The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Not sure if I have pulled a bonehead stunt or not -- here are the details...

I was timing something with my Navi 01 (Honor Flight) and forgot to stop the chronograph before going to bed. Next morning, I decided to set the watch, but neglected to notice that the chrono was still running. Without thinking about it, I simply pulled out the crown to set the watch. Of course, at that point I noticed that the chrono seconds hand had stopped, along with the rest of the watch.

So, let's pause there for a moment. Did I commit a real no-no by pulling out the crown with the chrono seconds running? Would this, in and of itself, risk damage to the movement?

Moving on...

That evening, I started the chrono to time some steaks on the grill. A few minutes later, I was horrified to see that the chrono seconds hand had stopped after running for 4 seconds, and the watch as a whole had stopped, as well. YIKES!!!!!! In order to get things running again, I pushed the start/stop pusher, then hit the reset pusher. Everything seemed to work fine after that (including repeated uses of the chrono).

That being said, I have now noticed that, sporadically, the chrono will repeat the malfunction I have noted above.

If anyone has any thoughts as to what's going on with the movement, I'd appreciate it. Oh, and please be gentle...

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Cheers,
Jim

Pulling out the crown with the chrono engaged isn't an issue, the problem that you are noting is likely (largely) coincidental - it may be a separate issue that was triggered by stopping the watch with the chrono running. The stopping is being caused by the torque from the mainspring being insufficient to overcome the resistance in the running train. Running the chrono will increase resistance, a low power reserve will reduce the torque. In your case it's likely caused by a bit of dirt or similar which is why it's intermittent, or possibly a lack of lubrication as the oils break down (there are other possible reasons but I would expect those to show prior to now). It should be addressed by a service, which in your case would be under warranty.

Thanks a million, Roff.

I have never sent a watch to BUSA for service. I know people do this all the time -- so please forgive my ignorance -- but, do you have any tips about the best way to accomplish this in terms of how to ship, insurance, etc.?

Appreciate the help!

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Cheers,
Jim

Advice from people in the US would probably be more helpful

I think that most send with tracking and a description of the problem, or you can send through an AD.

Fair enough! (And, thanks!)

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Cheers,
Jim

You can find horrorstories about expensive watches that got stolen during shipping. (packages that arrive empty at the destination ... ) I would only feel safe to send it in through an AD.

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Breitling Navitimer 01 46mm, Chris Ward C11 MSL auto, Lüm-Tec Combat B16 auto

I ship expensive watches all the time and have never had a problem. Just make sure they are properly insured.

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"A man with one watch knows what time it is; a man with two watches is never quite sure."

I sent 2 back to BUSA Connecticut, both arrived and came back fine, just insure them

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5 Super Avengers
1 Super Avenger 2
1 Super Avenger limited edition
1 Super avenger night mission
1 Limited edition chronomat Boston Celtics
Navitimer GMT
Transocean Chronograph Unitime
2 Omega planet ocean chronographs
1 Tag heuer Monaco

I have sent more Breitlings back to BUSA than I can remember by now. Up until I started working two blocks from the Manhattan boutique, I always sent watches to BUSA via USPS overnight insured at full value. Of course, Breitling tells you how to address the package so as not to call undue attention to the fact that there is an expensive watch inside...now, I just walk down the street and drop off the offending watch. Most recently, Breitling did a full service on my military frequency Emergency and a dial change on a UTC bracelet, so that it would match the E. Took awhile, but the work was great...