The Breitling Watch Source Forums

When was the last time someone mentioned having a problem?

It's hard to say if the issues have been remedied or not. My B01 has had issues from day1 and after four trips to Breitling and a new movement, it still has problems. It's last trip back was a year ago and I haven't bothered to send it in a fifth time. I've lost faith that they can fix it and the issue is something I can live with. It's unfortunate that I have to tolerate a defect with an $8k watch, but this is the reality of it for me.

You likely won't have issues if you bought a new B01-powered watch, but it is a possibility. I definitely won't be buying any more myself.

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

Having read this old resurected post, I have been testing my B01 powered watches all afternoon.
Starting, stopping, resetting the chrono function, letting it run, etc...
All three, Chronomal, Navi & TOC, seem to work fine, at least so far.

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"It is just a matter of time!"

My issue was with the chrono sweeping hand. At certain points along it's travel, it would go from moving at 1/4 sec intervals to 1/2 second intervals. Visually, it appeared as if the had was "skipping." After having a new movement installed after the 4th trip to BUSA, that issue went away, but now the chrono minute counter will sometimes jump to the first minute upon chrono initiation. There was another guy with a Navi 01 that had this same minute counter issue. However, this issue is with my Chronomat 01. My Navi 01 is working fine.

In any case, I hope your three pieces continue to work flawlessly. My Chronomat developed the skipping issue after a few months of use.

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

Misaligned chrono hand about a week ago.

Thanks for replies.

Frankly, if the Chronomat 44 GMT with B04 was at a better price point I'd go for that one. I guess the overall safest choice at this point is the B13. I see that B has done away with Chronomat on B13, and the closest match is the Galactic Chronograph II, basically the same case (at least size-wise).

Are there any other differences between the Chronomat 44 and Galactic Chronograph II (besides the movement and bezel)? Like the type of steel used, or anything like that.

Thanks!

The B04 is effectively the same as the B01 - just an added complication but 95+% the same movement. No differences in case construction, materials, etc.

Breitling still promotes the Chronomat Calibre 13, but I think that it's just until they all sell from ADs.

Ok, I guess Chronomat Cal 13 would be another choice if available at AD. I'll be flying back to US for a couple of weeks at the end of August through Frankfurt (currently expat in Kazakhstan for a couple of years) . I'll stop by Frankfurt airport Breitling AD to see what they have.

Again, thanks for feedback.

The GCII is the Chronomat Evolution (now called the Chronomat Calibre 13), only with a brushed surface and different bezel. The Evo case is similar in size to the C44 case, but not identical, primarily insofar as the lugs are shorter; I also think the C44 case looks a little more sleek. The endpieces in the Evo Pilot bracelet are different - the Evo has traditional integrated end links, whereas the end links on the 44 are pivoting and non-integrated. Also, the C44 Pilot clasp has been slightly updated. The C44 also has 500m water resistance, whereas the Evo/GCII has 300m; the greater WR is of no practical benefit to most people. The steel is the same in both. 316L is pretty much the standard in most higher-end watches, although Rolex does use 904L.

My own recommendation is that if you think you want a B13-based Chronomat, see if you can find an Evolution/Calibre 13. A number of ADs still have them. Personally, I can't abide the GCII, which in my opinion is simply a bastardization of a much-loved Breitling classic.

interesting listing of 01 parts on ebay, indicating quite a bit of 01 repairs ....

http://www.ebay.de/itm/Breitling-Calibe ... 0928727202

Hi guys, I used to post a couple of years ago. I am still a Breitling fan and wearing my Colt II Auto, silver dial, all the time.

I am in the market for a Breitling with the B01-movement. In the German forums, you don't find any complaints. Here on breitlingsource there were mentioned issues with chrono-hand jumpings and a few date wheel issues. I am just wondering if I should wait for another 1 or 2 years until the caliber will be on the market for totally 5 years before I pull the trigger...

Some years ago, I bought a 80110-based IWC that had, at that time, some issues with their new movement. Back at that time, the caliber was approx. 3 years old too and I must admit, that these reportings bothered me although my own watch didn't have any problems. Sold it later anyway, it was no Breitling...

Any opinions?

V.

Well it's like anything - the longer something has been in existence, the more likely it will be that any issues will have been ironed out. To be honest, considering the B01 is totally new (albeit not exactly ground-breaking in design) I think there have been fairly few issues all things considered. For every one with an issue there must be thousands that are fine. Bear in mind people are more likely to come and join forums to bitch and moan about issues, rather than specifically to praise something for being faultless.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Very well said D8

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- This is Ghost Rider requesting a fly-by. - Negative Ghost Rider. The pattern is full.

Breitling obviously feels that the major issues have been ironed out as they are now offering the 5 year warranty, and there do seem to have been fewer problems expressed lately with recent purchases (although one person with a TOC is having repeated issues).

That would be me. It pains me to read this thread.

On Jan 21, 2011 I posted that I was hesitant about buying the TO in light of the complaints. On March 23, 2011, I was happy to report that I hadn't encountered any problems after owning the TO for 3 weeks.

It's now 19 months later, and I sent my TO off this week for a third service, same chronograph issue. It's really a shame because I love the look of the TO, but I've really started resent the watch, as it has been nothing but a source of frustration.

Hopefully third times a charm, and my TO and me can work on moving past our bumpy start.

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Breitling Colt GMT
Breitling Navitimer World
IWC Portuguese Automatic
Breitling Transocean Chronograph LE