The Breitling Watch Source Forums

All,
Just a curious about experiences with Breitling servicing. I have a originally owned Colt chrono quartz that I sent in for a battery change. The estimate is $499.89!
History on watch is I have had the battery replaced 1 time previously at the service center and it has been packed in storage for the last 5yrs so has seen limited use.
The preliminary description is it needs a full service and new hands due to its age (illuminate fade?), and a battery. I have asked for a complete explanation but that seems like a huge investment for such limited wear time.

Opinions and thanks!

Eric

Quote sounds reasonable. Service need is driven by the breakdown of the oils in the running train and has nothing to do with wear, even though it is quartz it still has oils in it and after 5 years or so they are incapable of perfoming their duty of reducing friction and running the watch risks causing damage. The hands are single use and have to be removed for service so that's why you need new ones.

Thank you for the feedback!

So the written estimate faxed from BUSA to the store states 2 items required and none optional for a total of 499.80

Full service 350
Hand replacement 124.80

I will assume the other 25 is for shipping or some other misc stuff.

I did review the videos and read the descriptions of services which is impressive but still seems a lot for timepiece every 4-6 years. Should have it back in 6-8 weeks and am looking forward to it

Eric

Hopefully you will be very happy with the results.
It will come back to you like a brand new watch.

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Breanach78

A Few Breitlings.

If you think that's a lot, don't ever buy a mechanical piece!

So watch came back, looks good but I have a question. All I got was a black booklet explaining why I should do maintenance and a receipt from Diamonds Direct. I was surprised the did not stamp anything proving certification and/or a work order print out explaining that they performed and replaced for the $538.

I inquired about this and was told BUSA tracks the watch history by the s/n. I found this kind of odd.

I planned to sell the watch before I wear it again

Eric

If you sent in the booklet with it then that should have been stamped, and the receipt should include a 1 year warranty for the service work - assuming that Diamonds Direct is an approved service centre.

I could not find Dimonds Direct listed as an Authorized Maintenance Center on Breitling site.
Of course they most likely shipped it to one.
I would be enquiring with Dimonds Direct who did the service for them.
Better still, I would be contacting BUSA with your watch details to see if they have a record of the service. If they do, you have nothing to worry about, your watch is covered by a 12 month warranty.

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"It is just a matter of time!"

If it's the same Diamonds Direct as where I live (Raleigh, NC area) they WERE a Breitling AD. I was there recently on a jewelry matter, and noticed that their Breitling inventory had shrunk to about half as many watches as had previously been in their showcase, and there was a card on the counter encouraging customers to ask about discounts. I didn't have time to investigate, but I'm guessing their relationship with Breitling has recently come to an end.