The Breitling Watch Source Forums

How often should I get my Breitling checked to make sure its working fine and after how much time should I send it in to Breitling?

It is recommended that automatic movement should be serviced every 4-5 years. If the watch is old and you are unsure when the next service is due, a good watchmaker can assess when was last serviced and when the next service should be scheduled.

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"Even the most eminent persons are subject to the laws of gravity" — Winston Churchill

Provided we're talking about an automatic, a simple answer would be when it doesn't keep accurate time, even though recommended service intervals is 5 to 7 years.

That would also depend on the environment the watch is in. If, for example, you dive regularly, then the interval will more likely be 12 months in order to check and/or replace the seals.

Cost will be between $400-500 for older models and over $700 for 01 equipped models.

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How would they do that?

If the previous service date is marked on the inside of the caseback they can advise on the last service, but service intervals these days are defined by the breakdown of the oils rather than anything else and while that occurs at a predictable rate it's not something that can be tested for to the best of my knowledge.

Good question. For used pieces the most reliable source is the service documentation and the stamp on the inside of the caseback panel. My watchmaker also was able to determine the approximate service interval also by the look/quality of the lubrication on the movement and consistency of the timekeeping measured in different positions, of course this is not exact value but an approximate.

I am talking from my first hand experinece from my recently acquired CA. The previous owner (was a second owner in fact) was unable to provide me feedback when the watch was last serviced, so I took the watch to quality watchmaker (he is servicing some very high end pieces) so he has the neccessary knowledge, skill and equipment.

The last service interval was stamped on the inside of the caseback - and by the look at the movement he was able to determine that the caliber was dissasembled from the back - the dial was untouched and that the case was additionally refinished, he was even able to point out some minor mistakes from the previouos service. The case and the bracelet was cleaned with ultrasound and dust accumulated on the inside of the crystal was removed.

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"Even the most eminent persons are subject to the laws of gravity" — Winston Churchill

Time keeping is certainly a possible indicator that a service is needed, but it may also indicate that a simple regulation is needed. I have no clue how your watchmaker could assess the lubrication just by looking - even with a high power loupe you can barely see lubrication on an assembled movement and I know of absolutely no way to assess the quality of it - maybe he's an 'oil whisperer'

could be

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"Even the most eminent persons are subject to the laws of gravity" — Winston Churchill