The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Anyone have the part # for the LE Chronomat 44's caseback?

I don't know the answer to your question, but I'm curious why you want the number.

To see if Breitling will sell me one for my non-LE Chronomat 44:)

AFAIK, only an authorized dealer can get Breitling parts.

Well if I had a part number I could give it to my AD:)

I don't think the AD will order it for you just like that, unless you have a great relationship with them and if you did, you would not need to search for the part # because surely they would know how to order it for you.
AFAIK, this is not a part an AD can just order to supply to the end user. It can only be ordered as part of a service by Breitling Authorized Service agent.
Even than, I don't think the service agent would do it anyway as they will only replace original parts.
The DB on the Chronomats only came with the Limited Editions hence I doubt the service agent would put one on a standard C44.
Think also about the water resistance rating and even warranty, if your watch is still under warranty.
Fitting a DB on a standard model would most likely be considered by Breitling as non original part and if you dit it yourself - an unauthorized intrusion, all of which voids your warranty.
The standard model water resistance rating is 500m and the LE with the DB is 200m, which was a compromise in lieu of the DB.

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"It is just a matter of time!"

This was why I asked. The DB is intended for LE models only, so officially you're not "entitled" to obtain one, unless you have an LE and need to replace the caseback for some reason. Even then, given the nature of the part, it's possible Breitling would only sell you one as part of a repair they performed themselves. I don't know the likelihood that they would actually be willing to ship one out to an AD, or even a Breitling-authorized watchmaker - assuming you could find one willing to bend the rules to order you one.

Yeah, no need for a part number on that the answer is that they won't.

Breitling never agrees to fundamentally changing one of their models, especially when it would undermine the LE.

I can second what Roff says; Breitling will not let you put a different caseback on your watch.

I had to send my C44 back four times for a defect. On the fourth try, Breitling said they were just going to replace the entire watch. However, my wife had engraved the caseback of my watch, so I asked to have this caseback installed on the new head. Breitling would not do it because the serial numbers would not have matched. Instead, they replaced the movement in my existing watch. Apparently the movement serial number does not have to match the case serial numbers.

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Chronomat 01- Sierra Silver/Steel
Navitimer 01- Limited Edition #1337/2000

Yeah, I can't imagine Breitling safeguarding the DB parts in some high-security safe with laser sweeping security and humidity detectors:P

All I would have to say is that the DB cracked and my watch is out of warranty so I am not sure that they would really do everything to prevent me from getting the part.

I will let you guys know because when I get a chance to go to my AD I will give it a shot. All I was asking for is a part number but I guess that was too difficult.

As for the WR I could care less. My watches never see any water anyway.

1) They'll want the serial number of the watch
2) ADs aren't authorised to work on in house movements
3) If you overcame 1 and 2 Breitling would either refuse to service the watch or would charge you for a replacement solid caseback as part of the cost of a service

Ok so I wil ask my friend for his serial since he has an LE. I will explain that it was dropped and the DB cracked and I do not wish to have a full service, just the part that broke fixed. Opening a caseback isn't like changing the column wheel.

The problem is you're presuming Breitling will actually ship the part. As I said earlier, they may require the watch be sent in to them, so they can verify the damage. It really wouldn't matter whether you said you didn't want a service or not, or that the change isn't a complex procedure. If Breitling's policy is that all DB caseback replacements must be done by them, you're out of luck.

With that said, there's no harm in trying. Let us know how it works out for you.

Clearly you seem to be more clever than the rest of us, so best of luck trying to get that DB. Post some pictures of it when Breitling ships it to you. That will be the same day I go to the casino and put my life savings on red.

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Chronomat 01- Sierra Silver/Steel
Navitimer 01- Limited Edition #1337/2000

Yes, I'm sure it's never occurred to Breitling that someone might make up a story to circumvent their parts-control policy.