The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Now that I have my own Breitling, I would really like to get the Breitling I inherited from my father back in running condition so that it can be properly preserved.

The model in question is a Shark A13051 with a black dial and professional bracelet . The watch has spent most of the time since I inherited in a safe, thus has not been kept running (I know now I should have had it on an automatic winder). It was running when it was put into storage in the safe, that has been about 10 years. Without going into too much detail, my father died from smoke inhalation in an office fire . The only damage the watch seemed to suffer was some of the luminescence on the hands fell off and is sitting on the dial. The watch was not exposed to fire, but may have been exposed to some level of heat and water. During the brief time I wore the watch, the "pin" holding the bracelet came out and seemed to be bent. I have recently ordered a new 20mm pin and hope to be able to re-attach the bracelet

Currently, the watch will not run. I can set the time, and it turns smoothly when doing so. I can gently shake the watch, and while it does not start, I do briefly hear a clicking noise if I hold the case up to my ear. The clicking noise does not sound like the normal "ticking" of the watch running.

I know it is not the most financially valuable model, however it holds a great deal of sentimental value to me. I do not plan to wear the watch (at least on any kind of regular basis), but I'm sure my father would want it preserved, as he was a huge Breitling fan. I can remember from my childhood, my father reading the catalog that Breitling sent each year with me (along with the chocolates) . I plan on handing this watch down to my daughter at some point in the distant future (she is only 3 now!) as a family heirloom.

Sorry to bore everyone with the details, but I'm hoping to find out what my options are for restoring the watch and what I can expect to spend? I know that it could be sent directly off to Breitling USA for repair, however I would be uncomfortable with the watch being out of my possession for several weeks. I noticed Goldberg is linked to on the repair page, so I would assume they are a good company to use?

Thank you for any guidance you can provide.

Well please don't run the watch. The oils broke down years ago and so are offering no protection against friction and running the watch will cause wear on hte moving parts.

Send it in to Breitling and let them give you an estimate for the work - a regular full service will be in the $600 range, the hands are replaced during service anyway, so it really comes down to any other damage, but Breitling will provide a detailed quote of what's needed and the cost.

Thank you for the story. There is s good chance the movement suffered some water damage, but clearly the watch needs a full service. I would send it off to BUSA or take it to an AD with a Breitling certified watchmaker. They can order new hands and repair the movement. They may even have a NOS dial.

My Chrono Shark -

Before -








After - (it will be back home next week with repainted bezel numbers and minute ticks.

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SHARKMAN

Thank you both for the info and taking the time to read my post. It seems to be a really great community here!

What is the best method to ship? I already have a high impact, sealed Pelican case I am planning on shipping it in. My concern is it being lost in shipping, I'm in Infomation Technology and have seen both UPS and FedEX lose several valuable shipments. Is registered mail the safest option?

Just wrap it well in bubble wrap and box it unpacking material. I have shipped next day FedEx or ups, insured without a problem. I would always go that way over the USPS. In fact I have shipped many watches ups or FedEx next day or second day without a problem. Include a note what the problem is and what you are looking for. Include you email and you should soon get an estimate emailed to you.

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SHARKMAN

If shipping yourself really bugs you then you can drop it off at an AD for them to send, but.....

You then have no control over how it gets shipped. I am fortunate to be able to drop off in person for my pieces, but agree with Tom that shipping shouldn't be an issue.

Thanks for the info everyone ... I will send it off to BUSA for repair. I will be sure to post before and after pictures.

You will love the results when the watch comes back.
I have had several watches fully serviced recently by Breitling authorised agent and they come back looking and working like new.

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"It is just a matter of time!"

To echo the others, thanks for taking the time to tell your story, and I'm really sorry to hear about the tragic circumstances with your father.

Just in terms of posting the watch in, to reiterate Sharkman's point - bubble wrap and a decent box are more than enough, and in actual fact Breitling (certainly here in the UK) suggest sending a watch in to them in something you don't mine not getting back as they tend not to return the original packing material. If you send in a decent pelican box you may not get it back.

Anyway, be sure to post us some pictures after the service. :thumsbup:

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Driver8

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