NO,no,no...
Glen,
I'm an Accutron junkie, I have to say its the only watch I wear (I have 3) and 2xseiko to when I travel in case I get mugged..
You
don't want to try a battery and hope it works... besides after all the time not working probably the oil is gummed up and that could overcharge the coils and pfft!!
I would not send it to Old father time (the place you were told), I have heard bad things about them in the Accutron forums. And please do not send it to someone called bob or a website with anything bob in it, for some people he's an absolute POS that hope police get him (he's the Motorscheiter of Accutron). A hint is that he's based in Illinois and hes currently running this site:
The ONLY Bulova Recommended site. Accutron Spaceview Repair and Astronaut Service Bulova Recommended (DO NOT USE)
I recommend:
Vintage Timepieces Collectible Vintage Timepieces Antique Pocket Watches Timepiece Restoration Accutron Watches
and
The Accutron Place
I have never sent my watches to any of them cause I bought them serviced but those are the only two I will send my watches.. Yes it is expensive but cheaper than a TAG or Rolex and these guys are artists that keep that iconic watch going as accurate as a new quartz watch (waaay more accurate than a modern automatic)
Look at the pictures of their repairs, the watch will look like new.
Good luck!