The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Breitling Wings Auto (B10050) recently acquired eBay came without instructions. I have set time and date. Time engages at extended position of crown; date at intermediate. I have to maintain slight pressure on crown (toward watch body) to engage the gear that sets date. Is this normal; sign of wear, damage, misadjustment? Second, I believe that this is NOT a screw-in crown, correct? See no threads, doesn't appear necessary to unscrew CCW to release crown. Crown appears to move freely in retracted position; will it actually wind the mainspring in this type of automatic movement? Should I get a watchwinder; any consequences of leaving it wound and hacked? What is the best case for movement care in storage? Assuming the watch is approximately 10 yrs old and possibly has not had maintenance, should be cleaned, lubed? Whatever else that would matter that I can't piece together in my current state of ignorance? TIA

jack

It's not a screw in crown, and can be wound manually from the fully pushed in position without damage - you can't overwind an automatic.

You can leave the watch hacked - personally I'd let it run down rather than have it fully wound.

You shouldn't need any pressure on the crown in position one to change the date - may be a service issue (see below). Do not use the quick set date between an indicated time of 8pm and 3am, you can damage the date change mechanism.

If the watch hasn't been serviced then it needs one, the oils will have broken down by now - service intervals are generally 5 - 7 years.

Thankyou, Professor. Much of what you say sits well enuf with me. In the case of gunsprings, relaxed is better as they don't take a set; maybe watch springs are the same. I don't intend to buy a winder if I don't need one. As to the "pressure on crown" observation, I tried again and didn't detect the necessity of inward pressure to set date. I have memorized a mnenonic-- "3 to 8 to set the date". I think I read the awkwardness of turning the onion crown as a need to push in to engage. What credential should I see above the counter of a repairman who can adequatly clean and lube? I can't believe y'all are putting out 5C per watch every 5 to 7 to Breitling authorized dealers.

jack

Only authorized service facilities have access to genuine Breitling parts. So, if you take it to a storefront watchmaker for service and it needs parts, he will not be able to get them. He will have to use aftermarket parts. If the watch ever goes to a Breitling service center, they will remove those parts and replace them with the correct Breitling part. You will end up paying twice for the same parts.

Except for the new B01, Breitling uses ETA ebauche movements in their watches. However, they rework and replace many of the parts in the generic movement to bring the movement up to a higher quality standard.

Additionally, the hands are always replaced. They are designed to be installed only once. Again, only authorized service centers can get the hands. A good watchmaker can close the holes in the hands so they will fit, but he's going to charge you for it.

It's your watch and you are free to decide on the best service since you must pay the bill. I'm a watchmaker and I will send my Breitling to BUSA when it needs service although I'm fully capable of working on it myself. I will only work on a vintage Breitling that I personally own.

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Breitling only.

And it shouldn't be $500 for a Wings, non Chrono is $320.

My local guy (credentialed) cracked the back; no scratchings inside indicated service. His charge for clean&lube service $250 but he indicated that would be a "disservice" to me at this time as lube adequate. Did say he'd get my money soon as should not go another ten yrs. without. Adjusted as 20" slow.

jack

Well if there's no evidence of service on a pre COSC watch then I would be a lot more concerned about the state of the oil rather than whether it is there. Oil breaks down at a predictable rate, and after this time it isn't offering the necessary protection - an a watchmaker should know that.

I understand. Kind of scary, isn't it!

jack