The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I have a standard Navitimer, only about a month old. When I first took it out of the box I noticed that when winding the crown felt very stiff, I put this down to being new. I have only hand wound it a few times since then and it still feels as stiff, no sign of it bedding in, I was wondering if this is nornal?? or should the crown turn with ease. I hope someone with more experience than me would be able to answer this question. Thanks. (UK)

Stiff is a difficult term to define - your definition of stiff may be my definition of normal. The crown stem is going through a series of gears and winding the main spring so there should be some resistance, it isn't going to turn freely. As long as the crown isn't rocking - i.e. the crown stem isn't bent, and as long as the watch is winding properly then it's likely fine. You can always take it to the AD to check if you're not sure.

Is it just as stiff when you pull out the crown to adjust the time / date or is that a little easier?

Finally, at the risk of stating the obvious, you know that it doesn't need winding if you wear it every day right?