The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I finally brought my SOH 46 back to the AD, because one of the button mechanisms on my Ocean Racer clasp would occasionally pop out, exposing the small spring. It never completely separated from the clasp (which is good), but started to happen more and more.
It appears, that the mechanism is likely swaged into place; and the swaged portion probably failed. I was able to pop it back in, but I shouldn't have put up with this as long as I did.
While I like my Ocean Racer bracelet, this is the 2nd issue I've had with it. (The other issue was that the ratcheting mechanism would skip teeth as I'm wearing it. I posted about that issue a while back.)

I guess we'll see how much Breitling will say this will be to repair or replace. If it's more than I would "like" to pay...maybe I'll just have to put that money to an Ocean Classic bracelet, instead

What do you mean by "swaged into place"?

Cheers.

Respectfully, the heck with Breitling - the AD should replace it on the spot. You bought a multi-thousand dollar watch; they ought to pop a new few hundred dollar deploy on there and deal with Breitling themselves.

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SHARKMAN

The push button assemblies are not threaded into the clasp housing; they use some kind of "interference fit" process (i.e. stake, swage, etc.) to hold the assembly in there. It's this interference fit that failed...it popped out (or, actually inward) when I would push the button. Then, the button was able to back out, exposing the small compression spring; although, this assembly never fully separated from the clasp housing. I was able to "pop" it all back together, but the more I did that, the more I likely wore down that interference fit. So, it got worse and worse.

Yes, I was not impressed by this gentleman at the AD. He first brought it to the "mystery person" in the back of the store....likely some kind of watch "expert"?...who popped the assembly back in. When he returned it to me, I told him that it wouldn't last, and it immediately failed when I proceeded to open the clasp.
Then, he said I needed a new clasp....implying that I needed to buy one, as he said they're likely a few hundred dollars. That's when I asked if he could at least ship it back to Breitling to see if they could fix it.
If the repair or a new clasp are too costly for my taste, I may attempt to fix it myself with some Loctite 242, and take that saved $$$ and put it down toward an Ocean Classic bracelet.
This is (NO QUESTION) a second "design flaw" in the deployment clasp of the Ocean Racer (the other flaw is the ratchet mechanism that I detailed in another post).

I don't believe it is a design flaw. Many of us have had multiple clasps without a problem. This is the first I have heard of a problem with these clasps. A manufacturing flaw on your clasp perhaps, but all indications are the design itself is solid. Did you ask/demand a new clasp?


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SHARKMAN

Well, there's a fine line between a design flaw or mfg flaw. Being an engineer, I'd like to assume more of the responsibility starts with the design. And, in the scheme of things, it really doesn't matter....it's a flaw, and in NO WAY a misuse/abuse issue.
I have not made any demands or requests....yet. I was going to see what they came back with, as far as the cost for repair vs replacement...or, maybe they'll even decide to fix for free?

I thought the watch only had a 2 year warranty...... that's correct, right?

Here's some posts I found, so I'm sure I'm not the only one with an issue:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=41343&hilit=+ocean+racer+clasp#p303615
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=10724&hilit=+ocean+racer+deployment

The AD just called and said that Breitling CANNOT repair my buckle (clasp), they can only replace it. A replacement is $375.
I'm leaning toward NOT replacing it....for that price. I would rather put that money down for a new SS Ocean Classic bracelet, and I could always tinker around with the broken Ocean Racer myself.
I am surprised that they can't fix it.....and only offered the replacement option. I am also surprised that you pay over $3,000 for a watch that has an inarguable defect, and they don't offer any kind of consolation.

Did you insist on it right up to the manager if necessary????


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SHARKMAN

I'll have to "step it up", now. Because my brother spent $100's of thousands at this AD.......as much as many people spend on their house!
I was just kind of curious how they would initially attempt to handle this repair request. Now I know, they have no problem trying to "nickel/dime" you.

So....it went...
From:
"You need a new buckle for $375...period."
To:
"I'll take $375 off the price of a new Ocean Classic bracelet AND I'll sell you a replacement Ocean Racer buckle for $250."

That deal sounds better, right?