I ordered a NOS Aviation 6801 (like the old Breitling 1806s) from Albert Wajs nearly three months ago, and Australia Post lost it. I was very unhappy.
1) I received the replacement watch today, which looks great (although it doesn’t have the word “Automatic” printed on the dial which all other Aviation 6801s I’ve seen on the net do) and was running when I opened the box. I was very happy. I do like the word "Automatic" on the dial, but overall, it is so much cleaner than any 1806 I have ever seen - like a time warp to 1977.
2) However, when I attempted to set the time, the movement of the crown was extremely stiff, but it did turn through about 14 hours before the crown “slipped”. It seems if I let the watch sit for a while, it stops “slipping” if I try to set the time, but is again extremely stiff.
3) The crown movement is also very stiff to manually wind.
4) I have managed to set the time, but I don’t wish to rotate through multiple 24 hour cycles to set the date as I appreciate forcing the movement is unwise.
5) I have worn the watch for a few hours with some “vigorous” arm movement to wind the movement right up. It is keeping good time, and the chrono is working fine.
Now, at this point in this saga I’m kinda numb, scared and unsure what to do.
I am fairly certain that 2) and 3) are symptoms of old dried oils and that I shouldn’t force the movement. However, given it was running when I opened the box and point 5) perhaps indicates the lubrication problem is somewhat isolated – perhaps just the gear train from the crown to the mainspring, I don’t know.
My understanding is that Mr Wajs is quite senior, and he has been very helpful in arranging the replacement watch – he even sent it to me before receiving compensation from the postal agencies and included a lovely NOS Zenith ladies watch as a gift. The little Zenith fired up no probs! I guess I’m reluctant to send it back – especially if it just needs to have the caseback off and a bit of oil applied at a few points without the need for a complete disassembly.
Should I give it a few days, and so long as it keeps good time, find a local watchmaker to service it - perhaps I’m being optimistic that it “just” needs a service – maybe $300-500 tops if no parts are broken? Perhaps it will wear in after a few days?
Or, should I have expected this NOS watch to have recently been serviced, and send it back to Mr Wajs? The watch comes with a 12 month warranty, which made me assume it had been serviced. However, more experienced vintage guys on this site may say “no, you can’t assume that and you should have asked”?
I’ve read plenty of horror stories about new Breitlings being faulty, and I know that NOS pieces can be problematic, and indeed that the Buren Calibre 12, as a first generation auto chrono, cannot be expected to be as solid as a 7750 based movement.
It cost about USD $2,200 - less than half a minty 1806. Maybe I still got a good deal even if I have to arrange for a service?
What’s the diagnosis?
What should I do?
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