Breitling Service

[PerioBear]

I have a 5 year old Chronomat 44 Flying Fish that just stopped running and is also now out of warranty. Sent into Breitling by my AD. My AD was notified by email that there was some damage to the crown and that full service would be necessary. The quote was for over $900 to fix. The AD asked if I had ever "damaged" the watch and I assured them that I did not aside from a few scratches here and there but nothing very traumatic IMO.

This is my only Breitling and first time for servicing. I have to say that I was a little shocked at the cost. Does the amount sound about right for a Breitling service and crown replacement? Thanks

[FeelingTheBlues]

Sounds about right for a B01.

Regarding the crown, you can always ask more details on how it is damaged but my guess is that either the tube is crooked or the threads/gasket are worn.

[FeelingTheBlues]

Double post, my apologies.

[PerioBear]

Hey Carl. Thanks for the response. All I can think of is that sometimes the crown felt a little tighter when screwing down. I should get a copy of that email but I guess I will get the detailed invoice after service too. The way the AD questioned me felt more like Breitling was suggesting that the crown had been damaged by me as compared to normal wear and tear.

[breitlings]

That is about right. Crowns are often replaced at service and it is a chronograph. I would imagine a daytona service would be similar.

[PerioBear]

Originally Posted by breitlings

That is about right. Crowns are often replaced at service and it is a chronograph. I would imagine a daytona service would be similar.

Ok. Thanks.

[FeelingTheBlues]

Originally Posted by PerioBear

Hey Carl. Thanks for the response. All I can think of is that sometimes the crown felt a little tighter when screwing down. I should get a copy of that email but I guess I will get the detailed invoice after service too. The way the AD questioned me felt more like Breitling was suggesting that the crown had been damaged by me as compared to normal wear and tear.

Well you can ask them to inquire about the origin of your crown's problem with the service center, they would provide you with a clear explanation of what is at fault on it. Normally the estimate would state that the crown needs replacing with, at times, a small explanation in brackets.

Not to accuse you of mishandling your watch on your purpose or because you don't know better but having a crown problem after five years is not the most common thing to happen to it (although not impossible, hence the reason why you may want to ask what is wrong with it exactly), I can understand why it would be a hypothesis on their part. Having worked in this field, however, this is when asking the right questions and wording them the right way comes a long way, you do want to find out what happened and advise the client on how to handle their timepiece properly if the need arises without insulting them, for all we know there could have been that one time when you accidently did something to it and the rest would be history.

Feel free to keep me updated with the information you would get.

[PerioBear]

Thanks Carl. I will keep you updated when I get word back from Breitling.

[jerseyb]

I sent my watch in this year. They told me the hands were damaged. Which I knew was total BS. A few emails and they dropped the $100+ charge. It definitely pays to question people.

[breitlings]

Originally Posted by jerseyb

I sent my watch in this year. They told me the hands were damaged. Which I knew was total BS. A few emails and they dropped the $100+ charge. It definitely pays to question people.

i believe breitling will always change hands unless they are a fully lumed set (even the sub hands lumed)

[j0oftheworld]

Keep us posted!

[1William]

Ask the AD if they can help you in any way. Many times there are some margins in service work that could save you a little just by asking.

[polaris72]

Next time drop your middle man (AD) and send it directly to CT - I have been doing so for years now with many Breitlings. I would recommend to do the polishing job every other time when you do maintenance. Unless you dive with your watch, service interval is between 5-10 years.

[Art 1]

My son sent his Colt 2 in when it stopped working after 10 years. That watch took 10 years of extreme punishment. I was surprised at the cost of service compared to what I paid for the watch when new. I think it was $600 for service.