a. should the watch work without the metal back cover mounted ? (this will make easier future tests)
Yes it will except for the piezo transducer (beeper) as that is built into the case back.
b. should it work, what should happen ? should display a default date and a running time ?
NO, you have to push the date button or time button. It MAY display a 0 followed by a decimal. If you press the reset button then you will get the 0. display
c. Now, about batteries, the watch comes from australia and the batteries inserted are Energizer 357/303, I have checked them with a voltmeter, and these provide a good 1.5 volt output. What do you suggest ?
The batteries are correct and show the correct voltage, HOWEVER, PURCHASE some new ones as a voltmeter does not test a battery with a draw on it. I have had bad batteries test close to 1.5 volts and not power the watch. These batteries when new on a volmeter should indicate 1.55 volts. The caveat here is to install new batteries prior to disassembly just in case!
Email me personally before you decide to disassemble the watch. When looking at the watch with it's face down and the case back off the sequence of battery placement should be:
upper left: positive down display battery
upper right: negative down display battery
lower centre: negative down memory battery (also required for display to work but does not power the display)
Ebay item 260478798693
He has the stopwatch function running. Have you tried pushing the upper right hand button marked S to see if that function works?
These watches are problematic when it comes to repair. Typically the batteries leak or out gas and corrode the PCA. A second failure point which can occur is the Quartz Crystal which can be replaced. The trimming capacitor can also be replaced. Contact breaks at both these points lead to a blank display.
Cheers, Geoff
geoffqf@nospamtelus.net remove the nospam part!
Edited: 10 Oct 2009, 11:00 a.m.