The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I have always been a fan of restoration eg, fixing up old boats etc so when a Breitling B1 came up on ebay with a broken strap and not working I siezed on the chance!
I love my SA especially but recently have found a new found love for the B1 so this COULD be a good chance to get the watch I wanted.
As i say, it doesn't work and needs a new strap which should be a few hundred quid but I think this is a good chance to get a brilliant watch. What do you guys think??

Patrick

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Previous watches: B2, Superocean, Super Avenger, Colt, Skyland.

Current: Yellow Emergency.

Hmmmm, the strap is an easy fix (but still not dirt cheap if you buy a proper Breitling strap) but the "not working" part is potentially a bigger issue. The B1 is a Superquartz movement, so it's not something that your average watch-repairer will be that familiar with.... which will mean a potential trip back to Breitling.... which, if it's more than a duff battery, could mean BIG bucks to fix.... like maybe a new movement. If you can get it SERIOUSLY cheap then it maybe an OK buy, but I'd be very cautious.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Agreed.

After watching this: http://www.breitling.com/service-quartz/ I would think twice about buying one that didn't work.

After seeing how Breitling services their quartz movements, I would think that would be an expensive service. Just slapping a battery in won't make it work properly.

~Brian

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Breitling Super Avenger
Fortis Flieger Chronograph
Rolex Submariner Date

I would expect the person selling it has already sourced the cost of repair and found it too expensive, hence the sale.

I think I'd avoid it.

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Breitling Cosmonaute
Breitling Wings Automatic

oh dear! maybe a bad move on my part! I paid £150 for it so if it does cost a huge amount to get it fixed then I'm not losing a massive amount of money. IF however i can get it fixed I will be over the moon!!

How much would a new movement cost? I've had to pay £180 to get my B2 fixed before however this will obviously be more.....any ideas on a figure?

Thanks, Patrick

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Previous watches: B2, Superocean, Super Avenger, Colt, Skyland.

Current: Yellow Emergency.

OK, so £150 is actually very cheap for it, so maybe you haven't done too bad after all! BUT, as one of the other guys said, the seller may have already checked out the repair costs and decided to sell it on that basis. But you never know - you may have got the bargain of the century. Keep us informed!

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Driver8

Site Moderator

i certainly will! HOPEFULLY i'll be able to post some pictures my new B1 someday in the no to distant future!

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Previous watches: B2, Superocean, Super Avenger, Colt, Skyland.

Current: Yellow Emergency.

Just wear it as it is....its a Breitling after all, and it will be accurate twice a day too.

I would get the strap fixed and make sure the entire watch is reconditioned. Maybe take it get it done professionally and it will be good as new !