The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I have owned a Navitimer Men's watch for the last 5 years and have nothing but trouble. Sure the watch is beautiful however it has not worked for more than 10 months at a time. It has literally been in service longer than I have have had time to enjoy the watch. from water ingress through to hands falling off the dial and now I have been advised 'impact' has caused the latest breakdown which has been quoted at US$1,100 to repair. I am an architect and only wear the watch to work and dinner. If this type of daily activity causes 'impact' which creates US$1,100 damage, these watches are extremely poor quality! I have 5 other watches which I also have worn over the past 20 years, all subject to the same daily activities and have NEVER had to repair another watch. How does the Breitling need repair every 10 months or less. DON'T BUY ONE......like all others on the Forum, YOU WILL REGRET IT!!

Welcome to the forum, thanks for your contribution.

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Justin
Please contact me via PM for the contact details for Govberg Jewelers
Govberg is an AD for over 50 fine Swiss and German watch brands.
Visit them on the web at http://www.govbergwatches.com or call 800-528-8463

Like all mechanical devices, sometimes you get lemons. The trick is to find the point beyond which it is uneconomical to repair and then cut your losses. It is unacceptable that this watch has had so many problems, so you could ask Breitling to trade and use this watch as credit towards that. Failing that, seek out consumer affairs support in your area to see what they say.

Thank you for your feedback. I totally agree with your comments and will raise this with head office in Switzerland again.

"Like all others on the Forum, YOU WILL REGRET IT" ???

Fairly bold words. I know I've bought three Breitlings, one eleven years old when I got it, and haven't regretted a single one.

In total I've owned about seven Breitlings, all purchased used from various sources including eBay and this forum. Only had one issue with my CSO which was resolved during an overhaul. As with all things it is possible to get a troublesome one but by and large I reckon the brand is reliable and of high quality. Customer service can be less than good at times but persistence and contacting the right people can usually get a result. And a supportive AD can be of great benefit when trying to sort things out.

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Breitling B-1 1999
Breitling Chrono Superocean 2004
Casio G Shock
Citizen Eco Drive AT4000-02E (for gardening)
Seiko 5 SNZG15J1
Hamilton X Wind LE

Indeed, even though I have had a bit of trouble with my watch as well, Breitling has been more than gracious. Their service is great in these regards. They hold themselves to very high standards when dealing with problems of such kind.

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Cheers from Switzerland,

Fred

Good luck with the Swiss headquarters. Overall good watches but their customer service is worthless. I emailed a question to them over a month ago regarding an issue only they could answer. No response. Not even a go to blazes email. I called their customer service 800 number under the Swiss address. I got a guy in NYC well versed in corporate diatribe but absolutely no help. Told me to send an email to where I sent the first one. He earned his salary that day. I guess its only about advertising, selling, and bling - no more customer service just like everyone else. Just hope your watch is a good one when you purchase it or plan to suck up repair costs. Luckily my Super Ocean and pre-806 Nav are still running.

Well, in total contrast, I asked a question off their heritage team through the Boutique in Sydney, and got a response back from Switzerland in one business day - not just once, but twice. I guess YMMV depending on the question and the area you are trying to access.

You may be right arcadelt. However, I am sure Breitling marketing keep tabs on folks like you, buddman, Kurt, and watchfred. You folks actually hold a lot of influence in this market and IMHO the corporation will bend over backwards for you. I've seen it before in my business dealings with companies. You guys could actually influence sales depending upon your comments. But take an average guy with an odd question - what do they care. In any event it's just time to let it (and Breitling) be now that I know their position.

The others maybe, but not me. I'm a nobody to Breitling or the watch collecting community.

I think Kern is wise enough to listen to "vox popoli" - and many-many other sources of course.

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Current: Breitling Chronomat 41, Steelfish Chrono BEB dials, Chrono Cockpit, Grand Premiers both dials, Aerospace Avantage, IWC Aquatimer 3719 3767, Fliegerchrono 3706 3705, Sinn 103 St plexy
For sale: PD by Eterna Titan Chrono, Sinn 356 II.

Have owned during the past few decades exactly thirteen Breitlings, some brand new, some vintage, various models, with never an issue, and reasonably responsive customer service from Breitling Canada. My current daily-wear Navitimer, circa 1990, with original early 17-jewel Valjoux 7750 (pre-dating the 25-jewel Valjoux that appeared in the mid-90's), looks its age but is keeping a consistently excellent time. Thus, unlike the OP, never a regret by this Breitling loyalist.

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"Hey sweetie, that a new watch you're wearing?"....
"No hun, got this one A-G-E-S ago."