The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi
I'm a long time reader of this forum. And used it to great success before buying my first breitling last February. I got a lovely super avenger through Andrew Michaels. However I have a problem and advice would be appreciated. A bit of background. I work at one of europes largest power stations and so and always probably in huge magnetic fields a lot. Most of my pals at work all wear rolex, omega and other nice brands of watches. Myself I wear my seiko orange monster while working and leave my ling in my locker. I'm guessing you know where I'm going with this post... My SA doesn't keep time at all. I went to the air show last summer and saw the breitling technician that was there as at that time it was gaining 18secs a day. The technician after having the watch on his machine told me that my watch was running "too well" and it had a possibility or over rotation? And this could cause it to skip?. Anyway I left it with him and got it back a month later and all was running perfect.. Now my watch is back to + 15... should I give them
a call and send it in or is it a simple case of magnetism? My pals at work don't have any problems with there watches and my seiko is always working within 5secs a day?
Any advice will be greatly appreciated .

Thanks
Richard

Some guys who know what they are talking about will chime in soon, but from what I've been told a magnetized watch gallops at minutes/day, not less than 20 seconds per day.

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SHARKMAN

Yeah, it's not magnetized. From the description that the technician provided it sounds as though the balance is 'bouncing' off of the pin - technically called overbanking. Basically this means that the balance is not running at the regular rate of 4 Hz but is running slightly fast because the balance spring is being 'helped' by the bounce off the pin. I'm guessing that all that happened last time was that the watch was regulated - treating the symptom, but not the underlying cause.

I would get it attended to under warranty and make sure that you mention what was explained before so that they have the most information to go on and if overbanking is the problem then it should be a simple fix.

Thanks for the swift replys.
Yeah that's what the technition called it, overbanking. Couldn't remember after being supplied with beer all afternoon at the airshow. I'll get in touch with with the service centre. Is this a common fault or am I a one off, as my pals who are "rolex men" are constantly taking piss

Much appreciated
Richard

Not common, it's frequently caused by a balance assembly problem and can happen with any mechanical watch - including Rolex!

My Super Avenger runs at +5secs every day on the dot..........that is classed as "normal"....no worries

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SUPER AVENGER 563 AIRFORCE BLUE
WHITE SUBS, PRO11 BRACELET

Overbanking is a result of more power being transmitted by the pallet fork than the hairspring can handle. The balance makes a full rotation and the roller jewel bounces off the back arm of the pallet fork, I've heard it called "loping", "running on", "overrunning" and of course "overbanking" which is the correct term.

Ask for a report on what they did to fix it. They probably won't tell you but it would be nice to know for future reference in case it continues to be a problem.

I am curious to know if they replace the mainspring. That's where I would start if I had this one on the bench.

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1809 Cosmonaute
1903 Navi
Navi Olympus
Super Avenger

Hi
After the advise in this thread. I called Breitling UK and explained my problem. I measured it the day before calling them and it was +20 sec for the day. They advised that it certainly needs their attention, and for me to write an accompanying letter when sending it in. They said they will send me a maintenance report detailing what has being checked or replaced, and will check their records to see what was done when it was in last time.
Acording to the Royal Mail it arrived with them today, so i'm hoping it wont take too long before i get a perfectly running watch..

Thanks for the advice.
Richard

Hi
Just an update.
After sending my watch in for the warranty work, I received a letter of acknowledgment of receipt back stating that they had my watch and im assuming pretty much standard infomation dated the 27th jan.
Was just wondering.. what is a normal time scale for these things as iv'e heard nothing since? Just got a family wedding in Vegas which i was hoping to wear my watch at, and am flying 1st of April...

Regards

Richard

Warranty gets priority so I would say that it's due. Give them a call or drop them an e-mail and ask.

Hi
Funnily enough I received my SA back the day after my last post. I didn't receive any maintenance report which I was told I would, but regardless so far it is running within 2s per day. Pretty much perfect. I did get a nice travel case with it aswell. So all has ended well. I just hope that it doesnt repeat what happened last time where it gradually ran faster.
Thanks for all the advice given

Best regards
Richard

I have dealt with Andrew Michaels (Sam) and I know if you have any problem he will assist you! They are a great dealer and can not do enough to ensure you are a happy customer... My personal experience was a visit for a B1 Link and he found another link while I was there for a Bi Metal Pilot and I had tried everywhere!! Including on here... Also he gave me an owners booklet and a decent Breitling book! I cannot poraise their friendliness highly enough... I would seek their help first as it was sourced from them and I am sure they will sort it....