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http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220983533715&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:US:1123#ht_7242wt_948

Hi, saw this and won the bid on eBay, it's stated Breitling Windrider Blackbird "original" A13350 as per link above. Is there a way to find out if this is an authentic Breitling, and if so, how to check if it is truly a Limited Edition as stated. All similar model on the web I found says Edition Special, with Blackbird indicated underneath the Breitling logo on the dial. This one does not have the Blackbird stated on the dial. The ad says only 250 pieces made, and the advertised piece is 176/250. Please share urgently. Thank you.

Well you went higher than I was prepared to

I'm surprised you didn't go higher Roff. I remember you were after one of these a few years ago.

Don't have the list price for the LE Bluebird available but the regular Blackbird was £2,365 on the Pilot bracelet.

Thanks for the info Roff.

Sorry, I need more help...

1) I noted the date adjuster on my Blue/Blackbird doesn't work when I tried changing the dates on its own. When I turned the crown after pulled it out half-way, I can see the date moving/clicking but just wouldn't switch to the next date. However, if I pull the crown all the way out and cranked the minute/hour hands, the date changed at 12 o'clock mark. I suspect the date adjustment connector is loose. Is this a common problem with Ling, if so, is it easy to fix? Can an AD fix it or do you recommend sending it to the Ling service center? What would be the estimated cost of fixing it? It may be that you haven't quite engaged the right "click" on the stem. The quickset date is at the first "click"/position on the stem. If it still doesn't work, then chances are that something's not quite right. The previous owner may have made a quickset date change between 8pm and 3am which can damage the date mechanism cogs. That is a potential issue with ALL mechanical watches if the 8-3 rule isn't followed. Either way, it will be a trip to Breitling to fix, unless your AD is an approved repair agent as well. Cost? Well you'll be best to speak to an AD about that.

2) Both the Chrono buttons are not "screwed on" like the crown. Are they supposed to? For it to be 100m water resistant, I thought all buttons must be tightened like the crown. The push-pieces on this model are not screwed in as it's only a 100m WR watch. Assuming the gaskets have been checked or the watch has been serviced the WR will be fine..

3) Is there a way I can test the water resistance of the Ling without hurting it? Can an AD test it for me? Ultimately, what's the cost indication if I send it for a test? Some AD's and independent watch makers can pressure test a watch for you. They don't use water, so it won't hurt your watch. You'll need to speak to the AD/watchmaker for prices but it won't be a lot. More important thought IMO would be to get the watch serviced if it hasn't been for a while as that watch getting on a bit now. A WR test is included as part of a service at Breitling..

4) On the problem of the date adjuster, is it something I can address to the ebay seller? There was no mention of this malfunction in the description. You can try (if it really is a problem and not just a problem selecting the correct position), but I wouldn't hold out a lot of hope. The seller could easily say it was fine when he sold it, and that you caused the problem. Doesn't hurt to try of course..

Thank you ALL for your attention and would appreciate your advise on the above. Cheers!