The Breitling Watch Source Forums

OK, that makes more sense - the idea of replacing parts for a magnetised watch made no sense at all.

In terms of the mainspring being knocked out of the barrel, well I guess that clapping could do it, but I've never heard of it - an impact certainly could though.

However, if I had to hazard a guess, I would say that the watchmaker at the AD did it when trying to figure out what was wrong with it the first time around - either not being careful or getting it too near to the magnetic field that exists around the degausser when the back was off the watch.

In terms of AD standards - what can I say - you have had a lousy experience and nothing I can say will convince you otherwise. Same goes for the brand.

It's unfortunate, but you need to do what's right for you.

I agree with Roff I would def be getting into your AD's face about this one and harshly let them know your business will be taken somewhere else. I think their watch guy def screwed it up it sounds to crazy to have it happen when clapping..to me at least

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SA-Baton White Dial/ProII
Tissot Le Locle

I know I've done a lot of complaining here, but I REALLY love the watch. Like others have mentioned in other posts, I get excited when I see people wearing Breitling's. For some reason, the watch just fascinates me and I'm extremely glad I own it.

Now that I have the "full" story, my AD is going to get an earful tomorrow. The repair center provided me with a log of all entries and told me there is a charge to repair the watch, but could not disclose the amount - only the AD could as they authorized the repair.

So now one of two things is going to happen - the AD is not going to tell me there is a charge and they are going to soak up the cost of the repair for being such uncommunicative dolts, or they're going to try to tell me that I owe $$$$ to get the watch back.

My assumption is that it will be a few hundred bucks at least, but at least now I know that the AD is not representative of the brand as the repair center was extremely helpful and apologetic.

I went to the Breitling web-site to see if they had a customer service address, but could not find anything. So any links would be appreciated.

Thanks a lot folks

was the watch still under warranty? (two years from date of purchase) if so there shouldnt be a charge i dont believe

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SA-Baton White Dial/ProII
Tissot Le Locle

Closest I know of is this - http://www.breitlingsource.com/contact.shtml

UPDATE:

I went to pick up the watch today and was extremely disappointed and perplexed at the same time.

They did a fantastic job polishing the BlackBird and I have no doubt it would run in top shape; however, there was a noticable dent in to the case and upon looking over Breitling's work order, they never replaced the crystal.

The technician at Breitling in CT told me there was an "impact" to the watch and the crystal was scratched - however, the crystal was not replaced or polished on the repair sheet and the AD nor I could see anything on the watch.

That being said, I refused to accept the watch as there is no way in hell that I turned my watch in with the existing dent on it. I'm waiting to hear back what my AD plan on doing (I've bought 2 other watches from them within the last 6 months as well); however, someone damaged the watch and it definitely wasn't me.

Considering how many times the AD has messed up, I'm wondering if someone on his staff dropped the watch and is afraid to come forward.

Needless to say, I'm not going on almost 10 weeks of not having my watch back and I only bought it about 10 months ago

That AD (and I would talk to the owner/GM) needs to get an earful from you! 3 watches from them this year. That puts you on speed dial for them. He (the owner) needs to know you are about to take your sizeable watch budget elsewhere!! I think you will see speedy results!

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Chronomat, Steel/Gold, MOP Dial, 2-tone band (2008)
Super Avenger Black Baton Dial (2009)
Bentley B04 GMT Silver Dial (2013)
Avenger Blacksteel Baton Dial (2014)

UPDATE:

The AD is sending the watch back to Breitling to have the dented case replaced. He thought it was such a large dent that his employee had to be an idiot to not see it when I brought it in...which I think reinforced my claim that the watch wasn't damaged upon bringing it in.

Needless to say, he is absorbing any costs associated with replacing it. However, does that affect the value of the watch if I were to ever sell it? Would someone know the case was replaced and/or does it matter?

At the end of the day, my gut tells me someone at the AD dropped the watch and was afraid to fess up.

So this has been a long, arduous process and I've learned a lot...unfortunately, most of my "learning" has been on how to interact with dealers.

Now I wait for my Breitling to come back.........again.......

For what it's worth, I always put my watch in my backpack before sending it through the x-ray. I'm nervous that someone else will grab it if I just leave it in the tray.

I usually put it in there before getting to security, so they don't really notice.

If it's just the case then value shouldn't be impacted. Casebacks can be problematic as it messes up the serial number, but not the case.

At this point, I am just venting....but apparently Breitling Europe closed for "vacation" and my AD told me it will be another 4 weeks before they ship the case.

He apologized profusely, but come on guys, by the time this ordeal is over, it will have taken almost 5 months to get my watch back.

It's like taking your Mercedes in to get the bumper replaced and not getting your car back for 4 months.

Just absolutely ridiculous.

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PAM359, Omega PO Big Size, 1951 Omega Seamaster, Rolex Sea Dweller

Wow what a bummer and here i am checking everyday this post if you have any update on your terrible situation thinking everything is OK, and i read this. I really feel for you man and i hope everything works out for you because i wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy. But please don't foeget about this post because i have learned a lot from your situation..


Cheers and take care..
Dave from Brooklyn NY

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Navitimer World

This really doesn't make any sense. I would ask BUSA for a complete report of what service was performed and what parts were replaced. If you paid for the repair, they should provide that information. When you get it, please post it.

I've only had one mainspring barrel cover come off and I've worked on a lot of watches. That particular one was on a watch that was close to 100 years old. Who knows how many times it was serviced berfore I got it. Anyway, the mainspring broke and when it uncoiled it popped the cover off. BUT, there was no damage to the watch. It just wouldn't run because of the broken spring. The bridge or plate should keep everything in place and prevent the spring from getting out of the barrel.

It is also highly unlikely that the hairspring on the balance got hooked on something because of impact. The spring is in an area where there is nothing for it to catch on. It does have some vertical flexibility, but it has very little mass, so it would take a lot to displace it far enough. Then I would expect more damage than just the spring.

There are other springs in the watch, some more secure than others. However, it is pointless to speculate. I would really be interested in the response from BUSA.

Now to magnetic fields and watches. The nivarox hairspring is not easily magnetized, but it can be done. This causes the coils of the hairspring to touch each other, reducing the travel of the balance wheel. This effectively speeds up the balance rate, while causing other problems as well. The higher the base rate of the movement, the faster the watch will run when magnetized, if it runs at all.

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1809 Cosmonaute
1903 Navi
Navi Olympus
Super Avenger

UPDATE:

I got the watch back today. It has a completely new case and they polished it up very nicely. Also, the clasp on the bracelet was either polished extremely well or they replaced it as it definitely had normal wear marks on there which are no longer there.

What can I say now? It's working fine for now and it looks fantastic.

What am I disappointed about? There was nothing provided that shows what BUSA actually did to the watch - no documentation whatsoever. So that's another call to to BUSA to see if/how I get that info.

Finally, I have had an eye on a Panerai watch and have come to know a local dealer pretty well. I gave him a very abbreviated version of my story and while he thinks Breitling's are fantastic watches and very well made, he thinks that Breitling's customer service stinks compared to many of their competitors. While BUSA has been helpful when I reached out for information, my AD absolutely stinks and considering how many times I complained to BUSA, you would think they'd at least provide paperwork.

So that's it for now.....I'll keep my fingers crossed and if I can get BUSA to send over paperwork with the repairs (BTW, none of this cost me anything other than lots of frustration), I will post it for those who were curious.

Thanks for feedback and support. I know there are bigger problems in the world than me having to wait 4 months to get my luxury watch fixed, but I appreciate the opportunity to vent and get some insight

I would try to sell your almost brand new Blackbird while its all polished and stuff and get the Panerai as i have noticed those watches are hot. But that's just me.

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Navitimer World