The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I first want to thank all of you that have shared your wealth knowledge over the last several months leading up to my first Breitling purchase.

I received my Superocean from the dealer, they brushed the bracelet for me, but wouldn't brush the casing because they said they couldn't remove the bezel and it would result in a poor final product. I might try to have the case brushed in the future but for now I am enjoying the contrasting polished/brushed finish.

This is my first automatic watch so I had a few very amateur questions, I apologize in advance. I did not receive a manual with my watch and while I have a broad understanding of how an automatic watch operates, I just want to be sure I have everything covered. Here are a few of the topics I wanted some clarity on..... Wearing the watch on a daily basis vs. once or twice a week and how to use my Wolf watch winder (clockwise/counter/interval). How long does the reserve battery last, how many rotations does it take to self wind the watch completely, and can I over wind the watch/how to avoid this. When I unscrew the crown to the first position, I can roll down easily and hear clicks but when I roll forward I feel resistance and it sounds like grinding, is that normal? Also, hypothetically does a watch winder serve any purpose other than the convenience of not having to self wind your watch if you decide to take it off for a few day?

Lastly and at not related to automatic watches all…. I had three links taken out of the original bracelet to fit my wrist, the leather Breitling watch pillow that came with my watch is made for the original bracelet dimensions. If I squeeze the pillow and make it work it is extremely tight and when placed into the leather travel case it shakes around. Is the original pillow and case essentially not usable ever again? Is there an aftermarket travel case/pillow I should buy or what do most people do?

These are the highest quality photos they would let me upload.

This link will doubtless help - http://www.breitlingsource.com/articles_faq.shtml

In summary.....

- There is no battery, a fully wound mainspring will last approximately 42 hours.
- A full wind via the crown requires approximately 40 turns and you cannot overwind it.
- If you wear the watch daily you should never have to wind it as your arm action should be sufficient.
- Everything that you could want to know on watch winders and a lot more besides here - viewtopic.php?f=6&t=23867. Link includes a link to the Orbita database for specific turns per day / direction information.
- Most people just lay their watch on a bedside table