The Breitling Watch Source Forums

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150559037537&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

I don't have any intention of bidding on this one, but was curious because I changed the battery on my last B-1. I thought I remembered reading that there was a time limit (like 15 seconds or something REALLY short) on replacing the battery in the B-1 or things would just go haywire...like the perpetual calendar would need resetting, etc.

The seller says the battery has never been changed, and that he is the original owner, ten years ago. So, that means that it's probably been sitting with a dead battery for probably 8 years (!) or so? Even at his starting bid, it seems high to me as the first thing that should be done is a FULL service OH at BUSA.

Curiosity has me intrigued. Thoughts?

_________________
Chad Jensen
Chronospace

Past B's-
Gray Aerospace SQ
Black Colt GMT
Gray Aerospace SQ
Black SO
Black B-1
Yellow Seawolf Ti
White B-2
Silver Colt GMT
Black Aerospace Avantage LE
Blue Aerospace Avantage
Yellow SO
Blue Aerospace II
Gray Aerospace I
Jupiter 2300

My first worry would be the potential for the battery to have leaked. If it's been sitting there for dead for eight years and he hasn't even checked it, the insides could have been seriously damaged. Or maybe not. The point is, nobody knows, including him. He should at least have that checked to make sure he's selling a viable watch, even if he doesn't get the thing overhauled. But I agree - he should get it serviced at the price he's asking.

The B-1 can be put into a battery/hibernation mode, so the battery can be replaced with the date and time settings intact. Some power remains in the circuitry for a few seconds.

I'm not sure how the movement would be effected if the battery was only dead for a few weeks or so, but one like this sitting around for years... not good. It's gonna need a full service at least, or possibly a completely new movement.

That's right...I remember doing that now, putting it in hibernation mode.

That's the thing I'd be afraid of...needing the entire movement replaced.

_________________
Chad Jensen
Chronospace

Past B's-
Gray Aerospace SQ
Black Colt GMT
Gray Aerospace SQ
Black SO
Black B-1
Yellow Seawolf Ti
White B-2
Silver Colt GMT
Black Aerospace Avantage LE
Blue Aerospace Avantage
Yellow SO
Blue Aerospace II
Gray Aerospace I
Jupiter 2300

Would that be due to the battery leaking, or are there other reasons for needing a new movement?

Silly price for a 'dead' B1 with 'Most' of it's paperwork (i.e. none of the important stuff) he also has 90% feedback.

I do not have a 10' pole but if I did I would not touch it with it.

_________________
Al

“Quis custodiet ipsos custodes"