The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi, I have an Aerospace 56062 which suddenly developed a problem with the LCD displays flashing.

I took it to my nearest Breitling dealer (Goldsmiths) which is the group which originally sold it to the original owner and they have now informed me that after examining the watch that "The watch has suffered a cell leak, damaging the movement circuits and requiring a new movement". The analogue element was working fine while the flashing was going on.

This would cost £740.

Optional work would be to replace the crystal as is aparantly worn even though there are no marks or scratches visible to me! At an additional £85.

The previous owner from whom I bought it had the battery changed and resealed (I have reciepts for this) October 2010.

Is this common or unheard of?

Should a battery last longer than 2 years (previous owner apparantly did not use is much), since I have owned it (about 8 months) I have not used the LCD displays much and have not used the alarm functions at all.

Any advice on how I should proceed.

Many thanks

Tony

Unfortunately it is entirely possible for a battery to leak (in which case it would damage the circuits), and it's also possible for a battery to last less than the standard 2 to 3 years - not enough intial charge, a battery manufacturing issue perhaps, or even simply that the previous owner just used the backlight function a lot.

I'm surprised that Goldsmiths would be able to properly examine a watch internally as usually AD's in the UK defer all of that to Breitling UK. Either way, if a new movement is required, I could well imagine the cost being in that vicinity at BUK.

Just incidentally who did the battery change last time? BUK or a random jewellery store?

The crystal is another matter. You need to find out why they are recommending a change. If it's compromised it some way (although I'm not sure how!) then there may be a genuine reason to change it. If however it's just something like microscopic scratches to the AR, then it's up to you if you want to get it changed - no-one will force you to.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Hi Driver

Thanks for the reply.

The Goldsmiths I took the watch to said they would send it away so I guess it has gone to Breitling UK although the letter informing me of work necessary is from Goldsmiths head office.

The battery was changed by the previous owner at an independent watch place but it has been pressure tested twice on the same ticket so I presume it went to a place that knew what they were doing.

If I have the work done would they fit a movement identical to the original one or a later one and do you get the old movement and any other parts back as I also have a B1 for which I have the original seals that were replaced during a service.

With regards the crystal I can see no reason to have this replaced as I can see no signs of wear.

Many thanks again

Usually they use the later SQ movement (caliber 76). You won't get any parts back.

The issue is not so much the pressure testing of the independent place as it is the quality of the battery that was used.