The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hey guys - first post here. Great site.
I have had my Superocean since new in 1996. I have never had it cleaned or serviced and it has kept very accurate time. Anyway, last Sunday I was throwing my son around in the ocean and when I got back inside, I realized the watch stopped. When I shook it, the winding mechanism sounded and felt like it broke or came loose.
I am wondering if anyone has had something similar and I also realize it is overdue for a 500.00? service, but I have been considering a new watch and wonder if it is worth it to fix and service this one. No sentimental value other than it has been a great watch.

Well, the watch is overdue for an overhaul service. If the watch is totally stopped then you might end up spending more than the standard 500 USD to repair/replace parts that have worn down.

My guess is that a repair of the watch will cost less than purchasing a new one but there will be a long delay while the piece is being worked on. Warranty service takes priority at Breitling so this one will go on the back burner and could take up to 12 weeks.

Ultimately, the decision is yours to make, but it might be nice to keep that watch around long enough to pass down to your son.

_________________
“The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once.” - Albert Einstein

"They" say that the water resistance should be tested once a year if you spend much time using the watch as intended, ie, using a dive watch in the water.

That said, you should buy a new one anyway! No B should be left alone!!

R/

I guarantee that Breitling will charge more than $500. After 14 years with no servicing they'll find all kinds of things that need fixing - they'll make their money somehow (remember at the outside it should have had two services by now).

In terms of whether it is worth it, well general rule of thumb is that you won't get your money back on servicing costs - spend $500 to add about $200 - $300 to the value of the watch.

In this case though it's different - you won't get much for the watch resale because people aren't going to be prepared to pay much for a non functioning watch that has been exposed to water many years after the seals / gaskets likely gave up that has never been serviced.

Buyers will be making a huge gamble on the repair costs and unfortunately you'll suffer with the price.

Thanks for the replies and advice guys. Fortunately I don't really dive with the watch -just surfing and boating- so it has not been under any extreme pressure but I am sure that could be a factor. The loose feeling counter balance mechanism has me concerned however. I could easily wait 12 weeks plus as this is just one of many so maybe I will just put it away for a while until I really miss it and then suck it up and send it in. On the bright side, it really does give me a good excuse for a new watch!

Hi! I am intersted in what happened? Did you services the watch? If so, what was wrong with it?