The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hello,

As a newbie to Breitling and to the older time piece, I have just got myself my first Beitling. It's a 1971 Navitimer 806, but it is in need of repair. Based in the UK I have been phoning, emailing and have visited several repair shops who state that the only place parts can be sourced is directly from Breitling and they wont actually send those parts out but carry out the work themselves. Is this the case?

I need to get a crown, a pusher and a new second hand, although once I have the parts I would like to get the watch serviced and understand that this might resolve an issue I have with the stopwatch function.

Your thoughts please?

I believe that is the case... unless you can find another donor watch... but then again, that would be very expensive... either way going to Breitling wouldn't be cheap either... as far as I know, they don't do the service themselves... (I think)
they outsource it to someone else who is "authorized" to do it. Someone else has that information. Good luck with the repair and hope you get it back to its original glory.

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"I don't got the bright watch I got the right watch" -Jay Z

I think (emphasise think) that Breitling in the UK still do this work themselves - it seems to vary from country to country as to whether it is in house or outsourced. The movement in a 71 806 is standard so anyone can service it - chronodeco / Craig on here comes highly recommended and may be able to assist, although he is US based.

If dial / sliderule parts or similar are needed then Breitling will likely need to supply original parts.

Oops... I was thinking US instead of UK...

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"I don't got the bright watch I got the right watch" -Jay Z

Ok - Thank you for your help

I have those parts as long as its a stainless crown. Craig

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S. Craig Bergsma

Thanks to all - I now have 4 crowns.3 are the wrong size (4mm dia), and the final one 6.95mm. I did not realise that the Navitimer came with such a difference in crown sizes and that they can be expensive. Is £50 expensive?

On the pusher front, does the whole unscrew from the case? I am in fact just missing the top of the pusher and a spring but wondered if the whole thing unscrewed.

50 pounds might be alright of its a true and new original. Must of the time a new stem is required when installing a new crown. I now use Locktite on all stems so they will not loosen up in use. There are lots of aftermarks as are all of mine but a LOT less $$. Yes the pusher base unscrews from the case but many times I have had to distroy that section to get it out due to corrosion. They are rather thin and can break off before they will turn. Craig

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S. Craig Bergsma

The breaking up of the pusher stem seems to be the problem I've got

Thanks again.

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1809 Cosmonaute
1903 Navi
Navi Olympus
Super Avenger

One last thing - Does the pusher stem/tube screw in or is it driven?

i havent read all of the thread but BUK DONT do the full service work on 806 as far as i know as when i had mine serviced they told me they send them to BSA to specific vintage watchmakers.

hence it can take 6 months mine took 3.

i had a full service replaced the plexi and a new outer slide rule bezel (new hands are std with a service) total cost was £900ish but i have to say it was well well well well worth the money. keeps insanely good time , the chrono is sooo smooth and more over as mine was my dads that he left me when he died and was the one material possesion that was dad, they didnt f it up either which would have been worth any amount of money.

if you decide to get it done by BUK i can more than likely get you a discounted service price

Alex

Alex, thank you for the information.£900 is a high price, but as I only paid £50 for the broken watch it may be worth doing.

When does the cost of repair become more than the overall value ?

"£900ish" FOR SERVICING AN 806 IS CLEARLY A RIPOFF EVEN IF GOD DID IT! Craig

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S. Craig Bergsma

Amen! (seemed appropriate).

Send the watch to Craig Gary and save a fortune!

Tubes are friction fit.

Oh and GBP50 for that watch is a steal, regardless of condition - great pick up.