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fixing my Breitling myself, possible?
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Author:  Mark_29 [ Wed Dec 17, 2008 4:11 pm ]
Post subject:  fixing my Breitling myself, possible?
good evening gents'

I just got quoted a ridiculous price from Breitling for fixing my Chronomat. Sea water got in and messed things up badly :cry: . I need new dial, hands, and a complete service as well.

Would cost me more than buying another one second hand, so it hardly makes sense to me. And I only wanted it to be done by Breitling, not by some other independant shop.

Now as I have little to lose, I wanted to know if I could fix it myself. I have never done such a thing but I' m extremely handy and I have already located the needed parts on ebay, and also the needed tools (special tools' box for breits' on ebay as well).

All I need is some instructions on how to do it. I have already got instructions on how to remove bezel and sapphire, now I need the rest.

What do you guys think about this? Has someone done it, or could someone point me to some instructions?

Thanks a lot.
Author:  Roffensian [ Wed Dec 17, 2008 5:48 pm ]
Post subject: 
Watchmaking is an art, it's something that people study for years to be able to master. Assuming that you can find all of the movement parts then I guess theoretically you can do the repairs yourself, but personally, I wouldn't ever dream of doing it with my own watch.

I have considered taking some of the courses aimed at enthusaists to teach you how to work with movements, but just don't have the time right now - it's a big commitment before I would be comfortable working on a watch with any value - just too big a risk for me.
Author:  BoneDoc [ Wed Dec 17, 2008 7:44 pm ]
Post subject: 
I can offer no help, but if you do it, please take a lot of pics. I would love to see it!
Author:  BroncoSport [ Wed Dec 17, 2008 9:00 pm ]
Post subject: 
Mark,

Are you telling me that you know of a place that you can buy a second hand Chronomat for $500-$600 US and look and run like new? I'll take two! I only ask becuase a full service at Breitling will run you around that and when it returns you would have, basically, a new watch with a warranty.

Im also curious if your "quoted" price was from a watchmaker (locally) or from BUSA or BUK. Also share your quote, if you would.

Scott
Author:  BroncoSport [ Wed Dec 17, 2008 9:15 pm ]
Post subject: 
And no, I would never attempt to disassemble any of my watches and try to fix them.. even it that condition. There are something like 300+ parts inside and a person really needs 1) a "clean" room 2) a pressure tester 3) years of experience and 4) watch this http://www.breitling.com/service-chrono/

If you still attempt it.... take lots of pictures and understand that Breitling may or may not repair it after its in pieces.

Scott
Author:  Breitling Bloke [ Thu Dec 18, 2008 12:09 am ]
Post subject: 
I tried replacing the movement in a Shark auto and it would have been fine if I'd been able to get hold of new hands.

A lot of care, patience, a steady hand and the right tools will be key.

If you have all that then why not give it a try - if you have nothing to loose other than the cost of the parts.

Take pictures as you're going along and make notes too - just to be sure. Nothing worse than doing a jigsaw without a picture!
Author:  London_Calling [ Thu Dec 18, 2008 1:30 am ]
Post subject: 
Are you willing to sacrifice your watch - Go ahead and try repair it yourself.

If not - I suggest You let Breitling do it!
Author:  Driver8 [ Thu Dec 18, 2008 1:31 am ]
Post subject: 
While I personally would never dream of opening up one of my own watches, I did come across a CD on eBay that apparently gives step by step instructions and videos/pictures on how to disassemble and then reassemble an ETA 7750.

Might be a good learning tool if you could get your hands on an old 7750, but personally I'd always leave repairs to the pros.
Author:  Mark_29 [ Thu Dec 18, 2008 4:18 am ]
Post subject: 
ok, thank you everyone for the reactions. I know this is going to be messy, but I' ve got little to lose and if I pull it I' ll have learned a lot.

BroncoSport wrote:
Mark,

Are you telling me that you know of a place that you can buy a second hand Chronomat for $500-$600 US and look and run like new? I'll take two! I only ask because a full service at Breitling will run you around that and when it returns you would have, basically, a new watch with a warranty.

Im also curious if your "quoted" price was from a watchmaker (locally) or from BUSA or BUK. Also share your quote, if you would.



BroncoSport, I need full service and parts. Parts alone was close to 1000 euros (dial hands etc), and they told me it could be a lot more : as 7750 might be seriously damaged as well. Then full service. But this one is not relevant as it had to be done anyway.
Now I see many old 81950, fully serviced and with 6 month or 1 year warranty from recognized second hand dealers, and selling for something like 1200-1500 euros.
This is why I questionned fixing this one.

BroncoSport wrote:
And no, I would never attempt to disassemble any of my watches and try to fix them.. even it that condition. There are something like 300+ parts inside and a person really needs 1) a "clean" room 2) a pressure tester 3) years of experience and 4) watch this http://www.breitling.com/service-chrono/

If you still attempt it.... take lots of pictures and understand that Breitling may or may not repair it after its in pieces.


Thanks for the video link, was interesting :)

Driver8 wrote:
While I personally would never dream of opening up one of my own watches, I did come across a CD on eBay that apparently gives step by step instructions and videos/pictures on how to disassemble and then reassemble an ETA 7750.

Might be a good learning tool if you could get your hands on an old 7750, but personally I'd always leave repairs to the pros.


Well that' s exactly the type of info I' m looking for. With that sort of a cd, it would be a breeze. I' ll try to see if I can find it.

And btw, I would only attempt it once I would be sure I can pull it, ie after having studied instructions and got needed tools. I' m still looking for instructions on 7750 servicing right now, and until I get my hands on it I can do nothing.
Author:  Driver8 [ Thu Dec 18, 2008 5:08 am ]
Post subject: 
Do a search on eBay for "Breitling CD" and you should find it OK.... there should be a few available unless all the auctions have all closed.
Author:  Sharkmouth [ Thu Dec 18, 2008 6:39 am ]
Post subject: 
Here you go...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ETA-7750-Complete-Service-Training-Reference-Guide-CD_W0QQitemZ130275285224QQihZ003QQcategoryZ117039QQssPageNameZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1638Q2em118Q2el1247

I think the cd simply has pdf files showing disassembly rather than video.

These downloads at horlogerie-suisse will give you an idea of what's involved.

http://www.horlogerie-suisse.com/telechargement/accueil.html
Author:  Watchmakeress [ Fri Dec 19, 2008 10:58 pm ]
Post subject: 
What can I say... Good luck I guess! :D

No seriously, I doubt you'll pull this off, but I admire you for willing to give it a try!
Even if you'll be able to put the whole watch back together without any parts missing or left over, I'm pretty sure it won't run right...
The oiling and calibration process is pretty intricate. Even experienced watchmakers cannot make it run correctly without the proper training.

FYI, I extended my watchmaking education with an additional YEAR to master this movement...

Please take pictures and let us follow the process, and don't hesitate to ask me questions about obstacles you run into! (with pictures would be helpful!)

:thumbsup:
Author:  breitlingfan2008 [ Sat Jan 03, 2009 5:53 pm ]
Post subject: 
wow mark good luck if you undertake this task! I would be scared as hell knowing there are more than 500 parts in my valjoux eta 7750 b13 watch movement. The thought of messing it up, would break my heart.

Some fellow members have posted Breitling service videos and a blown up view of the valjoux eta 7750..there are alot of parts.

Maybe sending it to Breitling might be the best route..

in the end the decision isy yours..

best wishes
nick
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