The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Dumb question, probably a FAQ:

If these watches are so well sealed that they can handle a depth of 2000 meters, why would they need lube? Where did the lube go? How can it escape?

It doesn't escape, it dries out

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Breitling Navitimer Vintage
Breitling Emergency Mission

It changes it's characteristics.

Lubes doesn't dry. It is not water soluble.

Much like an automobile, I would venture to say that the viscosity of the lube changes over time...possibly causing the movement to "gunk" up.

regards,
Mark(msa6712)

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"The biggest difference between time and space is that you can't reuse time". // {Merrick Furst}

There are two main issues that need to be addressed by servicing. First off, the oils in the watch (there are at least two different types usually) do break down over time as has been suggested. They tend to thicken and lose their ability to lubricate effectively. I'm not a chemical engineer and can't explain to you what is happening at a molecular level, but that's the symptoms.

Secondly, pieces wear out. These movements are not wear free and over the years pieces will need to be replaced. Remember that the balance wheel is vibrating a 28,800 vph - that's over 1.25 billion (with a b) vibrations in a 5 year maintenance cycle. The escape wheel is being stopped by the pallet fork over 600 million times - you get the idea.

Not all of these parts are automatically replaced, but they do need inspection on a regular basis, and much like in a car, preventive maintenance is a lot easier (and cheaper) than dealing with the consequences of failure.

Good question and excellent answer by Roffensian. I think it is better to call it a "service" rather than a "cleaning", which always made me wonder the same question.

Michael

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Breitling, Omega, Rolex... what can I say, I like Swiss watches.

That is a really good explenation, thank you.

How foten is the recomended service intervals?
And how much does these cost?

Thank you

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[b]Lings
# 1 Avenger Skyland Blacksteel LE, # 2 Ti Chrono Avenger

Thank you!

Service is recommended every 5 years, but the simple answer is when it can no longer keep accurate time. The only exception would be if you dive regularly, especially in salt water when the seals should be checked and replaced every 12 months or so.

A full service is generally $400 - $500 or so.

There is a pdf-file in Breitling site. It tells you what they do to watch and what price. I don't know are those real prices or estimates but it's somekind of info at least.

http://www.breitling.com/en/maintenance/

After looking at that pdf, how often would you get a complete overhaul compared to regular maintenance?

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Justin
Please contact me via PM for the contact details for Govberg Jewelers
Govberg is an AD for over 50 fine Swiss and German watch brands.
Visit them on the web at http://www.govbergwatches.com or call 800-528-8463

To my mind the 5 / 6 year service should be a full service (overhaul). The regular maintenance is more useful if you need the seals changed, or if the watch needs significant regulation (i.e. beyond the adjustment that can be achieved via the index).

The danger with trying to fix problems with regular maintenance is that the problem may not be in the escapement, and therefore this won't fix it.

wow that pdf really is great info! def saving that in my files!

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SA-Baton White Dial/ProII
Tissot Le Locle

Keep driving your car with engine sealed and oil inside without changing, let's see what happens

the 5 yr guide for full overhaul is alo whats recommended by breitling in the little leaflet u get back after a serrvice