The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi all, my Alarm and a chimes do not work on my Airwolf. Is this based on battery power, or could it be faulty? Any help would be appreciated, cheers

_________________
Best regards,

Mark

'Time is of the Essence'

Breitling Airwolf
Omega Speedmaster Auto
Marathon TSAR 1000
Raketa Auto
Felicia Day Date Auto

Mr Majestyk,

My wathces usually give out on sounding the chimes a few weeks before the battery is about to expire, so could be. I assume you have the alarm and hour time set (stupid question, I know)?

Jim

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Jim

"You have Control".

G'day Jim,

Thanks for getting back to us. The alarm is set it's ON, so are the chimes, but no sound...perhaps battery is faulty. Also, is your bezel fixed or does it move freely? Cheers,

Mark

_________________
Best regards,

Mark

'Time is of the Essence'

Breitling Airwolf
Omega Speedmaster Auto
Marathon TSAR 1000
Raketa Auto
Felicia Day Date Auto

OK, that’s not good news really, is it!

Lets concentrate on the battery life. If your battery is degraded then you should notice a larger loss of time than might be the spec for this watch. Gradually it should slow significantly. Although quartz movements tend to tick fairly accurately until the end you may notice some slowing before it dies. Does the backlight work? If that’s dull, then it’s probably the battery. The Breitling 78 movement is based on an ETA Quartz movement. It has thermal compensation, which is good as it should not be affected by temperature. So the main issues here are battery or a fault with the movement. Checking the details on this forum (look under the Models or Movements on the main page) there is not a lot of info on the B78 accuracy. Google this one to see if anyone has the specs out there. Also, anyone reading this thread who knows will probably add in some comments on movement accuracy for you. If you know the accuracy you can determine battery life. That should be an easy task, but gathering the info may take a little time.

If you have an Authorised Dealer nearby, then I would suggest you take it to them and see if they can test the watch for problems.

Like the Skyracer, this watch is equipped with a pinion mechanism in the slide rule. Care needs to be taken here as the bezel should move freely, but adjustments are a little more complicated as there is a reduction ratio incorporated into the pinion with a countdown. You will notice the ratio of turns on the bezel does not match the distance the scale travelled. It maybe body oil or dirt that is caught under the bezel (affectionately known here as ‘Arm Cheese’) and is binding the bezel. Don’t wash it or oil it or anything like that. If it’s tight then there are 4 small screws on the edge of the bezel that can be removed to remove the bezel, and subsequently clean the bezel under side. Once again, be very careful removing these screws and cleaning the underside. Use toothpick and cotton buds to remove grease and dirt (dry application only). Take your time, as that’s the biggest enemy of these sorts of cleaning jobs. Don’t rush it. Good jewellers tools are needed here to avoid scratches, etc and damage. If you are not confident, then send to your AD and have that sorted whilst they are looking at your B78.

Jim

_________________
Jim

"You have Control".

Hi Jim,

That's is great information, I really appreciate this. I'm taking the watch to a Breitling Sydney to test for alarm function, and perhaps will ask about the tight bezel as well. Cheers,

Mark

_________________
Best regards,

Mark

'Time is of the Essence'

Breitling Airwolf
Omega Speedmaster Auto
Marathon TSAR 1000
Raketa Auto
Felicia Day Date Auto

Hey Jim, went to Sydney's Breitling service centre and dropped off watch. Returned after 10 days and they fitted new battery, which got alarm and bezel working all for $17 AUD. Great, thank for your help. Cheers Mark

_________________
Best regards,

Mark

'Time is of the Essence'

Breitling Airwolf
Omega Speedmaster Auto
Marathon TSAR 1000
Raketa Auto
Felicia Day Date Auto

Make that $170AUD

_________________
Best regards,

Mark

'Time is of the Essence'

Breitling Airwolf
Omega Speedmaster Auto
Marathon TSAR 1000
Raketa Auto
Felicia Day Date Auto