The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Guys, anyone know how I can get a hold of a soft copy of the Blackbird users manual? Thanks!

Speak to Breitling direct in the first instance as they may still have one, although given the age of the watch (1st gen BB) probably not.

Otherwise, you're looking at eBay or try a WTB ad in the sales forum here.

_________________
Driver8

Site Moderator

Thanks Driver8. Here's a silly question, hope you don't mind answering. Is the manual worth going through? I mean, it's not like an electronics owner's manual which one has to read to operate, is it? I m familiar w d basic functions of all the 3 buttons, should someone new to Ling read one? Sorry....

It's worth having it from completing the set of papers etc, but it's not full of earth-shattering knowledge, especially for a standard chrono like the BB. I haven't opened a manual for a long time for that very reason, but the only thing to really take note of is the safety aspects - i.e. don't use the quickset date between 8pm and 3 am, don't operate the crown or push-pieces under water (or even when wet), and keep the crown screwed in when getting the watch wet. That's about it IMO.

Sorry - just re-read your first post - you were after a soft-copy of the manual. There aren't any soft-copies available unless someone has scanned one at some point. But a hardcopy may be available from somewhere as I described.

_________________
Driver8

Site Moderator

Thanks again. Will check w local AD n Ling service center. No luck on eBay yet.

I've never seen a soft copy anywhere. I bought a hard copy after my two year old put mine in the bath (i know, don't get me started). I really only did it to complete the set of papers. Read it once, put it in the box and there it has stayed.

Where did u buy it from? the local AD?

No, i contacted Breitling here in Australia. I guess you could get your AD to do it, but i was just as easy for me to do it directly.

To answer the question, a BB manual is not worth it for "just reading through it." Nothing special there that isn't in every other Breitling chrono manual. Quite generic.

_________________
SHARKMAN

Thanks Guys.
Looks like I need to send my Ling in for a service. It is running about -20sec every 24 hours, measured against my digital watch. I understand the specs for Chrono is -4/+6 sec per day. Can you guys advise if a general maintenance will fix the accuracy or do I need to send for an overhaul. Just want to be prepared in case the service center insisted on an overhaul. Please advise.

I would start with a simple regulation and see what happens there, especially if it is consistent.

Roff, do you mean regular maintenance? Thanks!

No, I mean regulation.

Take it to a watchmaker and have them adjust the balance spring (regulate it). If it is consistently running at -20 then that may well be enough to get it back within COSC specs. If it's erratic timekeeping then a service will be needed and depending on hte age of the watch then a full service is likely the best option.

Noted. Thanks Roff.