The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi folks,

I have been a fan of swiss auto complications for several years, but until now only wanting to pony up the change for the "mid-tier" models (i.e., Luminox Valjoux Chrono)

Been lusting after a Breitling Navitimer (most recently, the 1461 model) for years, then spotted the B50. I have been partial to combo A/D watches since the days i wore various Citizen Skyhawks that allowed the manual hands to be set by the digital setting.

So, the B50 fills all my wants: a Breitling AND an A/D watch. I ordered the blue face, titanium, with diver III blue band.

Yes, I have read of the problems, particularly with the early models (but also with recent ones as well------crowns falling off?!), and after a week of soul-searching, i just couldn't stand it. I must have this watch-I have reached an age where I can purchase what I want, so I am not holding out any longer. Got a very good deal from an AD for the order and I should have it in about a week. They are having to get it from Breitling in CT.

***I have a question regarding charging and initialization**** I am pouring through the owner's manual (electronic version), and the area regarding what happens after charging is really vague. For such a precise instrument, the manual leads me to believe that I may or may not have to re-initialize the watch after every charge, but it does not say how to avoid that process.

Is there any "trick" to charging the watch to avoid having to re-initialize it?

thanks very much !

Jeff

Hi there...

Hearty congratulations on your decision and order.

I truly love the piece and I have the similar blue dial with titanium pro iii bracelet. I love it so much that I just couldn't resist the Limited yellow boutique edition. I can assure you that if the watch they are bringing in is a recent one like my yellow B50, then they have totally sorted out the battery, the crown, the feel etc. I cannot exactly define what 'recent' means but I just meant old stock lying with them for 6 months or more as a good guess! Otherwise, I don't intend to scare you

Also, the combo you ordered is quite different with the blue diver pro matching the blue dial over a titanium case. Once you have it, please post a pic. If it looks gorgeous in flesh, I'd love to try the same combo.

Once you have the "100% charge" message, just disconnect and the depletion rate is totally random based on individual usage. The manual mentions 20 days to 70 days but myne is still at 57% after 80 days or so. The best indication is the 1st stage of reduced battery charge where the seconds hand would tick once every 4 seconds. IMO, if you Recharge at this stage, you are always safe without re-initialization. Also, under settings when you pull the crown out, if you accidentally activate the sleep mode, then the watch will wake up only after connecting the charger. Unfortunately, in this case also, a re-initialization is required.

Overall, its very comfortable to maintain. Enjoy your piece bud.

pEaCe

thanks Airbus, that helps a lot.

Yes, I did order the blue band as it appears from every picture I see to be a very dark blue in color, to match the watch face. I went back and forth for several days looking at the black vs. blue strap on the build section of the Breitling site.

Actually, my AD has the black face with black strap, and a small part of the reason I went for the blue face/strap was to ensure they would have to order the watch out of Breitling USA. My assumption being that the watch my AD has on hand could have been there for many months, whereas I am hoping Breitling USA moves their stock faster, OR (and I know this is wishful thinking) rotated their stock of early models to minimize them getting out into the field where customers would be impacted....again, I know that's assuming a lot of things, but I took a guess based on all of the information I could find.

I must say that I am more than surprised and extremely shocked by the apparent QA lapses by Breitling with this model. Obviously, I have been keeping up with them for years and their reputation has always been sterling for quality, and sure this is a brand new in-house quartz caliber, so a SMALL amount of teething is expected. And I know that on forums you typically only hear from the 5% or so that have issues, while the 95% that never have a problem don't seem to chime in, but it does concern me with the long lead times I have seen of folks trying to get their units repaired/replaced.

This is a LOT of money for me to pay for a watch, and at this price level, I really do expect near flawless operation.

thanks!

Jeff

I'm not copying your words but even my vendor in Singapore had only black dial with titanium and a night mission model. Blue dial wasn't available and had to be ordered from the brand. It's only 4-months old N running fine except for the initial hiccups it gave me since such issues were new to me. Now, with regular usage, I'm totally satisfied with its operation.

So, I'm sure your 2-cents in ordering the combo, to force the piece from the brand rather than the display at an AD, would work. Good luck N don't worry.

It's a lot of money for me too but yeah!,...,should be flawless and a little trouble can be expected in the initial run. A lot of users love the model in spite of the initial hiccups. Now, that's something with regards to acceptance..

pEaCe

Have had mine for a few months now with no issues at all. The battery life is something of a mystery because usage seems non linear. That being said, it still goes months without recharging and if you charge when the battery gets on the low side, you don't have to go through the minor tedium of reinitializing...it has not been off my wrist since I first put it on and all of the other Breitlings sit in the watch case.