The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I have a second-hand Breitling Aerospace which now the battery died. I have only the original Breitling box and NOT the manual. Can I send the watch into BUSA for their $80 maintenace service without sending the warranty/manual?

I love the watch. I was planning on sending it to the BUSA CT office and also wonder how long does their battery/maintenance service take. I am not comfortable giving it to a local dealer to replace the battery.

Thanks

As long as the serial number on the watch is intact there won't be any issues. I think that BUSA turn around times for servicing are around 8 - 10 weeks at the moment.

You may find that they recommend a service rather than just a battery change.

My 1996 Aerospace II just came back from an overhaul at BUSA CT. They did not require the warranty/manual because my watch was clearly beyond the warranty period. The listed charge for the overhaul is $350 but they usually require a new set of hands and maybe some other small parts. In my case I needed a bezel rider and a new SS fastener for the bracelet. So the $500 estmate agrees with my experience. On the other hand, the original ETA 988.332 movement is obsolete. They replaced it with the new ETA 988.352 Thermoline SuperQuartz movement as part of the standard overhaul. With the upgrade they installed a new back with the SQ chronometer designation and the original model and serial numbers engraved. They also polished out some of the scratches on the watch and bracelet. It took seven weeks. The watch came back better than new considering the new movement. I am happy with the work and with their communications.

Regards,
AaronM

BUSA (in CT) accepted it and it will cost just under $500 for a complete overhaul including a requested color face plate change. I requested the face/dial to be changed from green/gray to a standard black face. They keep all old parts.

I was planning on selling it, but now with a new face, I will most likely keep it. The quoted me 6 weeks for the process to complete. I am expecting it to look brand new (from what I have read), and will report my impression when I get it back.

Thanks.

It will not be like new but close. The biggest issue will be scratches to the anti-relective coating on the crystal. These are not repaired and the cost of replacing the crystal is significant.

Regards,
AaronM