The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi,

Well after 4 years of owning my SuperOcean - my first 'real' watch - I decided to send it for an overhaul. It wasn't beaten up, just well worn and in need of some TLC.

Today I received a voice mail from my AD saying it was in, and I could go and collect. I was very happy, as I work away, and fully expected for it to appear when I couldn't get my hands on, but for this, the timing was great. Off I wandered into my AD, and on opening the case, was greeted by a sparkling, like new, SuperOcean. The problem occured next, when I took my eye off the ball to see the new Omega PloProf, and was handed it to 'have a play'. It's only now that I am home that I have had a really good look that I noticed 2 things that I should really have seen.

First thing is the numbers around the bezel are now not black, they are a la Steelfish without the black highlighting. Secondly, the seconds hand is now as per the current model with the arrow rather than the square. My dilemma is this - does it actually look better?. I am torn now, my heart says yes, but my head say no, almost as if it is now a frankenwatch. What do you guys think??

Here's a 'comparison' before shot :


Here's the unveil shots...










Thanks for reading!

Ash

Wow! Looks like a new watch. They certainly do a good job. i personally prefer the new bezel, i think the black figures make it look cheaper. Undecided on the second hand as i like both. I think i would be happy with the watch but i thought Breitling only changed things back to original spec on a service not fit newer model parts?

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Avenger Skyland. Black Dial, Pro2 bracelet
Avenger II Seawolf. Yellow Dial, pro 3 diver.

Do they send you back the exchanged parts as well?

The maintenance center that I use (authorized one, listed on the Breitling website) always does that.
Heck, they even give me back the used gaskets and stuff after a service.

It's not a big deal, but at least this way you know exactly which parts were exchanged.

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Breitling Headwind SS Blue Dial (Current)
Breitling Colt Ocean Automatic (Sold)
Breitling Colt Quartz (Sold)

Wow. Great job. And you got the "newer" model as well.

They should have notified you that they would be doing this, but hey, it looks "younger" now and
I personally prefer the makeover

On another note, my Lemans is still at the Service Center and after reading your post I'm a little worried...
Who knows what these "professionals" will do to it?
Maybe they will update it to a Motors T Speed and throw in the B01

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Rolex DeepSea, GMT Master II TT, Pres 18038, DJ TT 16013
Breitling Chronomat 39mm (bullet+UTC), Starliner SS/MOP (wife)

back with ROLEX

I like the new arrow pointer. The bezel, I think it looks better. I like shinny breitlings!

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Rolex 42mm Explorer
IWC Ingenieur

A few others too.

Spartan I wish you luck!
As for the changes on the watch I love the bezel, but I have to be honest I like the older version second hand. Anyway its really what you like that counts. The serial number is yours right?

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Breitling Bentley 6.75
White Baton Super Avenger
Rolex DSSD

Definitely looks better. And since Breitling did the "mods", it really isn't a frankenwatch. You just have an updated version of your veteran.

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Avenger Skyland
If I said I was good, you'd think I was bragging.
If I told you I wasn't, you'd know I was lying.

Hi Ash,

Hummmm its like you got a new watch, and great pics by the way, I guess the decision is yours, and I expect your AD will assist if you really want to go back in time to what you had before, but thats all about how you feel with your "new" Ling. I have a mate who changed the dial colour of his Navi last service, its still the same watch but with a twist.


Its still a lovely shinny

Ian

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Navitimer World, Callistino.
Omega Speedmaster Moon, Hamilton 992B, Steinhart BS LEII #2, B&R 01-92 Heritage

I have to say, the new look is a bit more in keeping with the newer models, the older looks more dated or retro. I actually like the square second hand better than the arrow, though. All in all, it looks like an overall great job, and I think it would be something I would get used to pretty quickly. The black on the bezel reminds me of my old Superocean, which I had for 10 years, 1997-2007. I am still wishing that I had kept it.
Cheers,
Carl

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'63 Omega Seamaster, 2014 Omega Speedmaster MarkII

"Those who possess a sense of entitlement are seldom satisfied"

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the replies, it is nice to get a different perspective on it.

After a few days of looking and comparing with old, I am definitely a convert now. As many have said, it's a fresher look, and I think the bezel doesn't draw you away from that stunning Breitling blue dial.

Next stop is an undated pic of the collection, maybe incorporating my good ladies Constellation!

Cheers for now

Ash

A bit of a late reply, but anyway:

Your watch looks very good, IMO, in its new appearance.

However, I'm a bit concerned about Breitling service. I would be very upset if I handed in a watch for a service and it came back significantly changed without the service center informing me in advance. For me it doesn't matter if the outcome looks better, they can at least have the courtesy to say that "we will polish out the black bezel numbers and change the seconds hand - is this ok with you?".

A good reminder for me to demand that they tell me in advance what they intend to do. In writing.

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Collection: http://s540.photobucket.com/albums/gg32 ... mview=grid

I totally agree. For all Breitling knows the watch was exactly the way you wanted it. It could have had great sentimental value the way it was. A deceased family members watch, an anniversary gift from your wife, or a watch marking any number of special occasions.
I agree it looks fantastic in it's new state but I don't think I would want any of my watches "updated" without my permission.

+1

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Breitling Headwind SS Blue Dial (Current)
Breitling Colt Ocean Automatic (Sold)
Breitling Colt Quartz (Sold)

I think you need to get something in writing from BUK confirming they have made the changes.

If you decide to sell the watch, the second hand/bezel would not look correct for the date on your paperwork and it could be assumed to be a fake.

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For more information on identifying Breitling replicas, please visit my web site
http://f4buz.com/watches/breitling/fakes/fakes.html

For me, aleister has hit the nail on the head.

I would not want any changes made during a service without me having given permission for them to be made. Sharkmouth also makes a good point concerning reselling the watch.

I certainly will be insisting that absolutely no changes are made to my 'ling without my express permission when it next needs to be serviced.

Peter