The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Call me a troll, but I'm seething mad, hence this rant.
Bought my Chronomat Evolution about 18 months ago. Out of the box, it ran +24secs/day. (hardly the +2/-1 Chronometer certification it purports to have) I accepted excuses from other owners, that possibly it took a hit or a jar in transit, or was magnetized, or something of that nature. I gave Breitling a bit of slack for that.
I then took it to my AD to have it regulated. I ended up with +9secs/day over the next 16 months, then it crapped out on my completely, and became a "hand-wound caliber." I could wind it by hand, but other than that, it wouldn't run.
I sent it to Breitling. It cost me $75.00 to insure it for purchase value alone. (not including shipping)
They kept it for 2 months, and I received it back today. So far, its gaining MORE than a second per hour. Its' gained 7 seconds in the last 6 hours, and that's after I re-set it once, thinking maybe I erred.
As for those who will mock me as being unreasonable for demanding that my $4000.00 watch run "spot on," frankly, I dismiss you with no credibility. Heck yes, I expect it to run "spot on," I paid $4000.00 for a CERTIFIED CHRONOMETER, and I have a handful of cheap Asian autos that run more accurately than that.
I WILL NOT send it back, I have NO confidence in BUSA's abilities. Incompetent is the word. I'll take it to my AD next week to have it regulated, and call it a day if I can even get it close.
I've been saving for an Emergency Mission, but after this, I will never buy another Breitling again.

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Who would want a souless quartz?

Well, to begin with, the COSC 'allowed' varience is -4/+6

Obviously, in your case it seems to not really matter though.

Let me ask you a few questions. Did you write a detailed description of what exactly was going on with the watch when you were sending it to BUSA? If you just said, yeah it runs too fast, that's literally how they probably took it. It runs too fast, lets do a service on it. Don't forget, the BUSA in CT services about 28,000 watches a year, the turn-around time is kind of slow as is, there is no time to call and try figuring out FURTHER what is wrong.

Ok, lets say you did include the details of what was happening. When they get done with the watch, it goes through at least 3 days of quality control, if it runs as fast as you say it does, they would definately notice.

Also, what are you using to monitor and compare the loss/gain of time of your watch? Did you ever think that your AD's watchmaker could've messed it up rather than blaming BUSA? Just because he is certified, does not mean he takes the same steps and care as a BUSA watchmaker will. It is under warranty, it JUST came back from BUSA. Take it to the AD and have them send it. AD doesn't usually charge you for shipping/insurance.

Anyways, I understand it is frustrating, but I'm sure there is a solution. Perhaps, you should request them to replace your movement all together next time.

Well I'll call you a troll if you want, but not sure it will help......

You paid for a COSC certified watch, you have every right to expect it to run within -4 to + 6 seconds a day. It would apeear that you have been more than reasonable with trying to get it fixed, and clearly Breitling haven't been able to solve the problem.

I wouldn't have the AD regulate it, I would demand that the AD replace the watch - there's clearly a history of problems. I could tell you that you are in the vast minority, that your experience is atypical, etc - but you already know that and it is of absolutlely no consolation.

If Breitling fix this watch you are still going to doubt it - so get it replaced under warranty. The AD may be reluctant but I am sure that Breitling will do the right thing.

Yes, I sent a typed note which described the above in its entirety, and specifically addressed the regulation issue.
Why would I think that the AD damaged the watch? It was regulated far closer after they finished with it, and ran consistently for the next 16 months?
The AD whom I purchased the watch from is 1,000 miles away, so having them return ship isn't an option.

3 days of quality control? Obviously not. I would have to assume they got the movement running again, and sent it out the door. The only other possibility is that they saw it gaining more than a second an hour, and didn't care.

As for my regulation checking, I'm using the online official U.S. Time Clock site.

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Who would want a souless quartz?

Man I feel for you, nothing worse than a product the seller/manufacturer will not stand behind.

I would send an email to Breitling and explain the whole situation, they should either fix the watch to advertised specs or replace it, no questions asked.

That said, every product line has the ocasional lemon, sorry you got one.

Every breitling I have ever owned ran spot on under COSC specs, but if they did not I would not wait so long to get the situation remedied.

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Certified watch nut.

It doesn't matter where you bought it. Any AD will take it in and send it to BUSA. I usually do not charge shipping costs if you proceed with work. Since you watch is under warranty, you shouldn't pay ANYTHING. I would kindly ask them to replace the movement.

Sorry to hear about your bad luck. I would ask for a new watch if they do that, if not then a replacement of the movement is a must!

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FYI, there is at least one AD in Oklahoma City and I do believe there is one in Tulsa as well. As long as it is under warantee, you can take it to any AD to have it sent off and regulated.


Scott

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Breitling Steelfish(black)
Breitling Steelfish(silver)
Panerai PAM 312
Bell & Ross BR03-92 Phantom
Steinhart BreitlingSource LE #5/15

sorry to hear about it also...hope everything works out

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Breitling for Bentley Motors
Breitling Navitimer World
Breitling Super Avenger Black Steel LE 3000
Breitling for Bentley GMT Midnight Carbon Black Steel LE 1000
Hublot Big Bang Aero Bang Steel
"You gotta pay to play..."

Im on your side, but being angry wont solve anything. As others have mentioned, the $75 you spent on shipping is a loss, and not Breitlings fault. An AD would have sent it off for free.

Nevertheless, assuming youve been treating the watch well, it sounds like you got a lemon. he problems youve been dealing with are certainly unacceptable, and Breitling should stand behind their products completely. Do what has been suggested, and let them know exactly what has been going on, and allow them one more chance to repair or replace the watch/movement. If they choose to repair, and it doesnt work out, ask for a replacement. If you dont feel that a repair attempt is adequate, given your troubles with the repairs in the past, let them know that you want a replacement. I have faith that tey will make things right, one way or another.

That's a terrible story. I'd go with Roffensian's suggestion - try to get it replaced! I'm not sure if that has to be done with the AD where you bought it (but I'd guess so...) or if any AD could do it.

If they can't take it at your nearest AD (that is, if your nearest AD isn't the one 1000 miles away...) try talking to BUSA, get them the story and listen to their suggestion (which should be similar to send it back to them and get a new replacement from them directly). Good luck!

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Collection: http://s540.photobucket.com/albums/gg32 ... mview=grid