The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hello all,
I've been lurking here for awhile trying to get as much info as possible before taking the plunge on my first Breitling.

I'm not really a watch guy (my passion is custom built guitars and tube amps) but I've had a Rolex for almost 20 yrs (oyster perpetual non date ss/gold) and I would like to branch out a little with a new watch. ok, enough background here is where I am:

After visiting my AD (metro Atlanta) I've narrowed down my choices to a Chronomat Evolution, Chronomat, and B01.

My very basic question: Since the Evolution is out of production are all the Evolutions in stock considered to be NOS? I expect that they are.

If they have been sitting in the ADs inventory not running for an extended period (years?) would they need to be regulated or serviced before purchase? I dont want to spend 5 to 7k and end up with a new watch that has to be worked on.

Is it reasonable to expect the AD to get the watch running to spec before I purchase?

You guys have a nice forum here, thanks for any advice.

Well the Chronomat Evolution and Chronomat are effectively the same watch, it was just a name change. You can tell the date of manufacture on the watch by looking at the code between the 6 o'clock lugs - first four digits are wwyy of manufacture. The AD will need to remove the strap / bracelet but they should be prepared to do that.

A watch that has been sitting and not running will have two potential problems. The oils will still be aging and breaking down (and that's what usually drives servicing needs) and the fact that the watch hasn't been running may have led to some oil movement away from the lubrication points. It shouldn't be a practical problem for running the watch but a 3 year old watch will likely need servicing sooner than a brand new watch.

In terms of regulation, the AD can regulate the watch before you pick it up, but the very fact of having it running constantly after being sitting and the way that tou wear it will affect accuracy. You will be better off to wear the watch for 4 - 6 weeks and then take it back for regulation if it is still off - it will take that long to adjust.

thanks for the guidance, that makes sense.

Here's something that will make a watch lover cringe: I've worn my Rolex for 20 yrs (7/2010) and have never had it serviced. I intend to take it in for service when I get a new watch.

Like Roff said. But you have to trust your AD and be sure he'll take it back should it need any adjustement.

No problem like that though if you chose the B01. But be aware that there is quite a different price tag between the two.

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- This is Ghost Rider requesting a fly-by. - Negative Ghost Rider. The pattern is full.

Doesn't bother me, it's a Rolex



The regulation / settling period still applies, just not the aging oils (yet).