The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hello, just discovered this forum and need a little help re a Super Avenger. The Winder/Crown snapped off over a year ago and i sent it back to Breitling where i was told it was just out of warranty and it needed a new case? They want $1000 to put it right. It seems crazy to have to replace the whole case just for this.

Any advice would be gratefully received.

Phil

My guess is that the thread on the case where the crown screws on is also damaged.
Case replacement is the only solution if that is the case (now that sounds funny).

_________________
"It is just a matter of time!"

Welcome Phil...Sounds right...Check back...More Experts will check in and explain everything.

_________________
"In the end there can be but one"

Wessa is likely correct. The Aeromarine range uses a one piece middle case to save costs and in the event of damage the whole thing needs replacing. The cost sounds about right for a new case, crown, crown stem and full service.

It is a real shame that they do it like this. I had this happen to one of my less expensive watches.
The cost of replacing the case just did not make sense which was a shame as it was a nice looking watch.

Now. FloridaPhil, if the 1000 bucks includes a complete service and you really like this model, I would actually be tempted to do it.
You will get a "like new"watch back with 12 months warranty.
Even if you manage to find a bargain SA in the used market, I'm sure you will not find one for a 1000 especially with 12 months warranty plus you know that tis is your baby

_________________
"It is just a matter of time!"

It's a trade off. Aeromarine range is the only one that has this approach and it's intended to reduce manufacturing costs and hence retail price in what is positioned as the 'value' range. With the Windriders it's a more modular construction which makes repairs easier and cheaper - you can repalce the crown sleeve without having to replace the entire middle case, but the initial cost of the piece is higher (in part) due to higher manufacturing costs.

Does this mean if the threads on the little tube (to which the crown screws down on) get stripped, I have to get a whole new case (for a grand) in order to have that tube replaced?

It depends on the watch. In the Aeromarine range, yes.