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A B-1 service question.
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Author:  k7baixo [ Wed Aug 25, 2010 8:29 am ]
Post subject:  A B-1 service question.
I was going to preface by asking, "Can I ask a stupid question?" but I was afraid that someone would respond, "Why yes K7 - better than anyone else here." Image

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Anyway, I understand that Breitling only supports models for 20 years or so although logically, it's likely a soft target meaning they'll hopefully use parts until they're gone.

In the case of a B-1 a68362, what does this imply with the movement? If mine needed a new movement for whatever reason, would they replace it with the same movement or would Breitling use the SQ movement? I seem to recall at least one commnet where a non-SQ was replaced with the SQ variety.

If the SQ is a direct retrofit, since that model was made up until the 2006 timeframe, does that in effect extend the support for the early B-1 models?

I'm not expecting issues with mine - just curious.
Author:  Driver8 [ Wed Aug 25, 2010 9:29 am ]
Post subject:  Re: A B-1 service question.
Hi, yes Breitling will fit the latest version of the movement to your B-1 at service time if a new movement was needed. Obviously there will come a point in the future whereby the movement simply isn't made anymore and at that point the watch will be impossible to support. Unfortunately this has happened with a number of quartz watches from the 80's, but hopefully Breitling's stockpiling of current quartz movements will mean that the current quartz models have a little more longevity.
Author:  avers [ Wed Aug 25, 2010 12:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: A B-1 service question.
Couple fellow collectors reported Breitling replacing non-SQ with SQ movements.

Ia hope that SQ, as high-quality quartz movement, will hold better in the long run than watches from the 1980s.

BTW, I have a JLC watch from 1970s - the very first quartz movement - and it's working just fine :)
Author:  k7baixo [ Wed Aug 25, 2010 12:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: A B-1 service question.
avers wrote:
Couple fellow collectors reported Breitling replacing non-SQ with SQ movements.

Ia hope that SQ, as high-quality quartz movement, will hold better in the long run than watches from the 1980s.

BTW, I have a JLC watch from 1970s - the very first quartz movement - and it's working just fine :)


That's really my expectations also - there's no reason why this movement shouldn't deliever any less - although it would be nice to get an upgrade to the SQ-version.

Thanks!
Author:  Iantheklutz [ Wed Aug 25, 2010 3:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: A B-1 service question.
I've also heard of people being offered discounts on a new watch from Breitling because they were unable to furnish a repair/replacement of the original digital components. Unfortunately, you do not get to keep your old watch.

I think the examples I've heard of are from the vintage forum here. I think the specific watch was the Navitimer 2300.
Author:  Breitling-nutt [ Wed Aug 25, 2010 4:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: A B-1 service question.
Breitling guarantees support of its Superquartz pieces for a minimum of 20 years after production has stopped. One thing to keep in mind is that the SQ movements cannot even be remotely compared to a 10 dollar quartz much like a Breitling auto cannot be compared to a 50 dollar knock off mechanical. The SQ movements have all metal geartrains and are jeweled, for example the SQ movement in the Seawolf Chrono features 27 jewels. They are also designed and intended to be serviced just like a mechanical where the geartrain is completely torn down, cleaned and oiled. There is no reason why these modern high end quartz movements should not last at least 40 years. A factory trained Breitling watchmaker once said to me "They are very serious movements".

Rest assured, Breitling SQ pieces are built to last a lifetime and then some!
Author:  Roffensian [ Wed Aug 25, 2010 4:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: A B-1 service question.
Breitling-nutt wrote:
Breitling guarantees support of its Superquartz pieces for a minimum of 20 years after production has stopped. One thing to keep in mind is that the SQ movements cannot even be remotely compared to a 10 dollar quartz much like a Breitling auto cannot be compared to a 50 dollar knock off mechanical. The SQ movements have all metal geartrains and are jeweled, for example the SQ movement in the Seawolf Chrono features 27 jewels. They are also designed and intended to be serviced just like a mechanical where the geartrain is completely torn down, cleaned and oiled. There is no reason why these modern high end quartz movements should not last at least 40 years. A factory trained Breitling watchmaker once said to me "They are very serious movements".

Rest assured, Breitling SQ pieces are built to last a lifetime and then some!



The fundamental flaw with that argument though is that, unlike mechanical movements, there are electronic components that will eventually become obsolete. I applaud Breitling's commitment to 20 years of support, but that will consist (at least in part) of stockpiling components and movements, and 20 year old NOS electronics may not function as expected.
Author:  Breitling-nutt [ Wed Aug 25, 2010 4:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: A B-1 service question.
Roffensian wrote:
Breitling-nutt wrote:
Breitling guarantees support of its Superquartz pieces for a minimum of 20 years after production has stopped. One thing to keep in mind is that the SQ movements cannot even be remotely compared to a 10 dollar quartz much like a Breitling auto cannot be compared to a 50 dollar knock off mechanical. The SQ movements have all metal geartrains and are jeweled, for example the SQ movement in the Seawolf Chrono features 27 jewels. They are also designed and intended to be serviced just like a mechanical where the geartrain is completely torn down, cleaned and oiled. There is no reason why these modern high end quartz movements should not last at least 40 years. A factory trained Breitling watchmaker once said to me "They are very serious movements".

Rest assured, Breitling SQ pieces are built to last a lifetime and then some!



The fundamental flaw with that argument though is that, unlike mechanical movements, there are electronic components that will eventually become obsolete. I applaud Breitling's commitment to 20 years of support, but that will consist (at least in part) of stockpiling components and movements, and 20 year old NOS electronics may not function as expected.



Agreed, however modern day electronics are better built then say 30 years ago. Even if these parts are stock piled for 30 years, I am certain that they will function as expected. A friend of mine who's worked with electronic components for 40 plus years has equipment dating back to the late 60's and early 70's. Some of which has been left sitting a damp basement for over a decade. Once plugged in, they fire right up. I am sure Breitling's spare parts facility is far from damp.
Author:  k7baixo [ Wed Aug 25, 2010 7:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: A B-1 service question.
Good comments and info - thanks for all of the input.
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