Breitling contacts?

[StopStart]

Does anyone have an email address contact for Breitling UK? I've got a 6 year old watch and the sodding thing has fallen apart. Minute hand fell off. Garbage.
Want to send a snotty email to someone to make me feel better.
Ta :hmm:

[Lima Juliet]

Sorry to hear that mate. I also have a Breitling Aerospace that I think is garbage - it filled up in about 12inches of water in a kid's pool! It also lost 5 seconds a week when I first got it; until I sent it back and they sorted it (which should have happened first time around!!!).

Breitling wanted £350 to fix it and I ended up going to the Watch Doctor in Tring who dried it out and put in a new battery (£40). They said that the watch would not seal but would still work - which it has for 3 years now (and it goes nowhere near water!).

TWG are the Breitling people for the UK - here is a link BREITLING UK LIMITED (http://www.twg-breitling.co.uk/)

I hope you have better luck than me. I'll never have another Breitling - I would rather have another Seiko but the Queen gives out cheap and nasty Pulsars these days :yuk:

LJ

[VinRouge]

Next watch will be an Omega.

Breitling dont even manufacture their own movements any more. All they do is the case and the strap.

[Spam_UK]

Had to send my watch back 3 times in the first year as the minute hand began to laf behind the digital time.

They then sent me a letter saying that nothing was wrong with any of the parts, but just to check, had changed them all! They suggested that the fact I flew with it may have caused the hands to move seperately, and there was me thinking Breitling is marketed at aircrew! :hmm:

Funnily enough its worked fine ever since they changed the parts though, just took 4 snotty letters, and a threat to discourage everyone I know from ever buying one including a pending large order from a particular sqn.

[Farfrompuken]

Breitling make cheap timepieces and dress them up for high price sales. I've seen the inners of the aerospace and it's not dissimilar to a citizen/accurist. It's the same module used by Tissot in a fairly low-end watch.

I also owned one for a week; got rid when I realised how badly it was made.

Breitling dont even manufacture their own movements any more. All they do is the case and the strap.

Nor do Omega: they're based on ETA movements.

The cheapest decent watch maker that manufacture their own movements is seiko. If you want swiss it's Rolex.

Edit: to be fair Citizen make some excellent watches too.

[Big Sy]

I've had an Ebel for seven years no problems at all.:ok:

[BEagle]

I've had a Breitling Aerospace since 1995.

Apart from a fault with the Z-spring in the bracelet, it's been fine. But the last time it had a battery change and pressure test, it cost £70... I wasn't impressed by the state in which it was returned - time wrongly set and mis-matched analogue/digital time indications, so wrote to Breitling UK and told them that their service was totally unsatisfactory. For £70 I expect a first class service, not the very poor quality they provided.

Breitling's website doesn't seem to have a contact e-mail address, so either kick up a stink at their stand at any air show such as RIAT or try Breitling UK, PO Box 309, Tunbridge Wells TN2 3YB(+44 1892 553 620 or fax +44 1892 553 631).

As for the current Aerospace models, I think they're very bitch-bling tacky - the older models were far better looking.

[5 Forward 6 Back]

I have a last-generation Aerospace (italic numerals, but not the extra bulk of the new one) which I'm very happy with; it's kept excellent time and the service from Breitling has been superb.

I dropped Breitling an email last year to ask about local dealers, but they offered to do the battery change & pressure test as there was no-one local. £70 as BEagle says, but came back looking like a new watch, and they even gave me a little box and a cleaning cloth.

I've still got the email somewhere, so if you don't have any luck, let me know and I'll forward along the details of the girl who dealt with me.

[BEagle]

5 Forward 6 Back, can you remember where you sent your watch?

I used to take mine to Breitling in London, but they moved to Tunbridge Wells. So next time I took my watch to the 'nearest' dealer - in Northampton. Whereas London either kept my watch until my next trip, or posted it in a box, Northampton returned it in the condition I described. But I suspect that all they did was to send it away - I doubt whether they did the actual work......

[5 Forward 6 Back]

It went to their address in Tunbridge Wells; £56.50 for a battery change and pressure test, and they quoted me 5-7 days turnaround. It came back very nicely cleaned as well, in a little Breitling travel case with a cleaning cloth protecting it. No idea where it was sent back from though, so I don't know if it was serviced at Tunbridge Wells or if it was moved on from there.

They did tell me about some local suppliers who would send the watch back to Breitling for me, but I thought it easier to cut out the middleman. The closest watchmakers who could actually do a service themselves were a couple of hundred miles away.

I was very happy with the service, to be honest.

[BEagle]

5 Forward 6 Back, yes, that's the service I used to get from Breitling when they were in London. So next time my watch needs a new battery, I think I'll go to Tunbridge Wells too.

There will be those who will try to tell you that you can have a battery change done 'while you wait' in somewhere like Bahrain. That might well be true - but it won't have been done by a proper Breitling maintenance agent, so will invalidate any warranty.

[JEM60]

I got my watch for £6 off Bury St Edmunds market! Keeps perfect time, when the battery fails, I get a new watch. Don't get the watch thing...........Awaiting incoming with tin hat ready.......Sorry, haven't got anything else to do today.:)

[andibnotts]

i got my watch from Andrew Micheal here in Newark,very enthusiastic about the brand and great service,not sure about repairs though.must cofess to prefering omega these days,use a casio g-shock at work and never misses a beat

[AYTCH]

Always bad news on this site...good to see a couple of 'How good my watch is replies' well for info...mine has lived up to Breitlings rep and has been the best watch I have ever purchased...full stop! 8 years on and still great.

Try these guys for service etc. They are fantastic and recognised by breitling:

CHEALWATCH Watch Repair
C.C.HEAL F.B.H.I.
Oaklands Beckley Rye Sussex TN31 6TJ
Telephone: 01797 260207
Email: [email protected]

Here's the estimate and actual cost for mine doing...came back beautifully clean:

Repair details
Fit battery and pressure test watch to ensure sealing to manufacturers specification for this model.
water resistant advice:will be water resistant to marked depth
£25.00

[747brat]

Sent my Breitling Aerospace to Chealwatch for repair and battery change, Breitling would not supply them with spares as they are NOT Breitling approved,within days of return watch became full of moisture.Sent my wife's Omega for repair at the same time with same result. When questioned Chealwatch said they could not properly pressure test or guaranty watches would be waterproof.
Sent Breitling to HITTICH in Jersey,Breitling approved and excellent service.

[Melchett01]

Whilst it may not have the cache of the Breitling name, Accurist do some very decent - and incredibly robust - watches.

I still have the Accurist my parents bought me as a birthday present whilst at university, some ahem yes quite, years ago. It 'looks the part' in that it is no nonsense, stainless steel, bezel and luminous hands / numbers on a black dial. It has so far survived skiing accidents, life on (and under) a glacier, diving, flying, multiple dets in the desert and a car crash.

In all those years, the only thing that went wrong with it have was the first replacement battery (after 5 yrs) failing after only a year. I rang Accurist to complain about it, they agreed a year was pretty poor and asked me to send it back for a free replacement and re-sealing. Never had any other problems since. Incidentally, when I did send it in the first time, they opened it up and asked why it was full of sand! That said, even though it had plenty of sand in it, it remained waterproof and still worked after a good soaking. Breitlings may look nice, but frankly for the money I think I'll stick with my old reliable Accurist.

[AlpineSkier]

Yesterday Vin Rouge wrote

"Breitling dont even manufacture their own movements any more. All they do is the case and the strap."

The fact is that AFAIK, with the exception of the 20K+ watches like Audemars Piguet and the cheap watches like Swatch, nobody "makes" their movements.

The Swiss watch industry is based on the canton of Neuchatel ( where the Institue of Chronometry is ) extending down into the canton of Vaud ( towards Lausanne).

In this area there are hundreds or maybe thousands of tiny subcontractors making everything from a single type of gear-wheel to a second-hand or fully-assembled movement.

This is also the area, notably in the Vallee de Joux, that invented and manufactured the old-fashioned but inticate devices that played the tunes in ice-cream vans :}

Designer names , which usually have Geneva addresses, buy-in the design for movements etc and then subcontract just about everything for manufacture and -assembly.

The industry has more conglomerates than most people think : IWC (International Watch Co ) ranges from Rolex to Tissot .

[Farfrompuken]

The fact is that AFAIK, with the exception of the 20K+ watches like Audemars Piguet and the cheap watches like Swatch, nobody "makes" their movements.


Rolex do. They certainly aren't 20k+

[BEagle]

Double Zero - RTFQ!

This thread concerns contact details for people who already own Breitling watches - it isn't one of those eternal 'My watch is better than yours' threads....

Your G-spot thing might be very whizzy, but in the context of this thread that's simply irrelevant.

[StopStart]

Cheers for the info folks - email just being slightlly de-vitrioled pre sending.... :}

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h64/judgesaw/IMG_0463.jpg

All just a bit rubbish in my opinion....

As for buying a sundial instead and giving the money saved to some noble charity - your opinion is noted and awarded a "Whatever" out of Ten. :rolleyes:

[tonker]

I have a Tissot watch that cost me £120 and uses exactly the same mechanism as the Breitling above(£2000)

[StopStart]

Brilliant, well done :hmm: I'm struggling to care less.

PS. £2000? Halve that and then knock off 20%.
PPS. Watch out, the minute hand will probably fall off soon.

[PPRuNe Pop]

Might as well buy one of those Japanese Breitling replicas, 1 year warranty, identical details and only $81. In fact they copy Rolex and Omega - and many many more - with what looks like perfection.

[BEagle]

Only counterfeit people buy counterfeit goods..... Although an obviously joke bitch-bling Rolex was always a laugh - the more horrible and gaudy the better....

Except for ba; some trolley tarts of the 'male' (-ish) gender worked some scam where they replaced the genuine Rolex items on sale aboard their flights with counterfeit versions, then flogged the genuine ones. Went quite well until someone actually bought a watch on board :confused: - when it failed a few weeks later he took it to a Rolex dealer under warranty. "Ah, sir, where did you get this POS?", he was politely asked..... ba tried to sort it all out without publicity, but the word got out.

Stoppers, I recommend the Tunbridge Wells address; the link to the London e-mail address may no longer be valid.

[silverknapper]

I have a Tissot watch that cost me £120 and uses exactly the same mechanism as the Breitling above(£2000)

Hmmmm I very much doubt it

[frogone]

I've had problems too, but all were resolved. This lady is very helpful in Brietling UK.

UPS your watch to them in a sunglasses case and they will take a look at it. Both times I got the watch fixed for with no charge. (If you exclude the initial purchase) ;)

[email protected]

Hermione Carr
Customer Service Team

BREITLING UK & EIRE
Unit 2, Tunbridge Wells Trade Park
Longfield Road
Tunbridge Wells
Kent
TN2 3QF
UNITED KINGDOM

Phone: +44 (0) 1892 553 620
Fax: +44 (0) 1892 553 631
Email: [email protected]
Check our website at Breitling (http://www.breitling.com)

[StopStart]

Frogone - nice one, thanks very much.
I'll have to make it even less vitriolic now as I don't think I can be rude to someone called Hermione...

[Old-Duffer]

............ and today it's me!

In Borneo '65/'66 everybody had to have an Akai M8 open reel tape recorder and a Breitling NAVITIMER (snobs had the one with the 24 hour sweep).

I bought my Navitimer in Changi Village and it's still with me. Odd problems with the luminous hands losing their luminous bits, needs cleaning/regulating now and again and the bezel is ropey but not bad for 40+ years.

In the early days of space travel, NASA used navitimers but then went for Omega Speedmasters. I am told there is a good watch called an ORIS ?? spelling but have no personal experience of it.

Time to go - uhhh

O-D

[Farfrompuken]

Silverknapper,

The Aerospace basically consists of a case and a sealed module inside. The sealed module is used in Tisssot watches. You pay for the Titanium Breitling case.

Breitling don't make their own movements, you see.

Mine (before I got rid sharpish) had a minute hand that wasn't the most stable. A common problem on the aerospace model, which is a shame as functionally it wasn't bad.

Stoppers, send it off to any decent watchmaker who will put it right for you. Then flog it!

[anotherthing]

BEagle and anyone else whom it may interest...

Next time you need a battery change, just buy one off-the-shelf and take the watch to a dive shop that does servicing... chances are they will be cheaper than £70 and they will pressure test to at least the same standard, if not better than Breitling

[spekesoftly]

Breitling don't make their own movements, you see.

With the exception of the Chronomat B01 - a snip at £4,500 ;)

[BEagle]

anotherthing, the work involved in a Breitling 'battery change' includes various power-soak and other checks. I doubt whether your diving shop does such electrical checks?

Hermione sounds to be very helpful, so I will stick to the OEM, thanks.

[anotherthing]

BEagle -

You are correct - you only mentioned pressure testing before... although diving computers are much more sophisticated and sensitive than any watch, if there are specific Breitling checks, then maybe it is a no-goer.

Mind you, Breitling may be pulling a fast one - not unknown for manufacturers to claim that they have to do servicing because of 'specialist' procedures!!!

[WhoAreYa]

Or forget the battery and go for a mechanical watch.

Something like an Oris which seem to be good value at the moment.

[mad_jock]

RLT Watches (http://www.rltwatches.co.uk/)

Nothing to do with the compnay just a happy customer.

They are quite good for straps pins etc as well.

They also do a made to order service which you can choose the colours of various bits of the watch eg hands face etc. I got one from my sister and she was chuffed to bits with it.

[AYTCH]

Soz, but I got Cheal Watch contact details direct off the Breitling website when I needed a battery and re-pressurisation a few years ago. Again as my previous post...it worked, STILL works, I dive with it very frequently (live and work in the Carib on an island that is in top 10 for quality divesites in the World) and it is STILL sealed and I love it.

Speak to Cheal Watch yourself, ask them whatever questions you need to make a decision whether to use them or not, then as someone else said, once fixed, sell the thing.

I love mine, you obviously do not love yours, so get rid.

[Farfrompuken]

Spekesoftly, I stand corrected.

Nice to see some mainstream manufacturers making their own movements again at last. Let's hope it's catching.

[BEagle]

Stoppers, did you ever get a satisfactory response from Breitling UK?

It looks as though mine needs a new battery (although the last change was Nov 2007), so it'll be off to Tunbridge Wells shortly.

[Gnd]

If you don't go swimming in it, do it yourself? I did and no trouble for the past 2 years. much cheaper.

[tonker]

The Breitling Aerospace movement is the 986-333 movement and is just a run of the mill quartz movement.

As used in many sub £100 watches!!!!

[Dengue_Dude]

The cost to replace the cell for Breitlings is £31.95 fully inclusive of Swiss Renata cell, testing for water-resistance to 100mts, and return insured P&P.
This work can usually be completed by return.

Testing to 200mts, if required, is £41.95 and takes aprx’ 1 week.
We could possibly polish the case back which would cost around £20.00, unless it is very badly marked in which case it may require refurbishment? i would suggest the former would suffice.

Once completed, we will then contact you to inform you your watch is ready to return, and you will be able to make payment via a credit/debit card over the phone. If you wish to pay by cheque, your watch will be forwarded once the cheque has cleared.

Please send your watch, enclosing a print out of this email /precise instructions and your contact details, BUT not any boxes or documents you wish to retain, BUT INCLUDING A PHONE NUMBER, via Royal Mail SPECIAL DELIVERY (not recorded) to....

MARTINS OF GLASGOW
1158 MARYHILL ROAD
GLASGOW
SCOTLAND
G20 9TA

I hope we can be of service to you

On behalf of Martins of Glasgow

Martin Walport

Omega watch repair, Rolex repairs, Tag Heuer watch repairs, Longine watch repairs, Raymond Weil watch repairs (http://www.martinsjewellers.co.uk)

October 2008

[ShinjukuHustler]

Breitling Frequently Asked Questions (http://www.breitlingsource.com/articles_faq.shtml)

This is a link to very interesting site that will/should answer all of your Breitling questions.

[BEagle]

Well, since I was staying at m'club (128 Piccadilly) for most of the week, I strolled down to Old Bond Street and gave my watch to Mappin & Webb to change the battery and do the standard Breitling checks....

That was late Monday afternoon. The watch arrived back today at BEagle Towers all sorted, in a Breitling protective case with cleaning cloth. Total cost including VAT was £50 - which is £30 less than Breitling quote!

Excellent service - from a traditionally English jeweller...:ok:

[The Ferret]

Ah Stop Start I see that your Breitling is an RAF version - that would explain it! :D:D:D LOL!

I have an RN SAR Aerospace that has been perfect for the last 5 years - a new battery at a Breitling affiliated jeweler here in the USA charges $90 and the watch gets a steam clean thrown into the package!

:cool::cool::cool:

[Tester07]

Any owners of Breitling watches I imagine would love to attend their airshow every year, with displays put-on all week by the three display teams which they sponsor, to see where a lot of the money goes! Breitling employees only, though, I'm afraid.

[RedhillPhil]

Bought my one and only watch in Gib in July 1970. It's an Omega "Dynamic". Upon returning to UK in November it promptly stopped. Sent back to Mr. Omega via the local dealer, returned and hasn't missed a beat since. It's now gaining about twelve seconds per week. Not bad for a £15.00 watch. Met a schoolfriend out there now in the Andrew and serving on one of Her Majesty's submargerines. He bought a Rolex Submariner - guaranteed to whatever depth was advertised. Watch was duly strapped to a rail on said U-boat and taken down to within a few score feet of advertised depth. Upon return to the sunlight was found to be full of the briny. Watch duly replaced and not tested again.
I don't get the watch thing. It's a watch, it indicates the time. I find the same thing with mobile telephones. People look aghast at my old Nokia 6310. It's a telephone, it makes calls it receives calls. C'est tout.

[BEagle]

I agree about the Nokia 6310i! Best phone Nokia ever made; in fact there's such a demand for them amongst business users (who don't want some iFad gimmick device designed for teenage kids), that they're still selling in 'as new' condition for £100 on the web.

However, this thread is about Breitlings and useful contacts for their owners. I thoroughly recommend Mappin & Webb's service which was quick, efficient, polite....and cheaper than Breitling's own.

[A2QFI]

Further to earlier posts, I took my Breitling to T*mpsons a couple of years ago for a battery change; I accepted that it would not meet the specified depth rating but was happy with that. It has since gone wrong and it was not the battery. T*mpson now have a watch workshop and they are going to do a repair and service with a 12 month warranty for £380. Parts to come from Switzerland and 6 weeks wait; pay on collection. I will report back on the quality of the repair when I get it back. Workshop telephone 01902 390990. No connection other than as a customer awaiting results!

[mad_jock]

Watch was duly strapped to a rail on said U-boat and taken down to within a few score feet of advertised depth. Upon return to the sunlight was found to be full of the briny.

Not suprised as the depth is a static depth.

The dynamic pressure of doing 30-40 knts under water will easily exceed exceed the static pressure.

Same will occur if you fall off water skiing or jump in with them on from height.

Diving watches are 200m and are good down to about 50-70meters with normal use. If you take them over 100m they can and do leak.

[Fox3WheresMyBanana]

As a diving instructor, My buddy or I have taken 100m and 200m water resistant watches (cheapo and expensive), not specifically diving watches, down to 40m with no problems. Even the alarms work at depth. Since this is the limit for no-decompression recreational diving, I can't see the point in having anything more than a 100m Casio, especially as having two of them is cheap and gives redundancy. I've noticed that after the third battery change, even with new gaskets, they tend to leak, but that should still give you around a decades use.

Whether you want to risk a non-diving 100m Breitling is up to you, but hopefully this info is useful to you.

[flydive1]

That is correct Mad Jock, there is a bit of misunderstanding about what a watch depth means.

[mad_jock]

Was once told that for diving you want a watch that is 4 times the depth you are going to.

And you might ask how on earth you get high dynamic pressures while diving.

Well you can end up hanging off a line in a tidal flow.

Some like to flap there arms around for no apparent reason.

And some one can push you off the back of the rib when its going flat out.

I have had a 200m rated leak at 95 meters.

Personally I wouldn't take a 100m rated watch below 25 meters. They are normally only deemed good for snorkling

[sapco2]

Breitling back-up is truly appalling, I bought one for £3,500 and noticed it was losing time soon afterwards so sent it back for a warranty repair. Breitling refused to do the repair for free, instead they demanded £470, saying that it had been knocked on one of the horns that holds the strap. I knew it hadn't been damaged by me, and I argued my corner but to no avail.
Breitling's UK repair centre returned the watch to my dealer in Newark and the jeweller showed me the alleged damage which was only evident by looking through his jewellers magnifying glass. I knew for certain the damage wasn't by me so sent it to a metallurgist for a more thorough examination. The metallurgist's verbal response was that the horn defect could not have been accidental because of the smooth and polished nature of the fault, therefore it was likely to be a manufacturing defect. Given the aggressive written response Breitling had given me, she elected NOT to give me a written report, and to use her words she said.... "If Breitling can treat you this way, they are surely big enough to wipe me out financially". She waived her charge but the watch still sits unrepaired in its box in my wardrobe.

[BEagle]

So you could afford to spend £3500 on a watch, which proved faulty and yet you weren't prepared to kick up a stink after you'd received professional confirmation that the fault was due to poor manufacturing quality?

I would go to every Breitling stand at every airshow and demand, IN A VERY LOUD VOICE, that they repair the faulty watch f.o.c. without argument. Enlist some colleagues to listen in at the scene and to take note. Perhaps one might say "Well, I was just about to spend a lot of money on a Breitling until I heard your story - they can stick it now!".

Kick, bite, scratch shout and yell until the cuckoo-clock gnomes agree to a warranty repair, I would suggest!

[sapco2]

Tried all that (in the shop at least) but again to no avail, legal action was another considered avenue but legal protocol meant suing the dealer and not Breitling who are the true culprits here. The dealer was genuinely as unhappy as me about the situation, saying that Breitling sacked their customer friendly service manager in favour of guy who has adopted a much more aggressive approach towards warranty repair work.

[MG]

Bone question, I know, but do Breitling do a military discount? I know, 10% off of a million is still a shed load of money!!

[soddim]

The Breitling I obtained at a 'priviledged' price turned out to be the worst value for money of any purchase I made. They seem to enjoy the gain in value by association with the professionals but the quality does not live up to the hype.

[phil9560]

By uncanny coincidence i was buying a breitling tomorrow.

I'm not now.

[clareprop]

I spent the kid's inheritance about 6 years ago and bought a Navitimer. Quite frankly the best piece of kit ever. All clockwork springs 'n things but doesn't lose or gain time. I sent it to Orpington about twelve months ago for a service which was indeed eye-wateringly expensive and took about three weeks. However, the watch was returned in a natty travel case and appeared as new.
Having said all that, I have a feeling that most of the watch isn't actually made by Breitling but nevertheless, it's about the only really expensive purchase (car's, aeroplane's, wive's, etc) I've made that hasn't let me down.

[orca]

After a minor rapid/ catastrophic decompression incident in 2003 I noted that the only thing in the aeroplane other than the canopy seal to be any worse for wear was my festering Breitling.

Despite numerous protestations that 'they were marketed for aviators' and that I was 'only just at the tropopause' and that 'despite not being a Red Arrow maybe I deserved a little break'....all on the grounds that I had merely subjected an aviator's watch to aviation....Breitling told me to pay up or #### off.(Not their exact words but they were somewhat frosty)

Which meant I had the choice of having a £1000 non-working Aeropsace or upgrading to a £1340 'working again' Aerospace.

Had to change the watch (which was accurate to within a day or so) anyway going from AD to mud when apparently 'Hack - it's Wednesday' - no longer counted!;)

[Dan Winterland]

I was amazed to see last week in the the UK, the shop price of an Aerospace is now 3000 quid. For that price, the poat sales service should be spectacular. Breitling should be directed to this website to see what the professionals whose recommendations they have in the past used to sell thier watches are saying about them!

I've been happy wityh my Aerospace. Now 15 years old, apart from battery changes it has only ever needed a new clasp - wasn't expensive at the time. I definately don't take it diving thouse. I have a Seiko mechanical divers watch proof to 200m which does for my personal limit of 40m. Static water resistance is different to dynamic water resistance and of course it's the static value which is printed on the dial as that's the more impressive.

[juliet]

For that sort of money look at getting a Rolex GMT.

[sled dog]

I have had a Rolex Submariner since 1981, VERY expensive o/h a couple of years ago, reliable in extreme heat / cold but not as accurate as you might think. Although -5 secs a day is not bad for a mechanical watch. I also own an Omega Speedmaster chrono, bought 1969 ( before moon landings) keeps reasonable time, last serviced 20+ years ago. Took it to dealer recently for a check, told "if it runs ok don`t open it". Had a few straps over the years. In my opinion THE classic chrono.

[Lima Juliet]

I have an Aeropsace and have had nothing but trouble with it from the beginning - I would definately not reccomend them to anyone, let alone aircrew mates!

Now that the MOD issues Pulsars :yuk: I have opted for one of these instead...

http://www.suunto.com/ImageVault/Images/id_504/conversionFormatType_WebSafe/width_324/scope_0/ImageVaultHandler.aspx

It even has a useful barometric function and has not let me down in over 2 years :ok:

LJ

[flydive1]

My experience is the opposite.
I have an Aerospace, now on his 26th year, daily wear, never had a problem with it.

[Dunky]

I also own an Omega Speedmaster chrono, bought 1969 ( before moon landings) keeps reasonable time, last serviced 20+ years ago. Took it to dealer recently for a check, told "if it runs ok don`t open it". Had a few straps over the years. In my opinion THE classic chrono. My choice of chrono as well, my model has the Cal. 861 with tritium markings and is in mint condition. I bought it from somebody on a watch forum last year for a lot less than the RRP on a new one. This is it on the Omega rally strap with double fold clasp, currently it is on an Alligator strap with the same Omega clasp, the bracelet is in the box.

http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae262/SanchoPanza1/2011-05-13101424Medium.jpg

[Joker89]

Just picked up one of these. Made in the same factory as the aerospace but only USD$700 on amazon.

http://www.victorinox.com/ch/product/Timepieces/Category/Classic/Chrono-Classic-XLS/Chrono-Classic-XLS-MT/241300



Saw this watch in the movie "source code" and had to have it.

Only issue is there is no light so you can't use the digital functions at night and there is no micro adjust on the band.

[flydive1]

Joker, I own one like that too.
A lot heavier than the Aerospace and, on mine at least, the controls seems less precise.
No light, same as the Aerospace.
Yes the band missing the micro adjust makes it less comfortable.

But it sure looks good.

[Lazer-Hound]

Top end watches almost invariably have automatic movements so don't need battery changes. You don't see Patek Philippe's current range needing batteries, or Rolex for that matter.

Also, a good watch will depreciate a lot in the first few years but after that very slowly, if at all. So best to buy second-hand from a dealer.

I've got a Rolex Datejust for formal wear and an Omega Seamaster Professional Chrono Diver for 'casual'. Haven't used it for diving yet but it's got a helium release valve - essential if you're doing week long saturation diving trips;)

Certainly won't be rushing to buy a Brietling any time soon after reading this thread.

[5aday]

A majority of these main stream "Swiss watches" are simply a packaging exercise. Please have a look at the definition on a Valjoux 7750 movement and you will see what you might think you have bought was actually made by the famous (and sometimes gawdy?) Swatch company.
I recall that TAG Heuer was bought by Trading Avant Gard (TAG) when the Heuer company was about to go tits up and I once heard that Manser Ojeh paid a paupers sum for it ( I worked in McLaren International on the F1 team for three years and got to know some of these people). Apparently quite a lot of the Early TAG's had Seiko movements !!

[Joker89]

I would like to know why servicing costs so much. My TAG professional needs some repairs and the cost was almost half of what I paid for it 8 years ago.

In my opinion breitling are over priced. I'd sooner pay a bit more and get a Rolex submariner or GMT

[Lazer-Hound]

...if you own a TAG:

What Does Your Watch Say About You? Part 7 - Tag Heuer - YouTube

[Dunky]

I'm so glad I don't own a TAG :)

And his take on the Omega Speedmaster. A shame he can't pronounce Omega though, it's Omega, not Omeega. Sounds like Kryten trying to say Smeg :E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sqpe94EhI0&feature=player_detailpage

[Lazer-Hound]

...I am a middle aged (Rolex DateJust bimetal) a-hole (Omega Seamaster):eek:

[Tankertrashnav]

I would like to know why servicing costs so much. My TAG professional needs some repairs and the cost was almost half of what I paid for it 8 years ago.

I was showing a bloke my fake TAG (£10 off a blanket spread out on a car bonnet in Thessalonika) and he told me he'd got a real one. Took it in for a new battery and was told that they couldn't do that unless he had the watch serviced as well at vast cost (what do they do, squirt oil over the chip?)

Never owned or wanted to own any watch costing more than c £50 - but then again I dont have a very large penis either!

[Joker89]

...if you own a TAG:

What Does Your Watch Say About You? Part 7 - Tag Heuer - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcnRCq1AwW0)

That guy needs to get laid!!

[Shack37]

Never owned or wanted to own any watch costing more than c £50 - but then again I dont have a very large penis either!


Nor the thick hairy wrists required by both;)

[E-Spy]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lazer-Hound http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.pprune.org/military-aircrew/405587-breitling-contacts-post7298516.html#post7298516)
...if you own a TAG:

What Does Your Watch Say About You? Part 7 - Tag Heuer - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcnRCq1AwW0)

That guy needs to get laid!!

He doesn't actually say much fact about whether it is actually a good watch or not, just rants about the people who wear them. I wonder if he lost his missus to a TAG wearer.... ;)

[Lazer-Hound]

You should see what he say about people who own an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore!:E

[sapco2]

I am so grateful to those of you who shared your bad experiences with Breitling on this thread. I took heed of someone's good advice, and copied the adverse comments on this thread to Breitling's UK customer service department in order to resolve my own warranty issues with them. Breitling responded to me in writing albeit extremely defensively - as they have always done. My warranty repair work has now been carried out though FOC.

Whilst I feel a whole lot happier than I did when I first went into dispute with them, I'm sad it took almost a year for them to see reason. Commercial aviators and the military probably provide a very large customer base to them but needless to say, I for one, won't be recommending Breitling watches to any friends and fellow aviators.

[Lima Juliet]

Sapco2

Yes, I'll never get a Breitling again or recommend them for the very same reasons. I have far better watch companies to impart my cash to!

LJ

PS. I note that the Red Arrows have gone to Citizen these days as well.

[Aynayda Pizaqvick]

PS. I note that the Red Arrows have gone to Citizen these days as well.

I'd imagine that was for purely commercial reasons and Citizen simply offered RAFAT more sponsorship money.

I've just got my Aerospace back from a servicing and although it is now in as-new condition it took them 10 weeks to do, wasn't cheap and their customer service was less than stellar.
I'd recommend Andrew Michaels for any Breitling repairs as he has contacts with one of the former top Breiting repairers and actually gives a sh!t about his customers!

[glad rag]

Hmmm. A lot of dosh for a timepiece that fails to meet your expectations.

I have stuck with cheap and nasty G shocks, nothing like the kudos of the big names but mine are working watches, and my favourite even survived some nice frenchie kicking it out of the upperdeck rh forward door on the A380 fal in Toulouse, the expensive facom tools didn't survive the drop mind!!

http://asset2.cbsistatic.com/cnwk.1d/i/ne/p/2005/1182005airbuscon500x329.jpg

[dagama]

I have used John Steward Jewellers in Swindon since 2008 (Navitimer bought in 2001 - still going well).

The young man there is very knowledgeable about all types of Breitling watches and the differering movements used in them. He is also courteous and reasonably priced. 01793 513304.

[TheWizard]

I have stuck with cheap and nasty G shocks
Here's one for you then!

http://www.europastar.com/local/cache-vignettes/L700xH343/gshock_raf-ae4d5.jpg
G-Shock Joins Forces with the Royal Air Force (http://www.europastar.com/news/1004085225-g-shock-joines-forces-with-the-royal-air-force.html?#.UDk_P2gSRJU)

[Lima Juliet]

That RAF G-Shock ain't cheap at £500 a pop :eek:...

...but it is nasty! :yuk:

[BEagle]

I've had my 1994 model F56062 Aerospace (titanium and gold) for 21 years now and it's generally been fine - a new battery now and then, plus a free Z-spring replacement in the bracelet clasp has been all that it's needed.

A few years ago the new battery ran down rather quickly and I took the watch back to be checked. They diagnosed a failure of some component and the repair cost around £600. But they included another new battery and the watch came back with a better, more accurate movement. I hadn't had it serviced over the years, so I couldn't really complain....

Earlier this year I noticed that the bracelet clasp had lost its spring tension, so I guess that a new Z-spring would be needed, costing about £25. But when the technician started working on it, the spring was in bits but the holes into which the clasp fitted were almost worn through - threatening to come apart at any moment. So a new bracelet clasp was required....£370 :eek:!

A couple of weeks later the display started flashing, indicating End of Life for the battery. So, off to Breitling Boutique in New Bond Street again - the new battery cost £90 but was supplied well within the quoted time. I'd managed to scratch the new bracelet clasp somehow, but the technician buffed it out free of charge and my faithful Aerospace looks like new again.

But I really, really don't like the styling of the latest Aerospace. In fact I think that they've been going generally downhill since the 1994 model - see Breitling Aerospace FROM ALL AGE (http://www.breitling-museum.com/Breitling-Aerospace.html) .

When I was at the Breitling Boutique, I mentioned that I was surprised at the high cost of spare bracelet links on eBay - about $95 for a single titanium and gold link. They told me that it's probably because they no longer make the bracelets from that era, so spare parts are hard to come by....:(

And yes, before the watch nerds wake up, I KNOW THAT OTHER WATCHES ARE AVAILABLE!!

[Brian W May]

Two's up on the Rolex - they're built like brick ****-houses.

[wub]

I've had my Breitling Aerospace Repetition Minutes since 1995 and apart from batteries every 4 or 5 years, it has had no attention and is worn daily. Like Beagle, I don't like the new models and am very happy with mine.

[CoffmanStarter]

BEagle wrote ...

I hadn't had it serviced over the years ...

A sad tale ... not a Breitling though :(

My parents gave me an Omega Flightmaster c.911 (ST145.036) for my 21st Birthday back in 1978. It was a wonderful time keeper for a manual wind watch. I wore it for years ... didn't have it serviced ... it worked perfectly fine. Until some years later when a young Master Coff (aged 8 then, now 22) dropped it into a swimming pool during a holiday in the US. In the original state the watch would have been OK down to 50m ... sadly the case seals had deteriorated whereupon it flooded :{

This is how the watch looks today ...

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/20160428_081445_zpsnmphiyhp.jpg

And how it would have looked new ...

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/flightmaster1_zpsqrxuarb6.jpg

Moral of the story ... Always get your watch serviced (and insured).

I will, one day, get it fixed ... but I know it's going to cost quite a bit :eek:

Coff.

[Mick Strigg]

Buy British - Buy Bremont


Their Military special editions are particularly good

[Evalu8ter]

"Buy British - Buy Bremont"

Couldn't agree more. I have a lovely 1950s 806 Navitimer which I sent to Breitling some years back for an overhaul. It came back with a broken stopwatch and a huge bill. When I queried they said "we don't really do mechanical watches any more....". It now gets serviced for about £50 by an old school watch smith locally. When I left the RAF and thought I justified a "didn't I do well" present I looked at Breitlings and saw nothing but a sea of bling (apart from a couple of Black Steel ones...) but the quality of Bremont's product, service and whopping mil discount was too good to resist. My DLC Bremont is lovely and a daily wearer - leaving the ageing Breitling as a great dress watch.

Buy a Bremont.

[sunshine band]

Bremont have this GR4 Tornado watch out at the moment (not biased at all as I took the photographs for them, and the ones that make up the backgrounds of two of them)...

http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo116/sband/1024bremonttemper53printCOPYR_zps5mpxwpne.jpg (http://s367.photobucket.com/user/sband/media/1024bremonttemper53printCOPYR_zps5mpxwpne.jpg.html)

http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo116/sband/1024bremontair2airphotosVIGNETTECOPYR_zpsrlxikwhs.jpg (http://s367.photobucket.com/user/sband/media/1024bremontair2airphotosVIGNETTECOPYR_zpsrlxikwhs.jpg.html)

http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo116/sband/1024bremontNWK7287COPYR_zpsi4liz6pn.jpg (http://s367.photobucket.com/user/sband/media/1024bremontNWK7287COPYR_zpsi4liz6pn.jpg.html)

KC

[hunterboy]

Another thumbs up for Bremont. Was lucky enough to get a trip around their HQ in Henley last month. They are very welcoming to pilots and are happy to work with groups and squadrons to produce limited/special edition watches. Personally, I love the Wright flyer and MB 1 watches.

[Mick Strigg]

What about this Fleet Air Arm Bremont? What a beaut! I love the FAA Zig-Zag engraved into the face

[BEagle]

The background to that photo is a bit....worrying, Mick..:ooh:

Those Bremonts cost a lot more than I paid for my Aerospace in 1995, which works out at about £1600 in today's money.

[gr4techie]

http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo116/sband/1024bremontNWK7287COPYR_zpsi4liz6pn.jpg

I don't recognise where this photo was taken ? Anyone know what aircraft type ?

[wub]

I'm considering treating myself to one of these:
https://www.nitewatches.com/store/gb/icon/icon201s/

[Willard Whyte]

Must admit I haven't had my B-2 serviced since I bought it in '02, which probably means I'm heading for an expensive service sooner rather than later. Still self-winds though, but can guarantee to lose 5 seconds a day - as well as stopping a couple of times a year due to my occasional sedentary behaviour. Obviously more wrist action needed!

[Swil]

Another :ok: for Bremont, great watches and definitely a real piece of craftsmanship, the second hand sweep is one of the best out there. Excellent customer services team at their Military Division who couldn't be more helpful.

221

Had my MB1 for a few months now and really pleased with it, lots of strap choices and you get the tools to change them yourself. No excuses now from SWMBO for lack of pressie ideas!!

222

[PersonFromPorlock]

Being human, and male, I of course lust after finely machined metal. But the sad fact is that just about any electronic watch retailing for more than, say, thirty dollars will keep excellent time and be reliable. And at those prices, a few spares in the briefcase is no problem.

The last year I crewed (1978) I used a Texas Instruments digital with tritium backlight, didn't re-hack it for a year (no need) and started accurate cel shots with it.

Functionally, the items discussed here are 1% watch and 99% jewelry.

[Willard Whyte]

Functionally, the items discussed here are 1% watch and 99% jewelry.

Quite agree, and it's that frivolity, the elevation above that which is necessary, that makes them such a joy to own and wear.

[mopardave]

Seriously wish I'd read this thread 2 years ago. Bought a Breitling.......can count the number of times I've worn it on the fingers of two hands....ok, maybe throw my toes in too. Reason I bought it......Mrs MD said treat yourself......reason I don't wear it.......can't be bothered with it. I wear a bullet proof Seiko divers kinetic which was fried, battered and soaked for 5 years and has never missed a beat.......and it still looks good. Now there's a watch you can fit and forget about!!!!!!! Anyone wanna buy a virtually unused and unmarked Breitling?!
MD

[sunshine band]

http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo116/sband/1024bremontNWK7287COPYR_zpsi4liz6pn.jpg

I don't recognise where this photo was taken ? Anyone know what aircraft type ?
It's a generic piece of instrumentation I have access to.

[Hueymeister]

Bremont for me every time. My Breitling Emergency was always losing time and too expensive to service..and looked awful on my girly wrist.

[5aday]

I.W.C. for work when I used to work. Little else compared.

[BEagle]

Predictive text, egdg? Or just this useless, advert-contaminated website AGAIN...:mad:

You want a low price? There are a couple of Argos stores in Glasterr...:hmm:

[Willard Whyte]

Would love for these to be more widespread:

slow-watches (https://www.slow-watches.com/?utm_source=native&utm_medium=bild-text&utm_campaign=Tab-DT-GB)

https://www.slow-watches.com/skin/frontend/slow/default/images/watch-front-big.png

[CoffmanStarter]

This gave me a chuckle whilst I was in Tunbridge Wells this morning ... (I know ... I need professional help ...)

So BEagle, when your trusty old Breitling finally packs up and sulks in the corner ... Here is the ideal replacement ... Large dial face, clear unambiguous hands and numerals.

The only foreseeable problem is that you might need substantially more webbing to strap it to your left wrist ;)

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/IMG_0585_zpsyqlz7yh0.jpg

PS. The face is approximately 4' wide :eek:

[BEagle]

We had a Breitling wall clock back in the good old pre-Kelvin Rucksack days in the 101 Sqn ops room. Acquired thanks to a 'contact'...

It wasn't quite that big though!

[ThereisonlyoneDon]

Dropped on this thread and it's been a great help! Been looking for a good mechanical chronograph for quite a while and spotted the new Avenger Bandit. Always thought of Breitling as expensive tat. Nevertheless, I've taken a look but still not convinced, and on reading these posts I can see my first thoughts were probably right! Also looked at Bremont but the assembly looked ropy with bezels and hands not aligning properly on many examples. I've made a full-time living from adventure for well over twenty years now and my Rolex has never let me down, whether at the top of a mountain or the bottom of the sea. It looks like I'll have to shell out (no pun intended) for a Cosmograph. Could have saved myself a lot of time if I'd done that in the first place!

[gsa]

It looks like I'll have to shell out (no pun intended) for a Cosmograph. Could have saved myself a lot of time if I'd done that in the first place!

If you want the new one you'll have to wait years unlesss your sleeping with a dealer or are willing to pay over £4k above RRP from someone like Watchfinder and if your prepared to do that you might as well get yourself on a Patek buy list for a Nautilus.

[Aynayda Pizaqvick]

I'm not a big fan of the new Daytona LN, the older steel bezels look much nicer imho. There are loads of nice SS Daytona's on the used market; I'd go for a 2001 (116520) as that has the new in-house Rolex movement so will retain their value pretty well. And if you're in the enviable position of having more cash than you know what to do with, then you've got to get yourself a Patek!

[Wander00]

Webbing, webbing...where, where....?

[Tourist]

I won a Breitling during training.
I didn't like it much but wore it anyway because I had it.
22 years later, I have come to finally like it.
When it dies I just might buy another.

[sandozer]

Amazed by the bad experiences people here have had with Breitling. My Aerospace is 12 years old and never off my wrist, well maybe .. :ok:
Breitling service is second to none, maybe others have taken to normal watchmaker.. Accurate, you bet. I have one watch, dress, work, and play :O

[Brian W May]

Contact Martins of Glasgow, they're proper watchmakers and cater for all the prestige models.

They'll do that Breitling for under £50 odd and by return unless you want the pressure testing.

Look 'em up on Google. I've been using them for years and they're good.

[Tourist]

Breitling service is second-to-none, but a lot of people who spend £2k on a Breitling won't pay the £90 battery change fee and end up taking it to Timpsons then complain about it. It's like taking your Porsche to be serviced at Halfords.

If you were paying to service, then the price would be acceptable, but £90 for battery change is a piss-take.

Pressure testing is 60 seconds in a little machine. Should cost £1. Google it.

I had to send mine back to them for a full service after they messed up a battery change and gave it condensation, so it is not at all like taking your Porsche to Halfords.

To be fair, they did do the full service gratis as an apology, and it has kept much better time ever since.

[Heathrow Harry]

but they have to buy the machine and it sits idle for 99% of the time - same with people - you actually have to pay for them to be available not for the few minutes they are working on your watch - plus rent, rates, pension, NI..................... and (god forbid) a profit

[Tourist]

Yes, but when I go to the little local place that now does my battery changes, they seem to cope with charging me......£1 for the pressure test.

[Alber Ratman]

Thread for D-Reg.. Great!!

[Flap62]

Perhaps I've just been lucky too. Aerospace has hardly been off my wrist for 18 years. Never been serviced, battery change at local jewellers, gains 5 sec per month.

[BEagle]

I think you've been lucky! The warning signs will come when the battery replacement is required (flashing end-of-life indication) sooner than expected - e.g. the new battery only lasting for 12 months or less...

Unless the 'local jewellers' is an authorised Breitling dealer, it's risking rather a lot to let him loose on your watch, in my view. A colleague tried that, no pressure or power soak test was conducted, so when his watch failed after immersion in shallow water, it was endex.

Of course some 'local jewellers' might be capable of meeting the Breitling battery change requirements, but not all would be. A local jeweller here in British West Oxfordshire lost Breitling accreditation after customer complaints.

Careful what you pay for!

[Itsreallyme]

Perhaps I've just been lucky too. Aerospace has hardly been off my wrist for 18 years. Never been serviced, battery change at local jewellers, gains 5 sec per month.
I won't be having another that's for sure. I've literally just stepped out of county court having taken a very well known watch retailer to small claims, after my 22 year old Aerospace was water damaged earlier this year. Always serviced/battery replaced by Breitling.

Basically if the worse happens, Breitling will just say it's your fault and cough up, even when you've recently coughed up for a full and major service.

So if you do decide to take them on in court, my advice is get "watchmakered up", get an expert watch repair witness on your side to fight them. The burden of proof is on you to prove fault and it's tough.

[haltonapp]

Buy a Rolex, no battery!

[BEagle]

Itsreallyme, was it a question of the watch just getting wet (e.g. in the sink) or what?

An ex-colleague was committing sport in the local swimming pool and was wearing his Aerospace at the time. A little later it stopped working.

Breitling said that what probably happened was that as he got out of the pool by hauling himself onto the edge rather than using the stepladder, the angle between his arm and wrist had been sufficient to press against the rotating bezel, moving it enough to cause water ingress. That sounded like BS to me - and I think he also had to pay for the repair himself.

[Minnie Burner]

Citizen Inc must be bit hacked off by this: (special Chinese edition?)
http://www.bradford.co.uk/redarrowswatch
https://s7g8.scene7.com/is/image/BradfordUK/526FAN2101?wid=445&hei=445&resMode=bilin&op_usm=0.5,2.0,0,0

[wub]

What a piece of tat. "Comes with our famous 120-day guarantee' I don't think Citizen have much to worry about.

[Lukeafb1]

I've had a Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute 24 hr (with mechanical escapement) for some years and apart from having an extra bracelet link fitted, it is excellent in all respects.

[sandym]

I've had a Breitling Navitimer since circa 1960, SS bracelet fitted in 1964. I continue to use it on a regular basis and its accuracy seems to depend on me remembering to wind it up every day.

[5aday]

A Cosmonaut here as well, on a Mobylot bracelet. I did an Akrotiri trip from Luqa and was asked to pick up and pay for a pair of headlights for a Triumph 2.5pi for one of our groundcrew [M.E.Quick - his name is on the paperwork and box}(the headlights were about £25 ) and while I was away he had wrecked a Maltese wall and his car as well. He gave me his Breitling as a payment and though I offered to swap again later, he said no.
I still have it and just had a major service for £300 including just about everything visible.
The Mobylot bracelet (stainless fine mesh) still mystifies me, but two unconnected jewellers say Mobylot is a bracelet of choice. The original is still new in the box 45 years later.

[albatross]

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e68/midcanada/scan0002.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e68/midcanada/scan0001.jpg
Got this new in the box in Iraq in 93. Battery changed with pressure checks as required.
It stopped working a few years ago.
Jeweler ended up sending to Breitling
They came back to him saying that parts were not available to fix it.
They were willing to let me buy a new Breitling at 15% off full retail....as long as they got to keep the watch.
Got the watch back. Strange ..very strange ..why would they want the watch I wonder.

[Bushfiva]

IS the Breitling still borked? There are plenty of places to get spares for it. Even if not available new, you could check out somewhere like Fellows, which does a monthly auction of dead-ish watches and recovered parts.

In fact, if you could give the exact model number, and four digits that may (or may not) be stamped between the lugs, it would probably be quite easy to get it fixed. I see it's already been opened without much care and attention, though.

[Aynayda Pizaqvick]

The watch you have is a Breitling Jupiter (Navitimer 3300) produced during the very unpopular era of the 80s when Breitling went quartz and (and almost bust!). Iraqi watches were pretty common so they don't in themselves seem to add a great deal of value to a piece, even popular models like the 806 Navitimer. Given the popularity and condition of your watch I don't think it would be worth that much, but if you can find a cheap Miyota Y652 movement (or equivalent; the same movement was made by different brands), then you might consider getting it up and running again.

[Bushfiva]

Heh... looks like you could pick up a cheap Seiko as a donor for around the same price as the movement itself.

[albatross]

Thanks for the info.
It was worn for everyday use for 12 years and has a sentimental value of the old UNIKOM daze.
UNIKOM was the postwar UN mission patroling the DMZ between Kuwait and Iraq. Fun times.
I still have the original box and paperwork.

[Parson]

I have a certain birthday coming up next year and am thinking of treating myself to a decent watch around the £1500 mark. Any suggestions? (I don't want anything that says fighter pilot or Red Arrows or the like on it :) )

[ian16th]

I have a certain birthday coming up next year and am thinking of treating myself to a decent watch around the £1500 mark. Any suggestions? A 2nd hand Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust, from a reputable dealer.

Rugged, reliable, waterproof, no batteries to change, just wear and forget.

Don't go for diamond encrusted solid gold case and strap.

Go for stainless steel, or if you want a little style, the two tone steel and gold.

Plenty of variety
(https://www.google.com/search?q=rolex+oyster+perpetual+datejust&client=firefox-b&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjf3ZiTu5bQAhVD2yYKHRSJB24QsAQINg&biw=1280&bih=527)

[Aynayda Pizaqvick]

A 2nd hand Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust, from a reputable dealer.

Rugged, reliable, waterproof, no batteries to change, just wear and forget...

Plenty of variety
(https://www.google.com/search?q=rolex+oyster+perpetual+datejust&client=firefox-b&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjf3ZiTu5bQAhVD2yYKHRSJB24QsAQINg&biw=1280&bih=527)
I don't think you are ever going to get a Rolex Datejust for anywhere near £1500, especially from a reputable dealer. I doubt you'd get any Rolex worth having for that (maybe a ladies quartz?). For £1500 you are more in the "nice watch" rather than "luxury" watch segment of the market.
Your best bet is definitely used though, as you can get some very nice watches that have been barely used for half the price of new. For your budget there are a lot of Tag Heuer available and even some Omega Seamasters. You will also find some Bell and Ross and maybe the occasional Tudor (the sister company of Rolex; similar quality, different name) that might take your fancy. The ones I've listed here have automatic or manual movements as they generally hold value more than quartz and you wont have to pay for battery changes. If you aren't going to wear it regularly and setting the time before you put it on would annoy you, you may prefer to go quartz, in which case you'll probably want to have a look at used Breitlings.

Everyone splashes out on watches for different reasons; personally I'm fascinated by the incredible craftsman and introduction new, challenging complications. Many will accuse you of being snobby for wearing a couple of grand on your wrist but will themselves drive around in expensive cars that lose more than the cost of a luxury watch in the first year or two of ownership. Whilst it shouldn't be your sole aim, buy well and you can make more on a high-end watch than you'd get with your money in the bank (if you own a Rolex, well done, chances are it went up 10% yesterday!).

[superplum]

A 2nd hand Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust, from a reputable dealer.

Rugged, reliable, waterproof, no batteries to change, just wear and forget.

Don't go for diamond encrusted solid gold case and strap.

Go for stainless steel, or if you want a little style, the two tone steel and gold.


+1. My stainless Rolex Oysterdate (bought in Kuching 1966 - £23) is still going well and still looks good. It's a winder but then I need the exercise! It's had a couple of mainsprings in that time due to heavy fingers and a couple of glasses due to aircraft. Insurance always values it at +£1500.
:)

[Fox2long]

Bought my limited edition aerospace in about 97. Just took it to a high St jewellers to get a new battery and to sort out the hands that stick. The estimate just came back at £385!! Watch cost £800. I'm getting it sent back to me. Any advice where to send it?

[ian16th]

(if you own a Rolex, well done, chances are it went up 10% yesterday!).

Why? What did I miss?

WRT watch value v car values, when my car is worth less than my watch, its time to change the car :ok:

[sandozer]

Fox2long, Who did the repair quote? If it was not Breitling I would send it to them for a quote. (Ernest Jones can do this for you).
I have had my Aerospace serviced by Breitling for over twelve years. A battery replacement includes the watch being tested for accuracy, a print out is attached with the returned watch, They also replaced the crown which was worn, and two new seals fitted. All old parts returned to me which had been replaced. Well worth £85 every 4 or 5 years IMO.

[Fox2long]

Thanks. It was Ernest jones I took it to. I've had the battery done by them previously. But £385 for a battery and service!!

[Aynayda Pizaqvick]

Why? What did I miss?

The dire state of the pound vs other major currencies has resulted in a price increase of Rolex at Authorised Dealers; given the way that Rolexs hold their value (i.e. popular used models can be sold for MORE than new as you avoid the waiting list), this will inevitably translate into an increase in used watch prices. Not a bad investment!

[BEagle]

Fox2long - Northern England as in Yorkshire, perchance ;)


I didn't get my Breitling serviced until too late - so it then cost about £600 for a full repair and new battery. Replacement bracelet clasp? £375. Even a single 'gold' and titanium bracelet link pin can cost £50 on eBay as Breitling don't make them any more, it seems.

So £385 for a battery, service and sorting out the clapping hands actually seems quite reasonable (in Breitling terms) to me.

[Fox2long]

Beagle, wrong side of the Pennines but close!!
Will have to consult mrs fox before I go any further with it then.

[ian16th]

The dire state of the pound vs other major currencies has resulted in a price increase of Rolex at Authorised Dealers;

Not being UK based I think in different currencies.

[Airbubba]

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e68/midcanada/scan0002.jpg
Got this new in the box in Iraq in 93.

Tell them to get some pliers and straighten that second hand. ;)

I was offered one of these Iraqi Navitimer 3300's by a Canadian friend living in Kuwait in the mid-1990's. I wanted to see the watch since my friend admits he knows little about timepieces. Unfortunately, he sold the watch to someone else before I could inspect it. I assume the watch my friend had was of similar provenance through UNIKOM 'comshaw' channels. Kuwait is a dry country and UNIKOM folks were expected to provide adult beverages at the expat parties. :D

I own several Breitlings and for years I would take them to C. Melchers on Orchard Road in Singapore. They would sometimes fix watches out of warranty for free and you could talk with the technicians over the counter. Also, if you needed a battery change you could walk into most major watch shops in SIN (e.g. Sincere, Hour Glass, Cortina) and there would be a watchmaker on site who could do the job for maybe S$20.

Times changed with the recession back in 2007 and the last time I went to Melchers they said no work was done on site and a battery change would take five business days. And the watchmaker is long gone at the watch shops in most places in Singapore.

I've got an Aerospace with a cracked LCD panel, I wince at the thought of sending it to Wilton, Connecticut for Breitling USA service after some of the stories I've read here and elsewhere.

[Aynayda Pizaqvick]

Try Andrew Michaels in Newark for Breitling repairs. I haven't used him but he was very good when buying my first Breitling and informed me that he had Breitling trained repairer that did work for them as well as what the factory themselves do.

To be honest, Breitling servicing aren't exactly renowned for their repairs. I think they are probably pretty good on new stuff, but if you have something a little bit older that you want to retain the originality of they can be a bit haphazard with the new parts they shoe-horn in it. You want to see some of the horrendously unsympathetic work they have done to some beautiful old Navitimer 806s!

[Airbubba]

A couple of years ago the political correctness police had a field day with Captain Greg 'Stiffy' McWherter. He was brought in as Skipper of the Blue Angels for a second time to restore morale after the former CO was relieved for safety reasons.

Among the damning allegations in an investigatory report about Boss McWherter's leadership was that Breitlings were purchased at a discount:

Hazing used to be common, and new arrivals were forced to wear “foam penis” hats. Pilots kept binoculars in their jets to ogle bikini-wearing women in air show crowds. Crew members for a time were allowed to buy custom-made Breitling watches at a cut-rate price of $500 — a fraction of their retail cost. The report didn’t specify who supplied the watches.

Navy pilots looking at women in bikinis with binoculars. I'm shocked, shocked I tell you! :eek:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/former-blue-angels-commander-found-guilty-in-navy-probe-receives-reprimand/2014/06/03/8ee1bb02-eb42-11e3-b98c-72cef4a00499_story.html

I believe Breitling has made many Blue Angel logo watches over the years, several are on this page:

Breitling BLUE ANGELS Limited Edition (http://www.breitling-museum.com/Breitling-BLUE-ANGELS-Limited-Edition.html)

From what a former team member tells me a couple of decades ago Breitling supplied watches to the Blues at an even more nominal cost and the deal was verbally approved by CNATRA (not the singer, the Chief of Naval Air Training).

[Parson]

Thank you for the replies re choice of watch for £1500. Having done a fair bit of research for what I can get for that (am looking at new), I have realised that £1500 falls between top end nice watches and the lower end of luxury watches.

So....have done the sensible thing and revised my budget (up :)). Favourite seems to be a Seamaster though yet to decide on blue or black.....

Tried one on my wrist at the weekend and it looked fantastic though was expecting it to be a bit bigger - am sure I would get used to that (the wider face more expensive chronos are very thick and include functions I'd never use).

My only slight concern is that my 30 quid duty free Sekonda is likely to be more accurate but hey, if it's good enough for Jimmy Bond, who am I to complain.

[Piltdown Man]

My 15 year old Breitling developed a fault two years ago. So via a company called Goldsmith's (a northern England chain) I sent it to Brietling for a repair quote. I was expecting to hear a stupid number but was pleasantly surprised when the estimate was £325. When I got my watch back I could see that new hands had been fitted and an entirely new set of guts had been installed. I now have functions I never had when the watch was new. I know this service was expensive but this watch was bought with a legacy from my grandmother and I remember her whenever I look at it.

PM

[Bushfiva]

I follow watch auctions for part of my work. If you need to buy new in a shop, fine. But if you're happy to buy at auction, you can save huge amounts depending on brand. Check out a company like Fellows, whose estimates tend to be spot on, and who shift a lot of stuff. Reckon on saving 40%-80% on one or two of the more "brandy" brands, and still get a watch made in 2015. For a laugh, check out the auction value of, say, Patek "your're not buying this for yourself, you're buying it for your offspring" Philippe. It's the Swiss watch industry's nightmare. Currently, Swiss watches devalue exactly like cars. Japanese high-end watches (which are cheaper than Swiss watches) depreciate somewhat less slowly. A Seiko celebrating 100 years of Seiko watches sold recently for around 1100 pounds, and in terms of attention to detail and engineering quality, is about as good as it gets (but it's not mechanical).

If you want to be sure your Swiss watch is 100% Swiss, you need to read up on the Poincon de Geneve certificate.

The nice thing about watches is there's really good stuff at every pricing point, once you get past the need to be seen wearing Omega or Rolex.

Piltdown Man's got the right idea: the best watch is the one which is a constant reminder of memories. Everything else is mostly Swatch Group managing brand "story".

[Bushfiva]

Re Breitling, for a while its movements were Japanese. The B51 is Miyota, for example.

[Parson]

Thanks Bushfiva - I too will be using money set aside that has been gifted to me for a certain birthday.... Have no particular need to be seen wearing a certain brand, am just looking for a timepiece that will outlast me! (maybe).

Have been looking at Breitling v Omega v TAG and the Seamaster seems to stand out. But am in no rush to buy just yet.

[pontifex]

Been reading this thread for a while with interest. I don't wear jewellery of any sort so all i want from a watch is reliability and accuracy. It may sound like I am a cheapskate but about 10 years ago I bought a Casio Edifice in jewellers that was having a closing down sale for less than £50. Apart from battery changes it has been absolutely reliable and keeps time to plus or minus 10 seconds. I am rather hard of hearing and ever since my watch alarm went off when I was delivering an important presentation, I have steered clear of extra buttons. Truly I cannot understand the urge to spend thousands on a watch - I recon a good store of upmarket wine is better value. Each to his own though.

[Bushfiva]

Casio, Timex and others all do watches with vibration alarms. There are lots of choices for those with hearing difficulties.

[FOG]

Airbubba,

The $500 Breitling deal was a long tradition back in the 90s. My squadron CO had been a BA as a Capt. and evidently the Breitling watches was long established when flew blue.

While looking for new memebers the watches also indicated the inside track on a slot. Aviators were offered a $500 BA specific Breitling prior to selection or even as a recruitment tool.

S/F, FOG

[Evalu8ter]

Breitling stuffed my 806 when it went back - it's looked after locally now. If your budget is circa £2k and you're current or ex-mil I'd give Bremont a call, you might be surprised. If you want a cheaper watch with a bit of history and character then I think (http://www.watchshop.com/mens-bulova-special-edition-moonwatch-chronograph-watch-96b251-p100003481.html?gclid=Cj0KEQiA4JnCBRDQ5be3nKCPhpwBEiQAjwN1bs L6D8po8cRcbJVb4hpb8D9aCyFlc9riTjWW2KKmczwaAv208P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds) this is a fair shout.....Dave Scott wore it when he wasn't wearing his issue Speedmaster (or franking stamps...)

[mopardave]

oooooooh........that's a very nice watch!

[Mick Strigg]

Bremont, Bremont, Bremont, Bremont, Bremont, Bremont, Bremont, Bremont, Bremont,

'Nuff said!

[Heathrow Harry]

Russell Talerman - two floors above the newsagents next to the Mason's Arms in Maddox Street, Mayfair are very very good - not cheap but they'll take a look at anything

Russell Talerman - Watch Repairs in London (http://www.russelltalerman.com/)

[BEagle]

Back to Breitling - owners stationed at the West Oxonian Covert Aerodrome might be interested to note that there is now a Breitling dealer in Witney again.

[India Four Two]

If you want a cheaper watch with a bit of history and character then I think (http://www.watchshop.com/mens-bulova-special-edition-moonwatch-chronograph-watch-96b251-p100003481.html?gclid=Cj0KEQiA4JnCBRDQ5be3nKCPhpwBEiQAjwN1bs L6D8po8cRcbJVb4hpb8D9aCyFlc9riTjWW2KKmczwaAv208P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds) this is a fair shout

$812 for a quartz watch! You must be joking. :eek:

How did Bulova break into Omega's NASA monopoly?

[Bushfiva]

NASA wasn't sure if mechanical watches would survive in space, so all the spacecraft clocks used Bulova Accutron mechanisms, which relied on electrically-sustained tuning forks. Bulova watches flew on a bunch of missions as main and backup watches.

I42: If you think a watch has more value because it's mechanical, fair enough but be aware that there's a bunch of expensive "swiss-made" stuff using movements that sell for less than $10.

[Evalu8ter]

I42,
David Scott took his own Bulova in his PPK (Personal Preference Kit). His Omega broke so he wore the Bulova for part of the mission. $812 looks good value compared to his....!!

Astronaut's watch worn on the moon sells for record $1.6 million | collectSPACE (http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-102315a-apollo-moon-watch-bulova.html)

[India Four Two]

I42: If you think a watch has more value because it's mechanical, fair enough but be aware that there's a bunch of expensive "swiss-made" stuff using movements that sell for less than $10.

Yes, I'm fully aware of the "Swiss Made" quartz watch issue. My wife insisted on paying a stupid price for a Tissot quartz watch. That's marketing for you!

I like mechanical watches for their interesting engineering, but as far as watches for flying go, I'm quite happy with my Seiko, which I bought based on a PPRuNe recommendation (Genghis I think).

[Bushfiva]

Actually, I was referring to mechanical movements. As long as 50% of the value is added in Switzerland, a watch can carry "Swiss Made". To be sure every single bit is made in Switzerland, you need to check out the Poincon de Geneve (which is a bit extreme: everything is made in the Canton and also has a bunch of quality-related standards that must be met).

I played with Watches Excalibur Spider | Roger Dubuis (http://www.rogerdubuis.com/watches/excalibur/spider/) and RD101 | Roger Dubuis (http://www.rogerdubuis.com/calibres/quatuor/rd101/rd101/) the other day. A bit out of my price range, but the latter was fun to listen to.

[Danny42C]

Have two well worn wrist watches, the (72 yr) 'old' one, bought in Quetta for £600 in today's money from "The West End Watch Company", steel with Longines innards, and a (52 yr) 'new' one, a "Timex", a gift (say £20 ?). Both showing their age, unreliable and poor timekeepers. Put them into a local jeweller to clean and sort out.

Which left me watchless. Asked daughter to get me something cheap around a tenner. She did better than that. She brought home a new "Citron" quarz faux chronograph, looks the part with dinky little false hands for the subsidiary dials, stitched leather strap, presentation case, the lot. Keeps perfect time !

How much ? Five quid, Dad ! (had to produce bill to convince me). That's £4.17 if you strip out VAT.

All the way from sunny Guandong for that ! How is it done ?

Danny42C.

[Aynayda Pizaqvick]

Truly I cannot understand the urge to spend thousands on a watch - I recon a good store of upmarket wine is better value. Each to his own though.

Each to their own indeed; I'm not a massive wine fan, but I reckon I would be struggling to get much of my money back years later when I have 'enjoyed' drinking it, where has I can use and enjoy my high-end watches, all of which I could sell today for a profit. I'm similar to you with cars though; I don't see the point in spending tens of thousands on a new car when I can get a cheap and cheerful used Asian model for a few grand that will do the trick and last me a few years!

People will always be prepared to pay more for something they see the beauty in, whether that is a car, motorbike, watch or fine wine.

Parson, if you give us an idea of your revised budget we might be able throw some more ideas at you. As stated above, if you are currently serving then you might be able to get a very good deal on one of the project Bremonts.

[Parson]

Aynayda Pizaqvick,

No longer serving so I guess that's out the door...

Having looked into what you get for £1500 in the 'luxury' ranges (ie not a lot) have doubled the budget....

I don't need any fancy functions - ideally a dual time function would be nice but not essential.

[Evalu8ter]

Parson,
Bremont will cetainly talk to ex-mil. If you need a contact let me know.

[White Bear]

21 years with a Navitimer, never been serviced, never stopped though it does loose about a minute day now. I wear it every day, often in a workshop environment and there's not a mark on the crystal face, remarkable IMHO.
Regards,
White Bear.

[idle stop]

Anybody had this problem or know the solution, please?
My Aerospace kept perfect time and was seemingly fine until a few weeks ago when it showed classic signs of battery run down. Sort of died during coldish night, revived when worn again. And yes, 2.5 to 3 years since last battery change.
Sent off through well-known High Street jewellers to Breitling. Breitling insisted it needed a service, as last full service 6 years ago. Would not just do a battery change. Oh and 'recommended' options, along with service would take the bill from £510 to £810! Decided: to hell with the full service history, would get a local jeweller (who had a repair man who seemed to know it would need pressure testing) to do the job.
Watch came back from Breitling via Gold-plated High Street shop, all digital displays lit, top and bottom, and what seems to be an error code on top digital display.
Local jeweller cannot clear...
Call me paranoid, but is this some kind of 'maintenance mode' known only to Breitling workshops?
Any advice gratefully received....or updates on useful firms that might fix.

[Aynayda Pizaqvick]

More or less the same thing happened with mine, it was a fried movement. I think they tried to charge me a similar amount, so I argued that the repair cost was disproportionate to what I paid for the watch and they did a full service and replaced the movement for about £350. I'd give Andrew Michaels a call and see if he still has his ex-Breitling watchmaker; I think it is a relatively common ETA movement, so you could probably get a replacement for a lot less than Breitling will do it for you.
And yes, for all the naysayers, I'm sure there are loads of you that have old Casios/Timex/Seikos that are still running, but I also have several that aren't; the difference is you aren't going to bother asking a forum if your £10 F91W is fooked or not!

[Airbubba]

Anybody had this problem or know the solution, please?
Watch came back from Breitling via Gold-plated High Street shop, all digital displays lit, top and bottom, and what seems to be an error code on top digital display.
Local jeweller cannot clear...
Call me paranoid, but is this some kind of 'maintenance mode' known only to Breitling workshops?
Any advice gratefully received....or updates on useful firms that might fix.

Breitling has used several movements in the Aerospace in recent years but they are all operationally similar to the ETA 988.333 calibre described in the service manual available for download here:

https://secure.eta.ch/CSP/DesktopModules/ViewDoc.aspx?tabindex=1&tabid=28&DocId=235&DocType=DT

Page 10 of this document describes the Sequential Test Mode:

Sequential test mode

Fit the battery with the crown pressed down. Then release the crown to enter test mode. Each time you press the crown, the test number rises by one. Each time you turn the crown, the function rises by one. As soon as the crown is pressed, "Test" and test number are displayed. When the crown is released, the test starts and the test mode or the expected test result is displayed (i.e. even or odd segments, LCD off...). Depressing the crown for more than 4 s will reinitialize the test (TESt 00).

The end of the test mode is described on page 12:

End of test TESt 90

Test 9.0:

All LCD segments are visible. To quit the test mode, turn the crown. The watch is running.

It's possible that Breitling 'accidentally' left the watch in test mode when you decided to have it returned without the very pricey 'maintenance'. I'm sure they would never do this intentionally to force you to have them repair it. ;)

I would double check that the crown is not jammed in the pushed in position, sometimes one of the two O-rings gets worn and twists causing the pusher to jam. Then, I would have the jeweler remove the battery for a couple of minutes and reinstall it to see if the watch comes out of test mode.

Even though these ETA movements are used in many watches, it is possible that Breitling uses proprietary firmware so your jeweler can't work on the watch even with the proper manual.

A quartz watch needs very little maintenance compared to a mechanical watch so labels like Breitling and Omega have started hitting you up for an expensive periodic 'servicing' when all you really need is a battery change.

Anyway, take a look and see if the stuff on the screen of your Aerospace looks like the test mode in the service manual, hope it helps you figure out what to do next.

[idle stop]

More or less the same thing happened with mine, it was a fried movement. I think they tried to charge me a similar amount, so I argued that the repair cost was disproportionate to what I paid for the watch and they did a full service and replaced the movement for about £350. I'd give Andrew Michaels a call and see if he still has his ex-Breitling watchmaker; I think it is a relatively common ETA movement, so you could probably get a replacement for a lot less than Breitling will do it for you.
And yes, for all the naysayers, I'm sure there are loads of you that have old Casios/Timex/Seikos that are still running, but I also have several that aren't; the difference is you aren't going to bother asking a forum if your £10 F91W is fooked or not!

Thanks AP. Will give them a call. Still do not understand how a serviceable watch, ie normal digital displays, came back trashed, if that is the case....!

[idle stop]

Airbubba...
Many thanks. I'm getting the watch back from my indie local jewellers tomorrow and will try the steps you outline. If no-go I will try Anayda's suggestion.
I bought the aerospace second user 6 years ago from a reputable re-seller with original box and papers, including pre-purchase overhaul and new glass and bezel. I also have a Colt...purely mechanical* and Golds****s have sent that off to Breitling for 3 battery changes during its 17 year life...never a query re service and it still keeps perfect time.

edit: * of course I meant analogue!

[oldpax]

I have a Seiko dive watch bought in 1981 for 70 pounds in Saudi.Lost it diving and found after six weeks at 20 metres still ticking!!Now a collectors item worth about $500.It was compared to a Rolex and the Rolex was found wanting!!Oh and its an "Automatic"

[Aynayda Pizaqvick]

Seiko dive watches are normally cleared to at least 200 m, so I would think it reasonable to expect it to have remained working in just 20 m. Clearly it wouldn't have been ticking all that time, but they excite pretty quickly once they are moved on picking them up.

I've got one of the cheaper Seiko divers and it is good, but a long way short of the quality of a Seiko Marinemaster, and you don't need to be a watch geek to tell that. Likewise, the Marinemasters are very good, but still not quite Rolex Submariner quality in my experience. A Submariner no date bought in 1980 for about £700 could be sold for about £7000 now, so even taking into consideration inflation you've more than doubled your money. That's what I would define as a collectors item.

[Airbubba]

I also have a Colt...purely mechanical* and Golds****s have sent that off to Breitling for 3 battery changes during its 17 year life...never a query re service and it still keeps perfect time.

edit: * of course I meant analogue!

Thanks for the clarification. :ok:

As you know, the Colt has been produced with both mechanical and quartz movements over the years.

As I mentioned earlier in the thread, one of my Aerospace's has a cracked LCD under the dial. The case and crystal are intact, I somehow bumped the watch against a doorknob or bannister I suppose.

I've done a movement change on a Traser H3 watch in a titanium case. It was really more trouble than it was worth but I took it on as a project to use some watch tools I bought in Singapore years ago. The movement was a Harley Ronda caliber and available online for less than $20. I almost missed the fact that I needed the HCP, High Cannon Pinion version of the movement so the hands with tritium vials would clear each other.

I looked at possibly replacing the movement in the Aerospace, it does seem to be exactly the same dimensions and functionality as one of the commonly available ETA calibers in the Flatline series. Also, Tissot and Swiss Army brands used a similar movement in very inexpensive watches. It was suggested that I could harvest a movement from one of those.

But, from comments I've seen on watch forums, the Aerospace hands are made so that they cannot be reinstalled. And Breitling will no longer sell parts to unauthorized repairers.

Here's a barehanded battery change video for the Aerospace, the LCD's indeed seem to be in a test mode until you push in the crown after the new battery is installed:

yNPxKiBmnUA

And here's Breitling's song and dance about why they take you to the cleaners and vacuum your wallet when all you want is a new battery:

Gnxzl2FddQU

[bafanguy]

Airbubba,

You must be a pretty serious watch guy to have your own set of watch tools. Are you self taught ? Watch repair is likely a vanishing trade these days. I know trying to find someone skilled and local is a roll of the dice.

[Airbubba]

You must be a pretty serious watch guy to have your own set of watch tools. Are you self taught ? Watch repair is likely a vanishing trade these days. I know trying to find someone skilled and local is a roll of the dice.

I am indeed self-taught. I can take watches apart but sometimes can't figure out what to do with parts left over when I reassemble them. ;)

Actually, it's kinda like working on cars. Years ago, with the right tools and knowhow you could save a lot of money by doing your own automobile maintenance. However, manufacturers have increasingly made things more difficult for the hobbyist without the authorized dealer service manuals.

With watches your neighborhood jeweler could fix things and get parts for most brands until a few years ago. Now, they often want you to send the timepiece in to some service center for a 'refurbishment' that you may not want or really require.

The battery change is the Achilles heel of the quartz watch in my opinion. I've learned to do my own batteries after bad experiences with mall jewelers and spending hundreds on an unrequested maintenance done by an Omega service center on an X-33 (Gen 1, if you are familiar). I may have to send Breitling the Aerospace with the broken LCD but I just hate to get hit with a bill for more than the 15 year old watch is really worth.

[The Oberon]

A Submariner no date bought in 1980 for about £700 could be sold for about £7000 now, so even taking into consideration inflation you've more than doubled your money. That's what I would define as a collectors item.

You're even better off if you still have your issue MilSub!

[idle stop]

Airbubba:
Stalled a bit, since duff gen from local jewellers...diagnosis back but not the hardware! Their man suggests it does need a service and IF it needs spare parts they are not an authorised Breitling service centre so cannot get. They now suggest it goes back to Watchfinder ( who are a Service Centre) and from whom I bought the aerospace second user. The original Breitling quote via Goldsmiths said replace worn out parts if necessary....So, much to mull over...having the watch back would help but I am off to work in Canada for a week in Friday so looks like the saga will run and run...

[BEagle]

Mate - bite the bullet and take it to the very helpful Breitling Boutique people in New Bond Street in London's Mayfair...

The design of the hands has changed over the years, so if new bits are needed, you'll have to trust the OEM.

[Airbubba]

Airbubba:
Stalled a bit, since duff gen from local jewellers...diagnosis back but not the hardware! Their man suggests it does need a service and IF it needs spare parts they are not an authorised Breitling service centre so cannot get.

Thanks for the update, I'd still be a little skeptical of the need for an expensive 'repair' when it sounds to me like perhaps the pusher on the crown might be stuck. As I understand it, your watch was running fine until the battery died and Breitling did a 'repair estimate'. :eek: I'd sure ask to inspect the watch and see if you can click the crown and rotate it to see if the display changes modes.

I don't mind paying for someone with the skills to do it right but I really have felt that I paid for work I didn't need on a quartz caliber in years past. I got hit for maybe 300 Sing dollars at the Omega factory service centre in Singapore after being told that I had to take the watch, an X-33, there for a battery change because a 'special tool' was needed to open the caseback. They did some refurbishment that I didn't request or approve and I had to pay or no watch. Of course, S$300 sounds cheap compared to the repair estimate you got.

It turns out that no special tool is needed to open the X-33 as Astronaut Don Pettit demonstrates on orbit in this video:

bkwTVxdE23A

[5aday]

My Breitling cosmonaut was serviced by Sean Yates and came back looking and working like Brand New.
Sean can be contacted on his email [email protected] and his
address is 65 Hadrian Way, Middlewitch, Cheshire, CW10 9RB. It could be possible that Sean could service other types as well and he currently has another watch of mine for a full overhaul.
David M

[ACW599]

For what it's worth, the In-Time desk on the first floor of Debenhams in Oxford changed the battery and seals in my Aerospace a few weeks ago for £93. The chap there seems to be very knowledgeable and even gives you a voucher for a free coffee upstairs while he does the work, which is guaranteed for 18 months.

Breitling charged me £282 a few years ago for essentially the same thing and took six weeks to do it.

[DirtyProp]

Amateurs....
I'm gonna get the first wearable sort of atomic wristwatch!!
Rolex, eat yer heart out!


http://leapsecond.com/pages/atomic-bill/wrist-5071a1.jpg

That'll certainly impress the ladies!

[ShyTorque]

I do own a Breitling but I wear a Citizen Ecodrive. It's been keeping time to within a few seconds a year for almost twenty years now and has never been serviced nor needed a battery. The only thing it occasionally needs is the bracelet scrubbing with some soapy water to get the muck out.

It cost about the same as a battery change on the Breitling.

[wub]

I am moving away from Breitling. My Aerospace is currently away at Luxury Watch Repairs for a new battery at £40 plus VAT. I own three Citizen Eco Drives, including a radio-controlled model and they are all as accurate as the Aerospace and since they are more modern, better looking.

I'm just fed up spending money on batteries. I asked LWR for a quote for a refurbishment of the titanium case and strap and they quoted £180 plus VAT. I can buy a really nice Eco Drive for that so the Aerospace is going on eBay.

[idle stop]

Hi Guys...
Been away across the pond, but before leaving had some sensible advice from Sean Yates. And got the watch back from local jewellers. Out of maintenance mode, keeping perfect time and I wonder if between goldsmiths and local jewellers somebody put a new battery in and forgot to put the old one back before returning my watch! Took the watch to Canada and back but had my £10 Casio with me as a standby. Not needed. Am quite sure that when battery does give out Sean will be the man...
Meanwhile thanks again for all your advice.

[sled dog]

Thread drift, but has anyone tried the TW Steel brand ? I have two the TW408 and TW412. Quartz so very accurate. 45mm diameter which will not be to every ones taste.
Bargains can be found after a bit of web searching. The 412 I located in NY. Must fire up my 1969 Speedmaster professional ( bought before moon landing ) and my 1981 Submariner. Wife wonders why I need more than one watch............

[Parson]

Further to my earlier post (which was admittedly some time ago....) I settled on a Submariner and have just purchased one.

I only spent just over 4 times my original budget but, hey ho, life's too short. It wasn't that easy to track a new one down, but worth it in the end.

[Aynayda Pizaqvick]

You've done well to track down a new one, there are some serious waiting lists for them! You could already sell it for more than you paid for it, so sound investment.

[Ian Burgess-Barber]

Having waded through the all the previous posts here I am glad that I have never purchased a watch powered by electrickery
My 1971 manufactured, clockwork, Breitling 806 Navitimer (Serial 1356...) has been ticking away on my wrist for over 46 years.
I sent it back to Breitling at the turn of the century for deep maintenance and it came back as new (albeit with a minor difference to the face), I think that they may have run out of the originals.
I suspect that it will see me out, and I have put it in my will to go to my nephew.
Electric watches - nah, can't see them ever catching on

Ian BB

[Parson]

Aynayda - took me about three months to get one though, in the end, I think I just happened to be in right place, right time, rather than come to the top of a waiting list (getting ON a waiting list in the first place is no mean feat either).

ADs are withholding warranty cards for 12 months and are taking the seals off in the shop (though they forgot to with mine...) to stop them appearing straight on the grey market. I've no intention of selling anyway.