The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hello Guys,

It's my first post and I did not see any specific presentation forum/topic so to be quick, I'm the proud owner of a breitling avenger full titanium from 2005. Still working fine without any servicing

I would like your opinion on several aspects of my project and thats why I decided to become a member here... great forum guys, very interesting.

As you surely all know, that grade 2 titanium it's made of is quickly scratched, and the only option theiy offer is a polish. I don't want that because it will become again scratched in no time so why bother.

What I would like to do is a stonewash finish, I'm familiar with this process as an humble custom knife collector. So first question, if you guys know the process do you think a greade 2 titnium will respond well to such a treatment?

The other aspect of this project is that I will have to disassemble the watch, to only stonewash the buttons, bracelet and case.
I went to a breitling shop and got answer from a a guy i do not really trust.
That's also where I would like your opinion.
He said The parts should be stored in a 50% humidity ratio environement at a constant 20 to 24 celcius degree. To avoid dust and stuff...
He also said that when they disassemble the case, they will have to change the "points", not sure it's called that in english, and all the seals.

What do you think guys, does this guy told me this to discourage me or is it true i won't have a way to avoid all those charges?
Not mentionning he told me the workshop won't keep my parts for me while i'm stonewashing the watch. So if those strict service conditions must be met, my project ain't hapening.

Sorry for the mistakes in my english
regards,
Phil

Welcome to BreitlingSource.

The advice you were given was correct, and incomplete. Doing the project will also likely lead to Breitling refusing to touch the watch again as they will claim that it has been modified. Additionally, a 9 year old watch may appear to be 'working fine' but it desperately needs servicing!

ohh I didn't knew that they would refuse to touch the watch again...

You really think it needs servicing? Could you elaborate on bit on that?

thanks for the quick response;)

It's a mechanical watch that has oil in it to prevent friction and wear. That oil breaks down at a predictable rate and after 5 - 7 years it has completely broken down and is incapable of providing any lubrication. Your watch is now running without lubrication which could be causing considerable damage to arbors, pivots, etc. Additionally, water resistance is severely compromised by the aging of the gaskets.

It makes perfect sense, thanks for the heads up. I will schedule a service first thing on monday.

Or you could decide not to stone wash it and instead lavish a little bit of elbow grease and give it a polish now and again. Nothing aggressive, just a simple clean cloth & perhaps a gentle polish for slightly deeper marks. Have you tried this? Might be easier than the alternative over time. Enjoy.

_________________
Jim

"You have Control".