The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I've pulled together the costs for servicing from 17 countries around the world for comparison. Unfortunately, Switzerland wasn't available as it would be good to use as the benchmark.

Cheapest countries
1. South Africa (partly due to the relatively strong Rand)
2. Spain
3. USA (excl sales tax)

Most Expensive
1. Belgium
2. Norway
3. Netherlands

Download pdf http://rapidshare.com/files/235138799/Breitling_service_costs_2009.pdf

Download Excel spreadsheet http://rapidshare.com/files/235139158/Breitling_service_costs_2009.zip

What strikes me is the total inconsistency of pricing between counties.

In the USA, maintenance on a Chronograph is 30% higher than on an Automatic but in Norway, it is 144% more! Yet whilst the USA charges 62% more for a full service on the Chronograph, Norway only charges 15% more!

I realise there will be variances between countries but shouldn't they at least bring the relative prices into line across the globe?

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That is weird. Part of it might be taxation - North American prices are generally quoted before tax, while in Europe it's generally tax in pricing, and maybe some parts / services are exempt in some parts, but you would expect a lot more consistency as the work done is standardised across the globe.

Maybe something to do with the availability of skilled watchmakers???

Sharkmouth - many thanks for this, very interesting.

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Gone: TT Chronomat Evolution (Blue Face)
Saving for: SOH 42

Interesting stuff, thanks for the info.

One item not included which may or may not make a difference is shipping costs.

I have no idea how much insured shipping costs in the rest of the world but I paid $25 each way for UPS ground insured for $2000 from New York City to BUSA in Connecticut.

Total tab for complete service two weeks ago on an original Blackbird was $25 (no tax, I paid) to ship to them, $490 for complete service, $64 for new hands (I don't know why but that's how they broke it down on the invoice), and $25 return shipping (the latter 3 were taxed).

Total came out to about $653.

My watch came back looking fantastic (only 1 scratch was too deep to polish out and it is right next to the clasp and not too long) and is losing 8 seconds a week as opposed to 3 minutes a week.

Plus, as I never got a hat when I got the watch (it was a gift) they were kind enough to send me one at no charge.

Total time from the day I sent it out to the day I got it back was 10 weeks on the dot.

-Henry

Great info, Sharky.