The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Good afternoon!!

As some of you may have saw from my previous post, I got a Montbrilliant 47 limited edition Navitimer as a gift (new). My first Breitling watch and I couldn't be more thrilled.

I live in AZ. This weekend, I went to San Diego, and while walking around, I noticed my watch fogged up. I called my local AD, Hamra Jewlers, in Scottsdale. I'm going to take the watch to them so they can mail it in for service, however they mentioned that it won't be covered under warranty??

The watch was purchased in October and I started wearing it in November. It's never been rained on (I live in AZ), never in the shower, or exposed to water. I suppose I can say that maybe water splashed on it while I was washing my hands? That's the most water it's ever seen.

Are they correct in saying it won't be covered? What should I expect when it goes to Breitling for service? Any estimates on how long it'll take?

I'm super bummed out I'll have to mail my watch in today.

Thank you,

Sam

They might be right about it not being covered by warranty.

First off, there may not be a problem at all - you said that you went from a very dry climate to a very moist climate, it may be nothing more than that so if it doesn't happen again I might be tempted to leave it assuming that it was a thin layer of condensation on the glass that cleared fairly quickly.

If it is a service issue with water getting in then Breitling will pressure test the watch. If the watch passes the pressure test (30m equivalent of static water pressure) then they will conclude that water got in through abuse and you will be liable for a full service - $550 - $600 plus cost of any damage. If the watch fails the pressure test then it's a warranty issue and you won't be liable. If your AD has a watchmaker then get them to pressure test it before sending it off and document any failure.

As some may recall, I have had a similar experience with my 6 month old TOC which is supposed to have a better water resistance rating at 100m. Also do not recall getting any water on it but Taipei is very humid this time of the year. Still strange as this is the first time I experienced this in my 15 years in Hong Kong and Taipei, with the same climate.
Took it to my friendly Breitling Service Center where it was pressure tested and apparently passed with no problems. Nevertheless they attended to the watch and I got it back two weeks later all under warranty.
I guess it was a kind gesture from them as I have had several watches serviced by them this year.
It probably would have been a different story had I walked in there for the first time.
If your AD is Authorised to service Breitlings you may be in luck.

_________________
"It is just a matter of time!"

I think that in this case it's more likely to be the dramatic change from desert to coast rather than just a damp environment per se.