The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I just got a blackbird big date in the mail. and one of the things I've noticed is the watch seems to have been polished, maybe even too much around the chimney. On my colt and chronomat the chimney rises above the crystal a few mm to sort of protect it. On this big date blackbird the chimney is nearly flush. I can sort of catch it with my fingernail if I try.

Is a flush chimney ok for this model or something that should invoke concern (I'm covered with a 14 day return for 100%)?





A few pictures for no reason:

Are you concerned because its not as your thought, or because it maybe a potential area of risk when wearing the watch? Not as protective, etc.

There are many, many watches that appear like or similar to this with a low (so called) chimney and not sure its ever been an area of concern for me. It does not detract from the watch overall as it is, I would suggest. The question is; would you be happier if it were higher? If it concerns you though then return the watch, otherwise pat yourself on the back for making a discerning purchase.

The crown is the only part I am not in favour of and would prefer something similar to an SA crown. Other than that, I think its a great looking watch.

Enjoy.

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Jim

"You have Control".

Not a problem for me/mine.

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Al

“Quis custodiet ipsos custodes"

Chimney looks perfectly normal to me. Any variation that you see between models is likely caused by crystals of different thicknesses.

I'm not so much concerned about it not being protective; I think it looks great. Its just different from my older windriders so I wanted to make sure it was normal, i.e. I wasn't going to get a call from BUSA on my next service saying I need a new case. If its normal as Roff stated then I have no issues with the fit between the crystal and chimney. I really like this watch so far and as a model I love BB already. I'm trying not to get too attached to this particular example within this return period so I don't write off any major concerns because of sentimental reasons.

I like the looks of the onion crown but no denying the looks or superior ergonomics of some of the other crowns. My colt is much easier to set than my chronomat and now bb because of the higher traction crown so I know what you mean by saying you'd rather have an avenger crown.

I've got a 7" wrist and its very comfortable. I think part of that is due to the crowns curves and unobtrusive design.



Alan, do you mean yours are more or less flush or that there are no issues with it being flush?

As an aside do you mind if I ask is your UTC for a Chronomat Evo that was brushed or specific for the BB. I've admired your BB+ pictures and I've never seen another with UTC...



Thanks for sharing your expertise/experience Roff. I'm more at ease now that I know ~flush par for the course. Still testing out time keeping and power reserve. If it needs service I might pass and get one that doesn't outright as I plan to send in almost all my watches for servicing this year and I want to wear one during their absence.

Please let me know if there's anything else I put on my return period evaluation checklist.

Mine is as yours and no problem with it.
I must say when I first got it I was concerned about the crown but I would not have it any other way now.

The UTC for the BB+ (and thank you) was originally from an Evo, a very fine AD was kind enough to brush it to match for me. BB did not come with a UTC option however the watch head is the same as the Evo.

I helped a chap in the US put one together but as far as I know there are just the two.

Try it on a treated 738P I think it works well.

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Al

“Quis custodiet ipsos custodes"

The movement seems very refined. It was running about 6 seconds fast I regulated it to + 1-2 s/day testing the power reserve now and I miss the wrist time. Right now its more of a test of my will, can I last 42 hours without playing with it.



Is there a bit of roughness, lets say a bit more than the screw down crown, in the screw down pushers normal?

I would say the pushers require 'firmness' yes.

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Al

“Quis custodiet ipsos custodes"

Alan Roff & p51 thanks for answering all my questions.

To conclude the thread I'm going to keep her. Lume & bracelet is fantastic. There are lots of very small details in the watch and dial that you have to see in person. Took a few showers and no signs of water incursion. Power reserve tested out to 45 hours. Gained 45s in 248 hours.

I ended up returning the piece between the movement and case had a hairline fracture near the crown upon examination.

That's a shame. Will you be getting a replacement?

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Al

“Quis custodiet ipsos custodes"

Yessir. Blackbird is a fantastic watch. One of my favorites.