The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Went to a very highly respected Breitling repair company today. They have been repairing Breitling for over 20 years. I was informed that all 350 Independent Breitling dealers are being discontinued. Breitling will no longer supply parts to them.
Reasons?
All repair will need to be in house. Can they handle the volume? Is this a way to control the market and jack up the repair prices?
The repair dealer I use has no problem. He has more work from other brands then he can handle.
Is this how you reward loyal repair centers after 20 years?
Thought?

Unfortunate, but it’s called vertical integration.

Yep, the one in Miami was cut off from the authorized repair network. Very sad state of affairs at Breitling these days. The service center here in Miami has been authorized by Breitling since 1993 and I can vouch for their high level of service, dedication and professionalism. The owner is a fantastic individual that cares about your timepiece as if it was his own.

I will still give him my business and will continue to trust my Aerospace to his care. Can’t say the same about the declining BUSA service center in CT.

It’s called greed!

Sounds like you have a horror story with the service center in CT. Care to share?

I talked with the owner last week and he indicated how disappointed he was with losing Breitling repair work. My understanding was he's not taking any Breitling repair work in now because he can't get parts if needed so I sent my Aerospace up to BUSA. A week later I get the atypical condition report from BUSA "Crystal Scratched, Crystal Antiglare Scratched, Dial Spotted, Rider Scratched, Bezel Scratched, Bezel Dented, Case Scratched, Case Dented, Crown Dented, Crown Scratched." All of which I never noticed and not really worried about. Nothing about the hands moving backwards which was my main concern.

I went on the new site the other day to check what authorized service centers were available and the only one that they direct you to is BUSA in CT, no others listed. Your story worries me because I just had to send in a piece for service and don't want anything extra done other than the complete overhaul to movement. I haven't heard back from them yet on their estimate for 'recommended' repairs .

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Chronospace EVO Night Mission
SO Steelfish 42mm

so does this mean it's not possible to have modern Breitlings that have eta based movement serviced by independent guy anymore?

Unless you need just a battery they will not get parts! Plus, your movement will be swapped if its a complete service at Breitling, they are not overhauling your same movement any longer either!! Your gonna get some other guys movement that has been "refurbished"

Does anyone know a good watchsmith in the NJ area?

You can use Govberg Watch Repair in Philadelphia.

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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

As a data point, I used Govberg for minor service on a piece not long ago with poor results. Don't think I'll be using them again.

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Chronospace EVO Night Mission
SO Steelfish 42mm

I've had 3 Breitlings have a complete overhaul at Govberg and they did an outstanding job with a quick turnaround.

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Breitling Montbrillant Olympus
Breitling Navitimer World
Breitling Chronomat
Breitling Colt GMT
Omega Seamaster GMT "Great White"
Omega Speedmaster X-33
Rolex GMT Master IIc
Bremont ALT1-ZT

My Colt GMT has been there twice for routine service and both times were excellent with quick turnaround times.

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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

This is interesting to hear that they will swap the movements. Is this info from someone 100% reliable? Has anyone else heard it?