The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hey all,

I just received my B1 back from Govberg Jewlers in Philadelphia after they sent it to BUSA for a complete overhaul ($500). As many have stated on here previously upon receiving their watches back from BUSA, the watch was in immaculate like new condition.

However, one item does give me slight concern. The outer bezel and the slide rule dial are in exactly the same position as they were pre-service. I would always keep the outer bezel "zero" marker in the 12 o'clock position with the "60" marker on the slide rule dial just slightly off center. You can see from the attached photo what I'm talking about. Anyone who owns a B1 or a similar Breitling with this slide rule feature knows how difficult it is to arrange these markers in near identical position because the outer bezel and the slide rule dial do not rotate at the same speed. Is it possible that the Breitling technicians are savvy enough to put the bezel and slide rule dial back in exactly the same position as it was pre-service? Or is it more likely that they never removed the bezel and slide rule?

I admit I'm being rather anal about this, but I just want to make sure I was provided with the services for which I paid. According to Breitling's own literature a complete overhaul includes a complete dismantling of the watch. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Dave

Bezel wasn't necessarily removed - it's not necessary to remove it to service the watch so if they tested it and found that it still moved freely it may have been left. That said, also wouldn't be surprised if they put it back exactly as it was when removed.

Thanks. Just want to make sure BUSA didn't take any shortcuts in the complete overhaul process.

Dave

As crazy as it sounds, they probably set it back to exactly how it was upon getting it...I've seen this first hand. They must take a picture of the watch when it arrives or something.

Was the bezel refinished? If it was it would have to have been removed to do it properly.

If the case was polished the the bezel would have been removed. I really don't see why the technician couldn't put it all back together correctly, that's what he gets paid to do and who better to do it? He/she has probably done hundreds of them.

The bezel and case were both polished, so it seems the consensus is that the bezel would have to have been removed. Impressive that they put it back in exactly the same position relative to the slide rule.

Maybe the next time I have it serviced I will ask them to perfectly align the "zero" mark on the bezel with the "60" on the slide rule, every B1 owner's dream!

If the bezel was polished then it was definitely removed.