The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Or any other manufacturer does the same piece of junk??

I had never owned an "expensive" (as this word is very relative) watch before. When the proper time came I got hold of my first "luxury" watch. As you might know from my other post it was Breitling Chronomat 44 GMT. The watch was great however I noticed that the hands of the chronograph were slightly misaligned. It didn't bother me as shortly I discovered that the watch was running out of COSC specification. Still nothing to worry about. It needs break-in and I was planning to ship it for adjustment (if needed) and then get rid of the small glitch.
However I was a bit disappointed that this great watch left quality control with it's defect. Few months later the watch started to stop working overnights, running very slow and a new hands (second/minute) misalignment popped up. I never dropped the watch or nothing like that. Was always treated like an egg. The watch was sent back to the dealer (not AD).

Ok, it the meantime my miss felt in love with Breitlings as well. So I ordered her Galactic 36 Automatic. Diamonds on dial and bezel. Beautiful watch and she is going to love it. BUT... I picked it up from my friend that brought it for me from the US and when unpacked I discovered that one on the diamonds on the dial just detached. It's flying freely there. What a disappointment! For the second time!
I though that with my first watch I was just unlucky. Now it just tells me that Breitling is just making piece of junks. Noting better than a 1000usd ordinary watch or a Chinese copy with ETA movement.

Ok, I did bought these two watches from not AD but they came brand new, properly packed and have no signs of being even looked at. It was my decision and please leave it here. I feel ok paying 40% less and possibly have a hustle of sending it back via the same dealer but that is the cost (minimal) over paying 40-50% extra.

Please write me something to regain faith in their products.

I'm so sorry to hear you are having this unfortunate run of bad luck. I can only offer that I have had six different Breitling watches in my time collecting (with four still remaining) and only one, very recently, has ever had a problem. Most of mine date from the late-1990s and early-2000s, so it might be that quality has reduced in recent years, but I did also have one more contemporary model, and it was fine too. I hope you can get them looked at by a good watchmaker, and I hope he or she can fix your issues, although unless your watches are under some form of warranty, it might be an expensive exercise.

Thank you.
The first watch was already shipped back to it's retailer.
The other one however is still with me. It's going to be a present and now I am looking for solutions for quick (but proper) fix regardless of the cost.
I found two Breitling service places in Berlin and send them an inquiry. I would rather go there and have the watch fixed instead of shipping it back.
Do you recon that an authorised service shop could fix this on the spot? Is it a complicated procedure?

I suspect they would replace the dial rather than try and reattach the diamond. Therefore, I doubt very much that a service centre would replace the dial on the spot, especially because it might be a part they need to order in. At least you are in Europe, so shipping of the part would be quick.

It looks like the crown is ok. Hopefully it can be fixed without need to order a new dial. But then what made it pop out of it? Hopefully the crown is ok and the diamond needs only be placed back.
Thanks for your inputs.

Sorry to hear you've had issues with your watches. I know from bitter personal experience with another brand how on-going/multiple issues can really damage a brand's image in your mind, often so much so that there's no coming back.

All I can say is that, like Arcadelt, I've owned numerous Breitlings (somewhere in the late teens at a guess!) over the years, and apart from a couple of regulations I've never had a single problem with any of them. I know that's no consolation to you, but I would say you've just been very unlucky. I hope Breitling come through for you.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Thank you. I still hope I was just extremely unlucky and those watches will eventually proof their reliability.

I was thinking about sending an email directly to Breitling HQ but on their website are only contacts to ADs. I see what they are going to reply when find out the source of the watch so I can't be even bothered.
Do you know how to contact Breitling directly?

If you get it for 40% less, would you not be paying 66.67% more at AD?

By the way, I've owned several Breitlings with both in-house and ETA movements and have never had any problems, been very happy with them. So you might just be unlucky.

All 7 of the Breitlings I have owned have been purchased second hand. I have had no issues with any of them other than the need for routine maintenance. The oldest of my watches is 17 years old and is still performing as it should. The newest of my Breitlings is 6 years old. I am a firm supporter of the brand but can well understand your disappointment. Hopefully all will be resolved. Every brand will have a few disappointed owners and Breitling is no exception. Good luck!

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Breitling B-1 1999
Breitling Chrono Superocean 2004
Casio G Shock
Citizen Eco Drive AT4000-02E (for gardening)
Seiko 5 SNZG15J1
Hamilton X Wind LE

My Seawolf is the most accurate watch I have ever owned and I feel like it is a quality constructed watch. I am sorry you have had this experience with two watches. I never question people using gray market dealers, to each his own. Is it possible that your G.M. Dealer had these two because they were returns or something?
It just seems odd that you would get two problem watches with the majority of new purchases here being reported as positive transactions? Good Luck getting this sorted out. I hope you end up loving the brand when all is said and done.
Kevin

I don't think that they are returns. You can't just move a watch with fallen diamond. The other watch did not have any signs of being worn so I doubt it, too.

The G.M. retailer is on the market for over 30 years apparently and by cheating you would not run a business that long I believe.

By the way I wanted to ask you if it's legal in the US to charge for cost of shipping if I do a warranty claim? I had to transfer this seller shipping cost of sending the watch back to me (the first watch).

Yes, they can charge for shipping. I've had one warranty issue but my authorized dealer provided a shipping label to send them the watch and they shipped it to Breitling on my behalf.

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Justin
Please contact me via PM for the contact details for Govberg Jewelers
Govberg is an AD for over 50 fine Swiss and German watch brands.
Visit them on the web at http://www.govbergwatches.com or call 800-528-8463

Too bad, I understand where you're coming from. Personally I have not experienced any issue whatsoever with my Breitling watches in 3 yrs time (Seawolf and SOH), and they're still very accurate (+3 s/d).

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life's too short and you only live once

Just hope you were unlucky. Sorry to hear.

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I would sincerely take this as indictment against where you buy your watches and not breitling. Go to a breitling ad. Buy a colt and tell me if you have any issues.