (116.24 KiB) Viewed 2491 times

Yema-SpationauteIII-YahooJapan-June2023-2.jpg (107.96 KiB) Viewed 2491 times

Yema-SpationauteIII-YahooJapan-June2023-3.jpg (99.82 KiB) Viewed 2491 times

Yema-SpationauteIII-YahooJapan-June2023-5.jpg (78.62 KiB) Viewed 2491 times

Yema-SpationauteIII-YahooJapan-June2023-6.jpg (132.53 KiB) Viewed 2491 times

Athough it attracted half a dozen watchers, nobody else bid besides myself and I won it for the opening bid price. DHL delivered the Buyee package this morning. First impressions - it's fully functional and almost mint, if a little grubby. The watch is still fitted with its original Yema shark strap, but that has hardened with age. It's wearable, but I'm going to have a look through my spare strap drawer and see what I can find by way of a suitable replacement.