The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I'm compiling an FAQ section to put on the main site, I think its needed. It will answer a lot of questions that people have, and also provide some of the "trivia" stuff that many people don't know, such as the hardness of the AR coating, etc.

So guys... List 'em! What are the most frequently asked questions? I'm sure you board regulars see them enough on here

Thanks in Advance,
Your friendly neighbourhood administrator

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BreitlingSource Admin
http://www.breitlingsource.com - http://blog.breitlingsource.com

Heres some items that I believe I've seen asked here about 25 times:

How many turns of the crown before my Breitling is fully wound?
From a completely stopped watch, forty clockwise turns of the crown to wind it fully.

How can I maintain or restore my Breitling to its original finish?
Cape Cods for polishing shiny Breitlings, a dry Scotch Brite pads for brushed and yes you can polish off the AR coating so be careful.

What tools are needed to change out straps and bracelets?
You need a spring bar tool. A recommended one is the Bergeon Spring Bar Tool- 6767-F

What is the cost of a complete Breitling servicing?
The average cost of a full Breitling service can run around $500 USD and average turnaround time is around 4-8 weeks

What is a watch winder and what is a good one?
A watch winder is a electronic device that rotates your automatic mechanical watch, while you are not wearing it, therefore keeping it fully wound and ready for use. The some of the top recommended watch winders are Orbita, Official Time, and Wolfe. Prices range from $200 for a single watch Wolfe winder to $2000 for a quad Orbita. There are a lot of choices and price ranges. Buy a decent or great winder. A must is a winder with rotation capabilities in both directions and a rest period for your watch to wind down (to lessen the tension on the mainspring). A $49 winder on eBay is just that, a $49 winder for your luxury watch. A middle ground might be Official Time. Several people have had good success with this brand.

What happens if you "accidentally" activate your Emergency?
Men in black suits will arrive and beat you with sticks. Not really but that might be less painful. The activation of the Emergency requires the watch to be sent back to Breitling for reconditioning and it can cost 1/2 of the original price of the watch. Also a visit with a FAA official might take place. This watch is for EMERGENCIES, not to play with the rescue function and see what happens.

What size of bracelet or strap fits my Breitling?
This is a loaded question because there are several different sizes for Breitling watches. A Chronomat, for example, requires a 22mm strap (at the lugs). A Super Avenger, requires a 24mm strap at the lugs. (The lugs are were the bracelet or strap is attached on the case of the watch) Check your owners manual regarding the proper size for your watch.

Can I go swimming or underwater with my Breitling?
A lot of Breitlings are extremely water tight. The Steelfish, for example, is rated for 6600 feet! The Navitimer line is NOT water tight. DO NOT submerse your new Navitimer. Read your owner’s manual on your particular model.

Why should I go to an Authorized Dealer (and possibly pay a little more) than buy on the "Grey Market" (internet and non dealers)?
First, there are a lot of VERY good replicas out there. Going to a AD (authorized dealer), will insure that your Breitling is the real thing. You also get a personal service and establish a relationship with a local person. This is very important because of any possible service issues and because you will be back to buy another. The grey market can offer savings, but in most cases you will get no factory warrantee. Sometime the serial numbers are missing from the case backs to protect the AD who sold them the watch at a giant discount. Also, at an Authorized Dealer, you can TRY ON THE WATCHES. These watches look different on your wrist then they do on your monitor.


Thanks all I can think about right now. Is this the kinda things you were thinking about???

Scott

Scott

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Breitling Steelfish(black)
Breitling Steelfish(silver)
Panerai PAM 312
Bell & Ross BR03-92 Phantom
Steinhart BreitlingSource LE #5/15

Sure, that's all good stuff. Just need to word them in an FAQ format.. I'll be working on that. It will be a work in progress, but those are all good ones.

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BreitlingSource Admin
http://www.breitlingsource.com - http://blog.breitlingsource.com

* The "try before you buy" advice on what model to get

* Watchmakeress tips of running the chronograph for a long time and then reset it, might help when alignment of the chronograph hands is needed

* Where the seconds hand is located on a chronograph - your watch isn't messed up just because the large (chronograph) seconds hand isn't moving



* finally - the importance of aligning the bezel

I'll post more when I can think of them.

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

What about never pay retail!

Well because I'm dumb and stoopid I'll try and add some contributions to vintage FAQs as well.

Others that spring to mind:

Quick date seeting between 8pm and 3am

Grey market warranty versus Breitling warranty

Battery life (though harder with model variations)

Chronograph operation


I'm sure there are more, just not enough coffee yet this morning.

Just a few ideas - all of which need the answers fleshing out, but I don't the time at the mo......

Q. Can I use my chronograph underwater?
A. No, unless it's an M1. (something about pumping action needed here)

Q. Is the Blacksteel a surface coating or through the steel?
A. Surface coating

Q. What is the Blacksteel coating made of?
A. Diamond Like Carbon - DLC

Q. How durable is the Blacksteel coating?
A. It's tough but not indestructible, etc, etc. (I can crib something from one of my earlier "metallurgical" posts if you like).

Q. What is the difference between Breitling and Rolex steel?
A. 316L vs 904L, etc (Again I can crib from one of my earlier posts if needs be)

Q. Is the half a mm of "play" in my B1/Airwolf/Bentley model bezel normal?
A. Yes (something about the gearing in here)

Q. Can I overwind my automatic watch?
A. No, slipper clutch, etc, etc.

Q. Are two-tone bracelet gold links solid gold?
A. No - rolled gold (explanation of rolled gold here)

I'm sure I'll think of more.........

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Great!! Keep 'em coming. I'm compiling the list with answers, and want to try and group them for ease of use.

_________________
BreitlingSource Admin
http://www.breitlingsource.com - http://blog.breitlingsource.com

How does SuperQuartz work / what is the difference between Quartz and SuperQuartz (I can help with the answer on the functionality if needed)

Does Breitling do anything to the movements they buy?

How often do I need to service my mechanical watch?

My brand new watch is outside COSC specs, what do I do?

What position should I keep my watch in at night?

Which is better - deployant or tang?

I would also put some questions in that link to the existing articles - the strap / bracelet references, date codes, etc

I think this is a great idea .

Although, you gents may get a little bored not having to answer the same questions

Okay, after this worthless post I will see if I can think of any other FAQs and make a meaningful contribution - no promises though

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Breitling Chrono Colt II
Tag Heuer Professional

Hey admin, I edited mine to the Q & A format. Feel free to edit if need be!

Scott

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Breitling Steelfish(black)
Breitling Steelfish(silver)
Panerai PAM 312
Bell & Ross BR03-92 Phantom
Steinhart BreitlingSource LE #5/15

Here's a couple.

What is Ling? and how are different models rated/

How shock proof is my automatic timepiece?

How often should I have my baby serviced?

How to Identify fakes? Or a FAKE ALERT! And I don't mean the Obviously Fake Ones - but the post by Roff on recent AWESOME Quality Fakes is Mind Numbing!

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Black Breitling Super Avenger - 2008 Batons Model,
Black Hamilton Khakhi X-Wind
Black Marathon Le Grand Plongeur

1. History of Breitling
2. Where does Breitling stand on the Luxury/Quality/Exclusivity pecking order of watches.
3. What is a COSC Cert? What is needed for a watch to get one?
4. And some Permanent Sticky Posts (for members to add on posts) like -
a. Celebrities and their Photos wearing the Ling
b. Who exactly are the other Breitling Enthusiasts? Like - real life people. (I refer to my post - What your Breitling Says about You and another post -What do You Drive? - which showcases an exceptionally varied cross section of Ling Enthusiasts)

5. The question/ debate on in house movements Vs. modified movements Ling uses.

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Black Breitling Super Avenger - 2008 Batons Model,
Black Hamilton Khakhi X-Wind
Black Marathon Le Grand Plongeur

And helpful Tips like (Pardon me if I may have repeated some previous suggestions)
1. Tips to Buy my first Ling - A condensation of many previous debates on AD Vs Grey Mkt. (Of course, I am a staunch supporter of the AD channel)
2. Cleaning the watch
3. Winding Direction
4. Changing the Strap/ Resizing/ etc
5. Quick Date change, etc etc.

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Black Breitling Super Avenger - 2008 Batons Model,
Black Hamilton Khakhi X-Wind
Black Marathon Le Grand Plongeur