The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi!

My watch is now running six seconds fast in 24hrs, much better than the twenty or so that it was when it was brand new in February. Is this within acceptable limits or should I get it regulated? The dealer says if I want it doing it needs to go back to BUK for regulating and that this will take 6-8 weeks!!

Also, what do you guys/gals use for cleaning your watches? I occasionally use a cape cod for polishing swirls out but I would like some advice for what two use regularly for a clean up. This weekend for example the watch is getting a regular coating of aftersun as I've burned my self good and proper out on the boat! I'm guessing water and a soft cloth is as good as anything?

+6 seconds in 24 hours is right at the limit of COSC tolerance - i.e. -4/+6. You could send it to Breitling and ask them to bring it down a little more, but it is currently within acceptable limits. Annoyingly UK AD's insist that watches go back to Breitling for regulation, which is very irritating considering it's a 5 minute job that any competant watchmaker can do. Incidentally if you go down the non-Breitling AD route for regulation, make sure you use one that has adequate pressure testing facilities. I was told the same 6 to 8 week timescales when my old Steelfish needed regulating, so I took it to a Rolex AD instead and they regulated it for me overnight! Hats off to Rolex for that one.

In terms of cleaning, then you are correct that a mild soap with plenty of water (making sure you rinse it off in fresh water afterwards), will be ideal. A very soft toothbrush is also good for getting to the hard to reach areas (like around the bezel and rider tabs), but do not use toothpaste on your watch! In my opinion you are already using the best product for swirls (Cape Cods), but I'd advise against using them too regularly as they are slightly abrasive and you are in fact rubbing away metal whenever you use them. Once every couple of months or so is fine, but other than that stick to good old soap and water.

_________________
Driver8

Site Moderator

For what it's worth, the Authorized Breitling guy in San Francisco told me that I just needed to leave the watch with him for an hour and he'd regulate it. I haven't made it over there yet, but everyone says wonderful things about him.

That's how it SHOULD be, but unfortunately it's a little different here in the UK.

_________________
Driver8

Site Moderator

ianmedium on this site posted a very interesting post on "self regulating". In a nutshell it entails finding the optimum position to leave your watch in when you are not wearing it. This position will compensate for the gain or loss your Breitling experiences while you are wearing it. The link to the post appears below.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=5559&start=0&hilit=regulated+ianmedium

I find a weak solution of my son's Johnson's Baby Shampoo, warm water and a very soft toothbrush are ideal tools for cleaning my Breitling. Rinse with loads of fresh luke warm water. A wipe with a Selvyt polishing cloth once dry adds the final touch.

Peter