The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I lost the Twelve O’clock Rider Tab on my Breitling Chronomat (D13350). Aside from the missing the Rider tab, the watch works fine. To remedy this I called and emailed various authorized dealers and was told that I have to my watch in for service. I’ve included a photograph of my watch down below.

I have now been without my watch for 3 weeks and I was told that Tourneau/Breitling has refused simply replace the lost Rider Tab which amounts to 1 screw and a small piece of metal measuring less than a quarter inch by a quarter inch. I love my watch and I can afford to pay the $73 for this Rider Tab, but I cannot afford $1,140 for the litany of services deemed necessary by the service department (see below). My watch is less than two years old and had the complete overhaul service done less than one year ago.

Necessary Items:
Crown $36.00 Necessary
Hands $66.00 Necessary
Bezel RIders $73.00 Necessary
Refinish Case and Bracelet $235.00 Necessary
Complete Service $500.00 Necessary
Total Necessary Items:$910.00

Optional Items:
Crystal $230.00 Optional
Total Optional Items:$230.00

Total Cost of Service:$1,140.00*


I make a living or attempt to make a living as a mortgage broker. These past two years have been absolutely brutal on my family’s financial situation. I had to close down my company earlier this year and go to work for somebody else and our income has fallen sharply. I would love to have my watch Fully serviced and refinished but cannot at this time. My responsibilities as a father and husband dictate that I spend our money on more essential things.

Is there anything that can be done to allow me to simply obtain the new Rider Tab and not the rest of the work?

Other than the missing Rider tab, my watch looks pretty much like the one at this site: http://www.blowers-jewellers.co.uk/images2/watch_images_pages/watchesbreitling_breitling_pages/d13350.htm

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Brent McDonald

My only thought is that you do a search on ebay for this item. I have seen things for sale in the watch spares section that are quite obscure, might be worth a try!
Good luck as well with moving through your problems, you have the right attitude and I applaud your commitment to your family, this is what will see you through any troubles!

Just did a google search and did find this company, though they do not have the part you mention it might be worth your while asking if they know where to obtain one!
http://watchpart.co.uk/breitling-m-45.html

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All the best.
Ian

this seems ridiculous to me and bad service. It should be your choice what you have done to your watch, it is your watch and you can choose to have it serviced however you see fit.

If you broke the clasp...would it be the same song and dance?

In my experience Breitling don't recommend work that doesn't need to be done, but that aside I agree that it has to be the customer's choice - is it Breitling or Tourneau who are being difficult?

You do see rider tabs come up occasionally, but it's definitely hit and miss.

Screw Torneau. they are a Joke (yes, I meant to capitalize that). Find a local AD that is an authorized repair center and have them order it for you. If you cant find one that will do it, PM me and ill see if I can help. An authorized repair AD can order any part that they want from Breitling.[/b]

You should try your luck with another authorized dealer here in AZ. I have had some good experiences with Ganem Jewelers in the past. I believe they have just opened up a new location in Scottsdale. If they do not have a service department at this location, I know they do at their other store. I believe they are listed on the Breitling web site as well.

I'm glad to see another guy from the "Valley" here on Breitling Source. Good luck with your Rider tab dilemma. I respect very much your comments about your family and responsibilities. Take care.

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- Nathan
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Breitling Avenger Skyland (Black)

I had my local dealer order me a set of 4 gold rider tabs with screws for my Breitling. All they needed was my model and serial numbers over the phone and 2 days later they had them. They even offered to install them while I waited but I installed them myself.
Any Breitling AD with a watchmaker should be able to order just about any part for you.

dave

I'd like to know that as well, though it shouldn't make a difference. I've never shopped or been in Tourneau.

Sounds like extortion to me.

Its like going to the car dealership because you lost a hubcap, and they will not sell you a hub cap unless you get your oil changed, new brakes and the car detailed, with an optional new windshield. F'ing ridiculous.

Sorry to hear about your financial troubles, I know it is tough. You are doing the right thing by putting family first. I truly hope you can resolve this watch issue with minimal cost.

I'm disgusted by this quote you were given.

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I agree with Roffensian and RJRJRJ - it seems quite "un-Breitling-like" to charge you for unneeded service. Taken into account that you had a full overhaul one year ago and that the watch is less than two years, I'd say there's something fishy. I'd skip Torneau and turn to a service agent AD instead. Good luck!

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Collection: http://s540.photobucket.com/albums/gg32 ... mview=grid

On several other forums all I hear about Tourneau is bad things, poor service, bad discounts and once they have had your money they could not care less. I Think it is time to check out another AD!

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All the best.
Ian

...however in my (New York only) experience they are...

NOT helpful
most salespeople are not watch literate
each store quotes a different "best" price
each salesperson will quote a different price (in the same store!!)
insistent on the same price credit card or cash (though it should be cheaper)

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HeadOffice...
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Chronomatic 49
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-- Looking for B4B Le Mans

good luck to you...tourneau is def expensive...id search aroudn the forums or online for that matter

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"You gotta pay to play..."

I´ll check with my AD... I think he might have a few rider tabs lying around... hopefully I´ll be able to see him this weekend. Back soon!

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