The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I just bought a B01 for $9600 and noticed that I can't wind it with the crown. When the crown is released, I can turn the crown over 200 hundred times with no friction at all (no winding resistance). Eventually, the crown goes into gear and I can wind the crown although it is very hard to do so (very high winding resistance). If the crown is turned backward a few turns, and then I attempt to wind it again by turning the crown forward, once again the crown just free-wheels for a hundred or more turns. It is the equivalent of a car not going into gear. The AD did not show much interest in this problem and just told me to wear it everyday so it would not need manual winding... This is my first Breitling and I am left wondering if this lack of quality control is characteristic of a $9600 Breitling?

Great customer service from the AD!

It's a mechanical device and so can have faults, but clearly it's not acceptable, and it's not typical. The attitude of the AD is unacceptable and I would mention that to Breitling. If you are in the US contact BUSA in CT, if in the UK then BUK in Tunbridge Wells can assist. Elsewhere, check the Breitling website for your local office. Alternatively, go to another AD, your warranty is international.

In terms of the problem, it counds as though the castle gear is not engaging with the rest of the keyless works properly so the crown stem rotation is not being transferred into a rotation of the mainspring barrel. If so then it should be an easy fix.

This is a totally unacceptable behavior whether it is a $9000 or a $ 900 watch.

I don't know where you're located but I would immediately report it directly to Breitling in Switzerland.

You can find their coordinates here: http://www.breitling.com/en/index.php#/contact/

Your AD may even lose his license if this is not the first case reported.

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

someone needs to get their ass chewed out for this mistake.

That watch should have never left the sales floor. And the rational of..."just wear it and it will stay powered up"...that is just unacceptable.

Good luck getting the situation resolved

I have a BO1 and that is not normal - I would take back or claim on the warranty. The AD should never had sold