The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hello all
I've just acquired my 2nd Navi Fighters (instantly regretted selling the 1st one) from an established antique & luxury watch dealer.

It doesnt have b&p's, which i'm not that bothered about, but:
I notice that there has been some 3rd party intervention, which is only noticeable now that i have it in my hand.
These are the 'issues':

1) small but deep scratch on the crystal - i was aware of this pre sale

2) tiny dust particles inside the crystal and on dial/slide rule

3) 2 of the sub-register hands have been lifted & refitted - very slight bending is evident when seen through a loupe

4) caseback is extremely tight, though SN is intact

Now, being a perfectionist and an amateur horologist, i decided to try to open up the watch to blow out the dust. Unfortunately the caseback is too tight for me to open using a Jaxa-type tool & case holder. I've a multi-sided tool but that is for Avenger & Skyland etc.
Never had trouble opening Navi's or Avengers before...purely to check that these internet bought pre-owns were 100% legit.

Then it got me thinking "why was it opened up in the first place?"
For a 3rd party 'service' or fix? The dust inside gives it away, that it was operated upon in a less than clinical environment.

So, should I be worried if anything untoward has happened to this watch or should i just leave alone and enjoy it? What would you do? The watch is working perfectly and is keeping time very well.

I suppose I could just hand it in to the AD for a service and get it all rectified once and for all. Plus, get the missing papers & box replaced.....

Thanks for reading

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Oyster Date '78, Blackbird chrono DLC '10, Blackbird chrono' 02, Navitimer Fighters '02, Aerospace Evo , Seamaster Chrono Diver 300' 02, Carrera cbm2110

If it was mine, then it would bug me, and I'd always have this nagging doubt about it. If I was you I'd get it serviced by Breitling (detailing the things you want sorted out), and then your mind will be put to rest.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

The assumption has to be that it has been worked on by a non Breitling watchmaker (hence reused hands) who has less than ideal work habits. I don't have a proper atelier with positive pressure air conditions and HEPA filters - just a spare room in my house, but a little care can keep dust under control.

What you don't know is why that person worked on it, and what they may have done. If it were me, I would want a Breitling service to ensure that the right quality synthetic oils were used in the right amounts and in the right places, that the right length and strength mainspring was used, etc - and that's assuming that the watchmaker didn't do anything else to the watch during the servicing. Just because the time is OK doesn't mean that there isn't a problem.

In terms of the caseback being tight, as long as it's not cross threaded then I wouldn't be overly concerned, but maybe another indication of the working practices of whoever worked on it - the old tighten it until your veins are bulging and it won't shift any more approach.

Thanks for your comments guys; i knew you'd be talking sense!
I thought i was the only one being picky here. The 'issues' don't upset me or make me think that I've been 'done', BUT the mind does wander.

Yes I have every intention of handing it over to the AD for a manufacturer service....but when? Shall i do it asap or wait a while?

The dusty dial (it is only noticeable right up close to your face - if you have good eyesight) reminds me of a watch & clockmaker local to me. Whenever I've given him 'jobs' to rectify, i more than regularly get a dusty watch back. I then have to de-case it and blow out/Rodico the innards. This 'craftsman' has hundreds of dusty old clocks lying around in various guises of repair. I'm imagining that this antique dealers' premises is similar in appearance. Presuming that the watch was cracked on site.

I'm going to speak to the dealer soon. I'll report back with any news.

Thanks

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Oyster Date '78, Blackbird chrono DLC '10, Blackbird chrono' 02, Navitimer Fighters '02, Aerospace Evo , Seamaster Chrono Diver 300' 02, Carrera cbm2110

How long would you be comfortable running an incorrectly lubricated watch for?

Assume the worst and avoid the risk - at least that is what I would do.

Just had a chat to the dealer.
He assures me that all they do (on site) is open the watch to check its authenticity and nothing more unless required.
He also confirmed that all was correct and original, otherwise it would not have been offered for sale.

I explained the tiny black dust particles and he had nothing to offer in terms of 'how', but guessed that the bezel gasket may be passing? The bezel still feels tight enough to me....although is it possible that an unserviced watch of say, 6 years, could have a perishing bezel gasket and this 'dust' is actually the gasket?

He offered to have the dust blown out by his watch man, but i said I'd think about it.

At this moment I don't doubt the dealer, as it's also possible that the previous owner(s) may have had it open.

I'll phone my AD in the morning to ask how long the wait is, for servicing. Not to mention the new price

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Oyster Date '78, Blackbird chrono DLC '10, Blackbird chrono' 02, Navitimer Fighters '02, Aerospace Evo , Seamaster Chrono Diver 300' 02, Carrera cbm2110

I don't think that it's a gasket, and that doesn't explain the hands either. Someone has done more with that watch than open the caseback.

I tend to agree here. If you can afford a service, I'd bite the bullet and get it done : it's the only way for peace of mind.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Getting the service arranged isn't a problem. It's the (on average) 4 month wait which is the problem!

I might do some calling around to see if there are any watchsmiths local who possess a Horotec Breitling-type case back opener. Maybe I can get it checked sooner rather than later.

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Oyster Date '78, Blackbird chrono DLC '10, Blackbird chrono' 02, Navitimer Fighters '02, Aerospace Evo , Seamaster Chrono Diver 300' 02, Carrera cbm2110

Update:

My local Breitling AD has the tooling to open the watch, so I'll try to persuade them to crack this open before the end of the week.

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Oyster Date '78, Blackbird chrono DLC '10, Blackbird chrono' 02, Navitimer Fighters '02, Aerospace Evo , Seamaster Chrono Diver 300' 02, Carrera cbm2110

This is all the more reason to get it to Breitling ASAP. The sooner you put it in, the sooner you'll get it back....

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“The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once.” - Albert Einstein

Turns out that my local AD didn't have the correct tool after all
...my usual contact there was away, and this replacement guy looked at my Fighters with his loupe and said:

"hmmm, this has a matte finish to the case & bracelet. The standard Navitimer is all polished. All the correct markings appear to be there (on the caseback)...."

errr....no sh_t, Sherlock. Tell me something i don't know.

Then he went upstairs to consult with the "Rolex trained" watchsmith who could only summise that there was definately a "high-precision chronograph movement" in there.

Ummm thanks guys.

Looks like it'll be taking a holiday down at Tonbridge Wells for a while.

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Oyster Date '78, Blackbird chrono DLC '10, Blackbird chrono' 02, Navitimer Fighters '02, Aerospace Evo , Seamaster Chrono Diver 300' 02, Carrera cbm2110

You've gotta love "trained" staff.

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Driver8

Site Moderator