The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi guys , first time on the site needing your help. I am a Brit living in Norfolk UK and 15 years ago I was on a cruise in the Virgin Islands where I bought my Brietling. As it was one of the cheaper models it became part of my small watch collection and used on a rotation basis. Now I realise I am with a group of Breitling fans so be gentle on me when I admit to never having had the watch serviced apart from a battery change!! But it is still in fine working order.!
My question is , was I duped all those years ago because in checking out various sites I can find no obvious reference to my model?.
On the face it has the normal breitling logo but the only model reference above the 6 figure is the words QUARTZ 300m 1000ft, the watch back repeats that info. However , the only model I can find in the range which seems to equate is the Colt which always seems to appear on the watch face . On my watch the word colt is not mentioned. Does anyone know of a breitling that simply has the word quartz indicated where the model name should be. I realise this query may seem stupid to many of you but the damn thing is the watch has huge sentimental value to me apart from the dollar value, which I guess is not much now. Grateful for any help you can offer if you have had the patience to read through this.
Thanks in advance

It sounds suspect, especially as no model number is on the back? Some pictures of the watch will confirm

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Breitling (Navitimer A23322, Aerospace, Chronomat Blackbird, Chronomat A13352 +UTC)
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Gran Sport, Zenith Elite 670
Marathon (SAR, JSAR), Ollech & Wajs Cobra

Thanks Ade , actually there is a model number on the back , it is A 57035 with the number 26592 underneath. I shall send Pics later if it helps.

Google images, search for Bretling A57035 and you will find plenty of pictures of the early Colt quartz model with only Quartz written on the dial and no "Colt".
The second number you quoted (26592) is the serial number.

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"It is just a matter of time!"

post pics, but sounds fine

Thank you to those members who have replied. What an international eclectic bunch !! From Yorkshire in the uk to Beijing to Australia , all breitling fans and I am very grateful for your help. Your comments prompted me to chase the obvious avenue via google and I am now pretty sure I will not be embarrassed to take my breitling in for a total overhaul only to be told it is a replica !

On that final point , does anyone have a view about centralised servicing and overhaul by breitling in the uk as opposed to a decent local watchmaker/jeweller ?

Call BUK at Tunbridge Wells and deal direct with them,send the watch to them and they will do what is needed and on payment send it directly back to you.There is no need to involve anyone else and it seems more satisfying to do it yourself,but thats my opinion.

You have a real A57035 Colt Quartz, because there is no replica of that model.
Especially not 15 years ago.

Have to agree with Alinfrance. This is how I do servicing here in Australia (to BAUS rather than BUK though) as I don't have an AD nearby.

Only advantages of getting an AD to organise servicing would be cheaper on the postage, and the possibility of free swag

There is absolutely no advantage to having a local watchmaker service the watch. For starters they have to be Breitling authorised before I would let them anywhere near it because of access to parts, warranty, etc, and secondly even an authorised AD with a watchmaker on premises won't have the tools or ability to properly service a quartz movement that hasn't been touched in 15 years.

Call BUK in Tunbridge Wells and they will look after you and let you know what the watch needs.

Thanks guys , your informed comments push me in the right direction. Looks like a call to buk to either service or overhaul the watch is required. Given that it seems to be running ok at the moment what is your view on either a basic service and battery change or a full overhaul given that it is 15 years old?
Is it a question of if it ain't broke leave well alone or simply go for the overhaul because of age and no previous service ?

It needs servicing now. The oils in the running train broke down a long time ago and running it without oil is just creating more wear and making the ultimate service costs higher.

Let us know what they say and what needs doing Radioman, would be interesting.