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Refinishing A Polished Watch To A Matte Finish - Questions
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Author:  MichaelT0305 [ Fri Dec 14, 2012 11:34 am ]
Post subject:  Refinishing A Polished Watch To A Matte Finish - Questions
I purchased a Breitling SO A13340.
Attachment:
new.jpg
I prefer a "brushed" matte or satin finish over the polished look. I contacted a local AD to see if they would brush the bracelet and casing and this is their response below.

"I will not able to do the case, only the bracelet at $40. Only Breitling
will have the proper tools to remove the bezel (not even the dealers
will have it), and they will not alter the look of it. If someone tells
you that they can, then they are not removing the bezel and will do a
very bad job. If you still want us to do it, I could have it ready by
the middle of next week, please let me know."

Is this fair advice, should I not risk brushing the case? Ideally I want the case to have a brushed satin finish that matched the bezel.

Anyone have a differing opinion?

Thanks,
Michael
Author:  Roffensian [ Fri Dec 14, 2012 11:48 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Refinishing A Polished Watch To A Matte Finish - Questio
Historically Breitling would not tolerate changes to their original design and there are stories of them polishing brushed finishes at the owner's expense during servicing. However, recently they seem to be a little more tolerant of it, but I would still check with Breitling directly that they are OK with it - and get it in writing to prevent future problems.
Author:  Philm35 [ Fri Dec 14, 2012 12:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Refinishing A Polished Watch To A Matte Finish - Questio
I'm not sure that they would do it. I recently had my Aerospace into BUSA for an overhaul. I asked them if they would replace the gold-plated rider tabs with titanium ones. The answer was no... They would have to install a new case back with a corrected model number... and the bracelet would no longer match.

I can understand why Breitling wouldn't want to have "redesigned" watches out there.
Author:  Roffensian [ Fri Dec 14, 2012 1:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Refinishing A Polished Watch To A Matte Finish - Questio
Philm35 wrote:
I'm not sure that they would do it. I recently had my Aerospace into BUSA for an overhaul. I asked them if they would replace the gold-plated rider tabs with titanium ones. The answer was no... They would have to install a new case back with a corrected model number... and the bracelet would no longer match.

I can understand why Breitling wouldn't want to have "redesigned" watches out there.


That's a bit different though because changing rider tabs will change the model number and brushing a polished watch won't.
Author:  MichaelT0305 [ Fri Dec 14, 2012 1:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Refinishing A Polished Watch To A Matte Finish - Questio
I think I can justify paying around $100 bucks for Breitling to re-polish my watch when I send it in 7 years from now for an overhaul in order to have the watch look to my liking for the next 7 years. It is a 2011 model that I bought pre-owned with a two year Tourneau warranty. Tourneau said they would do both bracelet and casing for $150. I just get hesitant when different AD’s will do different work. I guess my question is can I find an AD that will do a respectable job putting a satin finish on the casing? Or is the above statement true that without removing the bezel and it will result in a poor result.

I don’t foresee having my watch serviced by Breitling until the 7-8 year range. So the way I’m thinking right now, in 7 years I pay $100 to have it polished back to polished finish before sending it in to get an overhaul. Is that sound logic?
Author:  Roffensian [ Fri Dec 14, 2012 2:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Refinishing A Polished Watch To A Matte Finish - Questio
You'll get a better finish removing the bezel but both that and brushing can be a do it toyrself job if you are confident enough. Just bear in mind that every time that you change the finish you are removing metal, albeit fractional amounts.
Author:  nickzac [ Fri Dec 14, 2012 4:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Refinishing A Polished Watch To A Matte Finish - Questio
As said, I would say call Breitling before doing this, but I know of people who have had them change from one way to another for a nominal fee.

If you DIY, it actually isn't all that hard if you take some time and get the right tools. First, you need these:
http://www.cousinsuk.com/catalog/7/1118/1342.aspx

I call them abrasive blocks. You probably only need medium and fine. The Bergeon ones, while more expensive, are of higher quality and once you buy these, you can do touchup on your own any time.

Then, when brushing the bracelet, move in one direction and make sure the block does not wiggle or slide horizontally (to ensure straight lines). Start with medium or coarse and if you want finer lines, then go to medium or fine. For the bezel, work circularly. For the top of the case, work in a curved fashion. I've attached a crude photo to show the 'grain' and what is traditionally brushed on a normal Breitling brushed finish.

I would not personally polish the case because will be impossible to match the two different sides and Breitlings intentionally leave the two sides of the case and the underside polished...it makes good visual contrast. I would also not polish the side of the end links on the bracelet (also how Breitling does this) for better contrast as well. Then of course, when doing the bezel, remove it to avoid scratching the inner ring and/or AR coating. All you need are small screw drivers.
Author:  Alan M [ Sat Dec 15, 2012 12:56 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Refinishing A Polished Watch To A Matte Finish - Questio
I have my utc and bracelet brushed to match my big date BB (BB+). Brietling would not touch it, and when it goes in for a service the original bracelet will go back on to save the brushed finish being (restored) to its origional polished finish.
Author:  nickzac [ Sat Dec 15, 2012 9:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Refinishing A Polished Watch To A Matte Finish - Questio
Alan M wrote:
I have my utc and bracelet brushed to match my big date BB (BB+). Brietling would not touch it, and when it goes in for a service the origional bracelet will go back on to save the brushed finish being (restored) to its origional polished finish.


That is crazy! (and not cool on BUSA's behalf). To be sure when you say BB you mean Blackbird, right? That is so weird given it comes in both a brushed and polished finish. A few months ago, one of the people at BUSA even told me they could refinish it to polish if I liked (I didn't, but was curious)...maybe it depends on who you speak to and how strict they are??? :?:
Author:  Roffensian [ Sun Dec 16, 2012 6:37 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Refinishing A Polished Watch To A Matte Finish - Questio
nickzac wrote:
Alan M wrote:
I have my utc and bracelet brushed to match my big date BB (BB+). Brietling would not touch it, and when it goes in for a service the origional bracelet will go back on to save the brushed finish being (restored) to its origional polished finish.


That is crazy! (and not cool on BUSA's behalf). To be sure when you say BB you mean Blackbird, right? That is so weird given it comes in both a brushed and polished finish. A few months ago, one of the people at BUSA even told me they could refinish it to polish if I liked (I didn't, but was curious)...maybe it depends on who you speak to and how strict they are??? :?:



Alan is in the UK, so BUSA's position isn't relevant, it's BUK.
Author:  Alan M [ Sun Dec 16, 2012 10:43 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Refinishing A Polished Watch To A Matte Finish - Questio
Image
Author:  nickzac [ Sun Dec 16, 2012 1:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Refinishing A Polished Watch To A Matte Finish - Questio
Roffensian wrote:
nickzac wrote:
Alan M wrote:
I have my utc and bracelet brushed to match my big date BB (BB+). Brietling would not touch it, and when it goes in for a service the origional bracelet will go back on to save the brushed finish being (restored) to its origional polished finish.


That is crazy! (and not cool on BUSA's behalf). To be sure when you say BB you mean Blackbird, right? That is so weird given it comes in both a brushed and polished finish. A few months ago, one of the people at BUSA even told me they could refinish it to polish if I liked (I didn't, but was curious)...maybe it depends on who you speak to and how strict they are??? :?:



Alan is in the UK, so BUSA's position isn't relevant, it's BUK.


Oops! Sorry! :oops:
Author:  BroncoSport [ Sun Dec 16, 2012 2:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Refinishing A Polished Watch To A Matte Finish - Questio
Way back when I used to buy new watches (or any watch for that matter) I had my AD check with Breitling about ordering a Super Avenger on bracelet ..brushed. Not a giant fan of the super shiney look. They said no problem as long as I paid in advance. Now whether this was BUSA altering a stock watch or it was going to be made that way in Switzerland.... well I don't know. I ended up not ordering it, buying a slightly used SA, wearing it for a few months and selling it.

Just an FYI that some things are (or at least were) a little flexible
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