The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I have an early Breitling Aerospace (masquerading a Navitimer), purchased from a NYC AD in 1992..............



...........that is in need of a battery and a long overdue service. The Breitling AD said Breitling won't do an overhaul because the quartz movement (Breitling 56/ETA 988.332) is no longer available. The only Breitling service offering would be to possibly remill the case and install a new (SQ?) movement @ approx. $1,800. Wow. That's not happening on my watch. It's unfortunate - I recently purchased a Breitling titanium bracelet to replace the OEM gray leather strap - still in very serviceable condition. Breitling should at least do a "best available" service if a full overhaul can't be done....but alas, it seems they won't.

Questions:

> Is there a good way to get some quality service to extend the watch's life, such as the required battery change and some limited lubrication?

> Any suggestion of a watchmaker in the Phoenix, AZ, USofA area to do this?

> There are "new" movements available on eBay. If it comes to that at some point, can the hands, crown and other Breitling unique parts be installed on a "new" or other donor movement to replace the original movement?

> Any other thoughts, suggestions?

This is my second Breitling that's been declared an orphan by Breitling. My first was 6 months ago - an Intruder, purchased from a Hong Kong AD in 1999. It's frustrating. Breitling did offer a nice factory discount on a new Breitling if I would allow them to keep the Intruder.

TIA.

Desert Hiker

Seems odd. I know it's the case that Breitling will only replace, rather than trying to repair, the older quartz movements - by dropping in a new SQ one as you describe - when an older movement has failed. But surely that isn't the case when the old movement is still actually working and only needs a battery change (assuming that's the case). Have you spoken to BUSA directly?

No, but I did speak with the Breitling specialist at my local AD. He represented that they (AD) could/would do a battery change ($75), but that they are not authorized/qualified to do any other service. He further represented that BUSA would NOT do maintenance service because the watch really needs an overhaul and that can't be done due to the lack of replacement Q movements.

Thanks, the call to BUSA is probably in order.

Desert Hiker

At this point I would try to find a local watchmaker that can perform the needed lubrication and battery service, 1,800 is a lot of coin for a really unneeded service. Also like Tom suggested you could call BUSA directly to try and see if there is any other way around chancing the movement.

Takes about 5 minutes to pop the back cover and stick a battery in it. I wouldn't worry about the lube. Wear it until it NEEDS a service (ie: doesn't work). You can buy brand new movements that will work in your watch for around $250. There is no milling needed inside the case for the later movement. I bought two used movements off ebay for $100 each. Breitling will want to replace the movement if you send it in since they don't service these anymore. They will also change the back cover to reflect the new movement but it will have the correct serial number engraved.

TomP, MattC and Vintage,

Thanks for your replies. I would like to get it lubed, if possible.

Any recommendation of a Breitling-experienced watch repair professional in Arizona?

Desert Hiker.

I'll send a PM

_________________
Scott

AP Royal Oak 15400, silver
Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Classic Cars
Vintage gold Corum
Rolex DJ 36 TT, oyster dial, oyster/smooth
Baume & Mercier Riviera 200m, silver dial/aquamarine bezel
Breitling Superocean 57, rose/stainless