The Breitling Watch Source Forums

HI All,

I have an 8 yr old Chrono Avenger 69 that I recently sent it for a Maintenance Service. After a couple of weeks, the service centre in Canada told me it had to be sent to Breitling HQ as only qualified technicians are allowed to service the movement.
Another 3 weeks passed and was told that a complete overhaul is recommended due to "water entered inside watch". No explanation was given as to how. I've never submerged the watch in water and the only time it was opened was several years ago for a battery change by the same service centre.
I did a visual inspection of the watch prior to sending it out (front and through the see-through caseback) and didn't see anything that might suggest water penetration or damage. I realize I can't see everything inside and can't fully know if there is corrosion or not so I'll have to take their word for it.
So their quote is $660 (but the official price list for Canada is $605). The AD has agreed to drop the price to $600.
My question is should I go ahead with the overhaul or get more details on the problem? Are the overhaul prices generally negotiable or firm?
Any other info is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

I assume that we are talking about the mecha-quartz version and that indeed will need to go to Switzerland. The watch should really be serviced every 5 years so you have gotten away lightly with what is effectively regular 5 year service costs after 8 years. The difference in cost between list price and the quote is the cost of the hands which need to be replaced because they are single use.

I have never found that Breitling recommends unnecessary work and if they say that water has gotten in then I can well believe it - the seals are 8 years old and likely broken down. They aren't charging you extra for that so I wouldn't be overly concerned. Service costs are not generally negotiable and if they have already agreed to knock close to 10% off then I would jump at it.

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