I bought a used (ca 1992) Chronomat about 5 years ago. It was already a well-worn watch, and I wore it extensively for nearly 4 years (hiking in sub-zero temps; but never used in water, unless strolling along beaches counts), then put it away up until a few weeks ago. Since I've taken it out, I've noticed that the second hand on the main dial doesn't run (the one on the subdial works fine). All other hands work fine, although the watch is losing several seconds per day. The reset pusher (the one south of the crown) works but gets stuck occasionally. The upper pusher clicks just fine, but since the second-hand doesn't work, that's a moot observation. The riders and screws are in great shape; they should be since they're 18k gold. The gold on the crown and pushers, however, has been fading since the last year I wore the watch extensively, so that's quite a bit of wear as I believe that's rolled 18k gold of at least 20 microns. The crown itself is not trustworthy as it feels loose when extended, although it clicks in place for any time or date adjustment. (I've never screwed it down very tight, though, but that's a purposeful thing.)
What's left of the watch--the bracelet, crystal, case--are in great shape: No scratches, no fogging inside the crystal.
Authorized service and parts would likely cost more than the watch would be worth even after the work is done. Non-authorized repair would be a small fraction of the alternative, but the non-original replacement parts would render the watch a "semi-Breitling" for lack of a better term. But that's the way I'm leaning right now.
What say you who have gone either way with your older Breitlings--or who've even thought about it? I look at it this way: I figure sending it to a non-authorized watchmaker is a 50-50 proposition--i.e., 50% chance of the watch getting completely broken and a 50% chance of the watch being at least partially restored to its former self. Given the value of the watch, my lean is to take those odds.
Thanks!
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