The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I purchased the Navitimer world last July and recently have had problems with it. Less than a year old and the watch was turning over the date at 3am and sometimes 5am. I brought it back to Tourneau (place I purchased it) and they said it would take 4 weeks to repair from Breitling and was covered under warranty. I called the 5th week and now it will take another 4-6 weeks b/c they are repairing the bezel and other parts.

Has anyone encountered a problem like this? A watch less than 1yr old and maintained meticulously (Tourneau even commented on the condition being perfect) has so many issues.

They tell me that parts are on back-order from Breitling. This is my second Breitling watch and I've had some issues with my first one. The first watch needed some repair after the third year. All covered under warranty but I am beginning to think that Breitling's quality is not what it is cracked up to be. I've had a rolex for 11 years and never had to repair it just normal maintenance and cleaning.

Any replies and stories would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for listening.

Personally I've owned numerous Breitlings over that last 12 years and I've never had a single problem with any of them in all that time. (I'm probably really tempting fate here!)

You only mention the date problem - is that the only issue you have had but it's just taken Breitling a while to fix, or have you had more problems? Parts from Breitling do take a long time to arrive. I don't know where you are based, but here in the UK they apparently only have one delivery of parts per month from Switzerland - hence the 4 to 6 week delay to fit.

Again, I don't know what Rolex model you had, but if it was a Submariner or similar then the movement in that is a lot simpler than a Navitimer's (with it's chronograph functions), so it may be fair to expect fewer issues with a simpler movement.

Alternatively you may just have been unlucky with your Navi.....

Still, I feel for your irritation and I hope it's all gets sorted out soon.

I hope you decide to persevere with your Navi and the brand.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Thanks for the input Driver8. My service rep tells me that there are numerous problems with the watch. My date issue was just one problem I discovered. The other problems were seals worn, and a bezel issue. Not sure what they mean bezel issue. I wear the watch 2-3 times per week and keep it on a winder when not on my wrist.

I understand the movement complexities between brands but I was merely comparing the two as if apples to apples in quality.

I've heard other horror stories re:breitling owners but I guess there is always some potential for lemons with any watch mfg.

I am a loyal breitling owner and hope they can rectify this issue for me. My fear is that I get the watch back and the problems still exist or something else pops up.

I am in the U.S. (NY).

Thanks

TFL23,

I have a Nav World as well that is in the shop. This model has a ton of problems. My GMT never worked correctly and one of my pushers would just get stuck in after pushing it and I would have to manually pull it out. I love the watch but they are cursed with problems,which is to bad because they are an amazing looking watch. My repair guy has been waiting over 4 months for the parts from Breitling so do not hold your breathe. The AD that said 4-6 weeks is lying through their teeth! My watch was only 8 months old when all the problems started and was also under warranty but I chose to have a Breitling repair guy order the parts for me instead of sending it back to Breitling because that takes forever. With all my experience with repairs from Breitling you are looking at 6-9 months at a minimum. Start looking for another Ling to hold you over and just wait the rebirth of your World at the end of this year if you are lucky lol! Good luck and keep us updated on the progress.

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Naviman

My Navi-World still has issues with the second time zone feature. I want it to be fixed, but I don't want it to be off my wrist for 6 months. I recently sent my Fortis in for service and had it back on my wrist in a month, and they had to order parts for the movement. I think Breitling needs to step up their service, especially to merit their recent price increase. I wouldn't mind paying a little more if I was assured the product wouldn't fail and if it did I would have speedy service.

~Brian

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Breitling Super Avenger
Fortis Flieger Chronograph
Rolex Submariner Date

Wow, thanks Naviman for the heads up. I knew there was something wrong and it wasn't just me. I've heard from other owners that this watch is a nightmare to own.

A colleague of mine has the Navi World as well and experienced same type of issues.

Now that you mention the winder would sometimes feel loose and at times slip when manually winding.

I wonder if the Bentley series experiences the same issues.

Thanks

Brian,

I understand you not wanting to take it off your wrist lol. I know it is such a shame that this particular watch has so many problems huh. I just hope we can get all our Worlds fixed and enjoy them for the beautiful watches they are supposed to be.

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Naviman

Yes, some Navi World owners have apparently had some problems with the GMT hand, but again after owning 2 myself I've not had a problem with either.

However I do agree that if even one person has a problem, then that's really not good enough quality control. After all these are not mass produced pieces of junk.....

Hope you get your watches sorted guys.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Driver8,

Why did you have to get rid of your backup World because then you could have loaned it to me or TFL23 while ours are being repaired. I know that Lemans was calling you and I do not blame you but now you have to get another World so you can have 2 of all your models again

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Naviman

If only you'd said a bit sooner Naviman!

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Damn it to late huh So which watch are you wearing the most these days. I bet it is that Lemans!

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Naviman

Unfortunately not. The Le Mans is in for it's first ever service at the moment, so it's my black dial SA that's been getting most of the wrist time. I find bracelets are better in the warmer weather, so that's why the white dial SA has been having a rest.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

That sucks, but if its any consolation, most people who have dealt with B will agree that they WILL make it right at the end of all this, even if it takes forever (or multiple attempts, for that matter).

Hey Guys,

A quick update on a change of events. I received a call today from Tourneau my AD who sent the watch for repair. They told me that they (them and Breitling) are replacing the watch with a brand new watch. I have an appointment tomorrow with the store manager to pick it up.

Apparently my letter to Breitling's CEO a few weeks ago and a follow up letter to Tourneau's CEO worked.

In my letter I laid out all the issues and current status along with my displeasure of service and quality from Breitling.

Never thought I would get a follow up response or reaction as quickly and pleasing.

Maybe Breitling is acknowledging the fact that some Navi World's are suffering from some sort of lemonituss (sorry made up that word).

Well I am back on the other side of the fence after hearing the good news.

I would recommend anyone with a similar problem to take the time and write a letter.

Thanks for all your comments and suggestions...

By the way this is a great site.

Nice. Ive never had an issue, but ive trusted that B would do whatever it takes to make things right.