The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi all,

My grandfather's Navitimer needs some help. As you can see in the pic the crown has broken off. Before that happened, everything functioned nicely.

It's currently with Breitling, they've sent an estimate, and - since this is my first Breitling repair - I'm wondering what I should do.

They're recommending the following, for the price listed....

"COMPLETE SERVICE, DISASSEMBLE, CLEAN, OIL AND ADJUST MOVEMENT, REFINISH MOVEMENT AS NEEDED FOR RUST, MAINSPRING, ADJUST CHRONO, CROWN, STEM, 2 PUSH BUTTONS, CRYSTAL BACK GASKET, SPRING BARS, REFINISH CASE (SATIN & POLISHED AS ORIGINAL), SHELLAC LUMINOUS ON HOUR & MINUTE HANDS, WATCH IS NOT WATER OR DUST-RESISTANT, DAILY WEAR IS NOT RECOMMENDED ON VINTAGE WATCHES $2250.00
APPROXIMATELY 7 MONTHS FOR REPAIR TO BE COMPLETED
WARRANTY IS ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS FOR VINTAGE WATCHES, LABOR 1 YR"

Price of the repair isn't really the issue. I just don't want to do anything that will damage the value/desirability of the watch overall. It's an heirloom, so I'm not likely to part with it, but there's something to be said for the "purity" of an original piece.

Thoughts? Like I said, I'm new at this and have no experience with Breitling. Any advice would be appreciated.

Rob

Don't let Breitling touch it. Get it back ASAP. Others on the forum can direct you to the proper person for overhaul.

_________________
Breitling Navitimer: Black Dial
OMEGA Speedmaster Professional
Steinhart Nav.B-Chrono II
Elgin-Hamilton 37500 (Aircraft Clock)

lovely, VERY lovely example with stellar dial condition, a true rarity !

actually Breitling vintage service in the US is excellent if you need major restoration work, as it is handled by horologicalservices in Philadelphia - but in this case they are suggesting much more work to be done than I think is reasonable; case looks just fine and the dial is outstanding, so any competent watchmaker can do this, watch will need a movement service and a new crown stem (hope you haven't lost the original crown?).

Craig Bergsma of chronodeco, our "go to guy" in the US, is currently not accepting new customers - hope others will chime in with suggestions for alternatives; costs should be a third or less of the quoted amount.

Agree with WatchFred. It needs a service and a crown, and if nothing untoward is wrong with it, you're in for about $500. What Breitling suggests will damage the desirability and originality of the piece. Hopefully some of the US based forum members can advise on who might do the work for you.

Thanks everyone. The watch is on the way back.

If anyone can recommend a good watchmaker - I'm in Michigan but can ship it, I'd appreciate it.

He may not be accepting new customers as stated above, but he may be able to offer you some guidance.
http://www.chronodeco.com/

_________________
Breitling Navitimer: Black Dial
OMEGA Speedmaster Professional
Steinhart Nav.B-Chrono II
Elgin-Hamilton 37500 (Aircraft Clock)

I contacted Craig a couple of weeks ago and he said he was booked until Feb ‘18 but could “put me on the list”. So it appears that he is accepting new business.

yes, it is worth a try, especially as this is such a nice family heirloom Craig might be willing to accept to work on it - and even if he'd only start working on in in February, that would still be less than the 7 months Breitling has quoted.

and you'd be sure it would receive the most competent care.