The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I dropped my Colt II Auto off at my local AD on May 4th to be sent to Breitling for service. They did state that they will send it to Breitling in CT or in Miami, FL and I should hear from Breitling in about two weeks with a estimate (maintenance or complete overhaul). Two days later I received a email from the AD "Your Breitling Colt 2 Auto watch with serial number 100XXXX has arrived at our repair facility in Saint Petersburg". Was curious about the repair center here locally but thought maybe that is where they ship to Breitling from. 7 more days passed and I receive another email from the AD stating:

"Your Breitling Colt 2 Auto watch with serial number 100XXXX has been evaluated by the expert watch repair department, and we provide the following estimate for service:
Required Service: Complete service
Estimate: $412.8 plus tax.
Recommended Service (optional): New sapphire crystal
Add to Estimate: $140 plus tax"

To me these emails sound like this jeweler has their own watch repair facility and it wasn't sent to BUSA. I haven't received any emails or a phone call from Breitling as the AD stated I would. Unfortantly I can't get a answer until tomorrow. Just though I would ask if this is normal.

My question(s) are:

Does Breitling have a service center in Miami, FL?

The "complete service" they are referring to, would that be a complete overhaul or just a maintenance (as per Breitlings website)?

Does this sound like standard procedure when sending a watch to BUSA through a AD?

Should I receive a call or email from Breitling with a estimate of the service for the watch?

People in the US will have to advise on the specific communications, but that is a full service - basic is called 'maintenance service'. Per Breitling's website there is a service centre in Bay Harbor Islands.

I have only sent watches to Breitling in Wilton directly, and never used an AD for that. Each time that I have sent one in, I get an email back with a .pdf attached, setting out the details of the estimate. The .pdf's are, of course, on Breitling letterhead from the center in Wilton...$412 for a full service is cheaper than I ever wind up spending at BUSA!

I found out today that my watch was sent to Swiss Watch Service in Miami (Bay Harbor Islands). They are a authorized & certified Breitling service center. I have to admit though I am not real happy with the AD. I asked, specifically and they told me that it would be shipped to Breitling in Wilton, CT. I am sure Swiss Watch Service will do a fine job and seeing that they are a authorized & certified Breitling service center I am good with that. What pisses me off is being lied to by the AD. If it was going to Miami then tell me that, but don't tell me one thing and do another. Once I get my watch back I will never deal with them again. (just venting).

Anyways, the complete service for $412.80 (plus tax) includes:

-Movement overhaul.
-Complete dismantling of the mechanism.
-Ultrasonic cleaning of all parts.
-Replacement of worn-out movement parts.
-New hands
-Assembling, lubrication.
-Adjustment of all functions.
-Check of daily rate.
-Replacement of all gaskets.
-Make the watch water resistant.
-Final Control
-Detail refinishing of the case and metal bracelet to near new condition.
-All shipping costs

Not a bad price for a complete overhaul. Next time I will ship direct and bypass the AD.

Maybe I'm confused, but in your original post you said that the AD would send to CT or FL.

I'm not familiar with the US setup but is it possible that BUSA/Wilton is very busy at the moment and has pushed some work sideways? I'd eliminate that possibility before venting at the AD. But if you're not happy just ask for the watch back, it's yours.

I personally avoid ADs when I send my watches back to Breitling. In the past, I've just called up Wilton and spoke to them directly prior to sending it in. It sounds like you have everything figured out now, but in the future, just deal with BUSA yourself. My personal experience has proven things go more smoothly this way.

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

In the UK, we pay £££ for the service, and then there is an additional £10 fee to cover the cost of return postage!!

The only benefit of taking it to your AD is that sometimes theyll foot the bill to ship it to BUSA.

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-RJ