The Breitling Watch Source Forums

We've just received a Retailer's Newsletter at Andrew Michaels.

It was simply an amalgamation of the other newsletters that have already been shown.

However, the last feature was on the new 5 years warranty for the in-house calibre models. I appreciate that this has been shown here before but I doubt many people realise that there is a caveat. See the final paragraph. I cannot phathom out the relevance of this. The Navitimer 01 has no water resistance to speak of anyway. Surely this will create a bit of a back log at Breitling service centres across the world.

Breitling provides powerful confirmation of the exceptional reliability of its “Manufacture” movements by offering an exceptional five-year warranty on all models equipped with these calibers.

In 2009, Breitling took its place within the exclusive circle of watch companies with their own mechanical chronograph movement. Not only was the development of this Caliber 01 intended to ensure the brand's long-term independence, but as a specialist of chronographs and instruments for professionals, Breitling also set itself the goal of making the world's best chronograph movement. Best in terms of performance, reliability and functionality. With this in mind, the firm put in place an avant-garde industrial facility and in-house competencies enabling it to produce its movements according to its own high standards, while ensuring maximum reliability on a large scale.

Caliber 01, which is chronometer-certified like all the brand's movements, currently powers several of Breitling's star models, including the Chronomat, the Navitimer, the Montbrillant and the Transocean. The firm's engineers have also used it as the basis for creating several innovative movements featuring functions that are both useful and user-friendly, such as Caliber 04 with its highly ingenious second timezone system, and the brand-new worldtimer Caliber 05. To confirm the exceptional reliability of these in-house movements, Breitling has decided to introduce an exclusive five-year warranty on all models equipped with its Manufacture calibers – meaning around half its range of mechanical chronographs. This move represents an exceptional measure at this level of production, and a powerful seal of confidence for all users of Breitling wrist instruments

The only request Breitling has for its customers is to return their watch into store in both year 2 and year 4 of the five year warranty to be sent back to Breitling for a water resistance pressure check which will be free of charge.

_________________
Forum Representative for Andrew Michaels Jewellers, UK

Please visit my Watch Blog at http://www.AndrewMichaels.co.uk

******Our new Pre-owned watch site www.amjwatches.co.uk is now live*****

Interesting, and as you say, potentially backlog-generating. Presumably ADs will quietly advise owners who don't use their lings underwater not to worry about pressure checks between servicing?

Slightly surprised that ADs with watchmakers can't use their own pressure testers. I get the need to track and monitor, but there must be some kind of reporting and tracking method that they could put in place.

Will skipping or missing the "free" pressure check void the warranty?

_________________
Breitling Navitimer: Black Dial
OMEGA Speedmaster Professional
Steinhart Nav.B-Chrono II
Elgin-Hamilton 37500 (Aircraft Clock)

I think this has nothing to do with water intrustion integrity and everything to do with collecting statistical infomation about timekeeping, wear, etc. so they can have a broader baseline for the movement's characteristics. This would be valuable information going forward with development of other calibers. No one in their right mind would consent to sending their watch back for a statistical study, but many will consent to preserve the five year warranty. Or, maybe I just have a suspicious mind.

_________________
1809 Cosmonaute
1903 Navi
Navi Olympus
Super Avenger

I suspect that you are correct Marty.

I'm still irked the warranty only covers pieces purchased from Jan 1, 2012 onward. However, I'm not surprised given the issues we've seen with the movements up to that point. I feel Breitling is hanging us early adopters out to dry.

If nothing else, I suppose this means I won't have to be without my watch for 3 months every 2 years . . . unless it breaks.

_________________
Chronomat 01- Sierra Silver/Steel
Navitimer 01- Limited Edition #1337/2000

The five year warranty and the free water resistance test every two years is now clearly stated on Breitling web site. This I don't particularly have a problem with.
What is still missing is the effective date that this is applicable to which allegedly is for watches purchased from Jan 01 2012 but still not confirmed anywhere.
Hence, as far as I'm concerned and as far as my warranty papers are concerned, my TOC purchased on Jan 27th 2012 is covered for the next two years only.
Of course I hope I do not need it in the next two or even five years as apparently I got a watch with the best chronograph movement.
End of discussion.

_________________
"It is just a matter of time!"

Well played, sir

I just checked out the warranty section of the Breitling website and, like you, noted there is no effective date. However, I distinctly remember there being an effective date when Breitling first released news of the warranty. Is there a chance they actually made the warranty viable for ALL B01 movements?

_________________
Chronomat 01- Sierra Silver/Steel
Navitimer 01- Limited Edition #1337/2000

I think you're right on point.

Cheers