The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi everybody,

Unfortunately I dropped my Chrono Colt from the top of my washing machine to the stone floor (approx. 1m) the other day.

I noticed that the second hand had moved to the 6 second position. I started the chronograph, stopped it and returned it. The second hand then returned to the 6 second position again. I then read the maintenance manual and followed the procedure to manually set the hand to the zero position. It worked but after 15 minutes or so, I noticed that the second hand returned to the 6 second position again.

I have continued to repeat the process but the second hand continues to automatically move to the 6 second position or any other none zero second position every 5 to 30 minutes after I have reset the hand manually. Sometimes it gets stuck when I try to reset it manually as well (but unfortunately not at the same place every time). Then I just let the chronograph run for a while and try to reset it manually again, which most often works.

It seems like the only thing to do is to leave the watch at a retailer but I wanted to check with you guys if you have had a similar experience?

I'm just a bit disappointed that the watch seems to have a defect. I know, I dropped it from about a meter directly onto a hard surface but I would expect a watch at that price/quality (especially a Breitling Colt watch as they shall be very sturdy) to withstand such an impact without any damage.


Thanks in advance for the help everybody

While this situation is unfortunate, you're talking out of both sides of your mouth. Hell, if I dropped YOU onto a stone floor from that distance, you'd probably have a few bruises. I think you're expecting a bit too much and it really isn't a "defect" of the watch.

It'll have to go back to Breitling for repair, but IMO, you shouldn't be looking to "blame" Breitling for this. It's an unfortunate situation, but "any" watch can become damaged if it's dropped at the right distance, angle, etc.

Sorry it happened, but as disappointed as I would be, I couldn't put this one on Breitling...or any other watch manufacturer unless they specifically marketed a watch as being drop-proof.

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PAM359, Omega PO Big Size, 1951 Omega Seamaster, Rolex Sea Dweller

Yeah, I'm not blaming the watch for this one. I would have been more surprised if it didn't have problems.

I understand your disappointment but considering the stone floor famous for it's zero impact absorption and the 1m fall, the second hand not functioning is not all that bad. I wouldn't have been surprised if you cracked the sapphire, dented the case etc. Sounds like you got off easy.

The price of a luxury time piece is not directly indicative of it's durability. You are paying for many, many things in that price but durability is not always one of them.

I once dropped my Seawolf, over 3 ft on ceramic.... No problems, watch remained good as new.

Was I lucky, or is the Seawolf (current model) a really durable Breitling?

Maybe the extra thick sapphire crystal absorbed the impact

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Rolex DeepSea, GMT Master II TT, Pres 18038, DJ TT 16013
Breitling Chronomat 39mm (bullet+UTC), Starliner SS/MOP (wife)

back with ROLEX

You were lucky.

As to the OP, these are high quality, highly tuned machines. You would expect damage in your circumstance and count your blessings if their was none. They do make watches likley to withstand such abuse - Casio comes to mind.

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SHARKMAN

A couple months ago I was handling a Defy Chrono at the AD and while opening a firm clasp the watch fell to the wood floor. I looked ay my rep and she said, "I didn't see a thing." Fortunately my heart beat returned to normal when I picked it up unscathed.

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SHARKMAN

I'm not saying I wouldn't expect a malfunction after this event, but I would have preferred your chances with this quartz over a mechanical. I guess they both have gear trains and you were just unlucky.

Did it land on a pusher or just on the case somewhere