The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hello,

I recently purchased a used Chronomat Evolution A13356. There is a smudge in the glass right where the crystal meets the metal casing that won't rub off. Is this damage to the AR coating, and should I return the watch? I would post a picture but I can't capture it. It's only available in certain light.

Thanks in advance!!

Difficult to guess what it is without seeing it, but certainly should be inspected by the dealer that you bought from (assuming it wasn't a private sale). However, with a used watch there is no guarantee that they will refund you.

Wait actually here is a picture. The smudge I'm referring to right aginst the metal case between 9:00 and 10:00. Thanks.

As Roff says, where did you buy it from (and how recently)?

I purchased it from an online jewelry store several days ago

Really make sure it clean... ive had spots like that after my son (6 months old) had his sticky wet fingers all over it.

Use some warm water and a bit of dish soap. gently wash, the dry with a soft clean microfiber cloth.

Then look.

Joe

The smudge is still there after vigorous cleaning. This is really upsetting because I love the watch and got a good deal, but now I can't look at it without seeing the smudge.

It looks more like a watermark type stain than a damaged AR coating or sapphire.

Do you mean the clearish smudge directly against the metal casing (it almost looks like a reflection in the picture. Not the purple swirls.)? Because I really scrubbed it and wiped at it and it didn't change at all.

Looks like damage to the AR coating to me. I have a Nikon lens with similar damage.

If you want to keep the watch, a new crystal is only about $250 and easily installed by any decent Breitling AD with certified watchmaker. I bought a preowned Chronomat from a well-known AD - blue dial one - and the center of the cystal had some missing AR only viewable in certain light. Was under a 1 year warranty, but for $250 + install, I jut had my local AD order the crystal, dropped off the watch when it came in, and picked it up less than a week later. It was a good trade-off for me on the $$ versus hassle scale.

_________________
SHARKMAN

I went to the AD near me, Picciones in Cleveland, and they verified that the anti-reflective coating was rubbed off. They alsosaid I'd have to send it in to BReitling for repair. I think I'm just going to return it, no harm, no foul. While on the subject, what would a good price be for this model, with the box and papers? It's the chronometer evolution model #a13356

Why not talk to the seller? If reputable they might agree to pay for or at least contribute to a replacement crystal - it's hassle for them to restock and readvertise the watch, after all - and in that event you get to keep a watch you like with a mint new crystal.

It would obviously help your argument if the watch was described as 'mint' or 'perfect' or some such, and that an AD has verified that the AR coating is impaired.