Breitling Navitimer World Service

Pandybelly

Hi,

I have a Breitling Navitimer World approaching 6 years old. It is worn in rotation with some other watches. The case, bracelet etc. are in excellent condition and it is kept on a winder when not being worn. Recently, I noticed in was running slow, so a few weeks ago I dropped it to the AD in Cork where I bought it . On Tuesday, I received a call stating that my watch was in Switzerland with Breitling and required a full service. Also, the case would be polished and the hands replaced and the watch would be like new. OK so far. Then the kicker, €760.00 for the service. Im still in shock. I know that mechanical watches must be serviced but I was expecting €350.00 as a fair price for a service. Why are they changing the hands, they are perfect?
The guy I usually deal with was away and is due back at work today so I will phone him and see what he has to say.
Could someone advise me:-

• Is this an excessive price for a service?
• Do I have to get the hands changed and the case polished even though they look perfect to me?
• Can anyone recommend a Breitling service person within Ireland who can conduct a proper service and get my watch keeping time for a reasonable fee?

Thanks in advance.

Anthony.....

Homer

That price of €760.00 is IMHO the price for a complete overhaul. A regular service would be €350 with Breitling.
If the watch is in excellent cosmetic and as you say worn on rotation then someone is taking the proverbial! Tell them to either do a regular service or send it back to you.
You could get someone in the UK to service it for less than €350 but you have the hassle of getting it there and insurance risks as covered here recently.
I sent my emergency back recently for its first service and they cleaned and polished the case and sent it back in a complimentary Breitling travel case.
It comes down to whether you think a breitling service vs an independent watch makers service is worth the difference in price!

893bet

Homer wrote: »

That price of €760.00 is IMHO the price for a complete overhaul. A regular service would be €350 with Breitling.
If the watch is in excellent cosmetic and as you say worn on rotation then someone is taking the proverbial! Tell them to either do a regular service or send it back to you.
You could get someone in the UK to service it for less than €350 but you have the hassle of getting it there and insurance risks as covered here recently.
I sent my emergency back recently for its first service and they cleaned and polished the case and sent it back in a complimentary Breitling travel case.
It comes down to whether you think a breitling service vs an independent watch makers service is worth the difference in price!

I wasn't aware there was a difference between complete overhaul and just a service?

Can you clarify what extra they are to do?

Homer

Maintenance service
Cleaning and lubrication of the balance wheel and escapement, checking the movement and watch functions. Cleaning the bracelet and case, replacement of gaskets/seals.

Complete Overhaul
Complete dismantling of the movement and cleaning/replacing where necessary of any components. Same cleaning and polishing of the case and or bracelet and seals/gaskets replaced.

It's basically the difference between a quick clean and lube and a full dismantling of the movement.

Anjobe

To put these prices in some context, a "complete overhaul" as described here is what Emily at watchrepairs.ie will do for €160 (€230 for a chrono).

Homer

Don't get me wrong.. I was just copying and pasting Breitlings descriptions and rough costs. I haven't used Emily at watchrepairs.ie but have only heard good things. My first service was free and when the next one is due I'll certainly look to get servicing done locally rather than bend over for the service dept of Breitling, IWC et al..

Anjobe

I haven't sent a watch of such high value to her and I can understand any reservations you may have there, but last year got a watch serviced and repaired and I can say that Emily was cheaper, much quicker and the work was carried out to a higher standard compared with my previous experience of the manufacturer's own service centre.

893bet

Homer wrote: »

Maintenance service
Cleaning and lubrication of the balance wheel and escapement, checking the movement and watch functions. Cleaning the bracelet and case, replacement of gaskets/seals.

Complete Overhaul
Complete dismantling of the movement and cleaning/replacing where necessary of any components. Same cleaning and polishing of the case and or bracelet and seals/gaskets replaced.

It's basically the difference between a quick clean and lube and a full dismantling of the movement.

Ah I see.

To be honest I would see the full service at 750 better value than the maintenance service at 350.

893bet

Also OP the changing of the hands may be optional work and is probably adding 80-100 euro of the cost.

Pandybelly

Hi,

I made contact with the sales guy at the AD and he was taken back at the price as well. He is going to check and see exactly what is being quoted for.

Have many forum members used Emily at watchrepairs.ie for this type of watch or other mechanicals? Wasnt aware of her service prior to my original post. If her service is good quality and value then I guess it would make sense to keep it within the country. Where is she based?

Anthony.....

Anjobe

Emily is based in Vicarstown, Co Laois, I'm not sure if she still takes in watches at South William Street. Best bet is to contact her at http://www.watchrepairs.ie/contact.html.

Pandybelly

Anjobe wrote: »

Emily is based in Vicarstown, Co Laois, I'm not sure if she still takes in watches at South William Street. Best bet is to contact her at http://www.watchrepairs.ie/contact.html.

Thanks for the info. I will wait and see what the AD says and make a decision after that.
Have you used her business for service/repair work?

Anthony.....

Anjobe

Yes (see post#7), and I will be doing so again this summer.

Pandybelly

Anjobe wrote: »

Yes (see post#7), and I will be doing so again this summer.

Need to remember what I read. Old age is a b***h.
Thanks for the recommendation.

Anthony.....

Cyrus

Anjobe wrote: »

To put these prices in some context, a "complete overhaul" as described here is what Emily at watchrepairs.ie will do for €160 (€230 for a chrono).

She won't refinish the watch like breitling to be fair

It will come back as new from them

ninja 12

893bet wrote: »

Also OP the changing of the hands may be optional work and is probably adding 80-100 euro of the cost.

Are Breitling hands not single use only - when removed as part of a service they have to be replaced with new ones .

Pandybelly

Cyrus wrote: »

She won't refinish the watch like breitling to be fair

It will come back as new from them

Hi,

The watch is excellent condition and is well looked after. It still has a high shine and has been cleaned properly since purchase. It has only been worn about a week in five so I dont think that a full polish will improve it much.
I dropped it to the AD to adjust the regulation only. I thought I would be quoted for that only and maybe offered additional services eg polishing. I appreciate that parts may be required to regulate the watch correctly.

I have still not received a call back from the AD regarding what is being quoted for. I find this disappointing considering my past purchases.

Thanks for all the help.

Anthony.....

Cyrus

ninja 12 wrote: »

Are Breitling hands not single use only - when removed as part of a service they have to be replaced with new ones .

yes

most brands replace the hands at service time

breanach78

ninja 12 wrote: »

Are Breitling hands not single use only - when removed as part of a service they have to be replaced with new ones .

They are single use. Replaced when even they are removed.

ninja 12

Cyrus wrote: »

yes

most brands replace the hands at service time

breanach78 wrote: »

They are single use. Replaced when even they are removed.

That's what I thought , 893bet made a reference about changing them being optional .

893bet

ninja 12 wrote: »

That's what I thought , 893bet made a reference about changing them being optional .

I wasn't sure.

I am drawing attention to the fact that some of the work might be optional and taking it out would reduce cost.

breanach78

893bet wrote: »

I wasn't sure.

I am drawing attention to the fact that some of the work might be optional and taking it out would reduce cost.

100% it is with Breitling. Independents may offer it as it may be difficult to get the parts.
Personally I would not get a Breitling serviced outside of Breitling. Also independent work will prob be non breitling parts as breiltng do not sell parts outside of their network. Any independent work/parts done previous to a breitling service will be charged to replace as understandably breitling could not warranty it.

Did OP try keanes in Cork or weirs in Dublin? From memory both are authoritied to carry out work in house.

Pandybelly

breanach78 wrote: »

100% it is with Breitling. Independents may offer it as it may be difficult to get the parts.
Personally I would not get a Breitling serviced outside of Breitling. Also independent work will prob be non breitling parts as breiltng do not sell parts outside of their network. Any independent work/parts done previous to a breitling service will be charged to replace as understandably breitling could not warranty it.

Did OP try keanes in Cork or weirs in Dublin? From memory both are authoritied to carry out work in house.

Hi,

I had a chat with the AD yesterday regarding the cost of the service on the Breitlilng. They can reduce the price to €675 from €760. The service involves a complete strip down of the watch, ultrasonic cleaning, oiling, parts replacement if needed, rebuild and full polish. Watch will be as new. As previously mentioned by other posters, the hands cannot be reused once they are removed from the shaft.
Their own watchmaker would not undertake this work as it is one of Breitlings more complicated movements. I discussed the possibility of an independent service being undertaken and they echoed the comments of breanach78 above, that the parts would not be sourced from Breitling and the service would not be approved in the event of a return to Breitling in the future.

I am beginning to think that a Breitling service is my only and possibly best option.

Thanks,
Anthony.....

893bet

Pandybelly wrote: »

Hi,

I had a chat with the AD yesterday regarding the cost of the service on the Breitlilng. They can reduce the price to €675 from €760. The service involves a complete strip down of the watch, ultrasonic cleaning, oiling, parts replacement if needed, rebuild and full polish. Watch will be as new. As previously mentioned by other posters, the hands cannot be reused once they are removed from the shaft.
Their own watchmaker would not undertake this work as it is one of Breitlings more complicated movements. I discussed the possibility of an independent service being undertaken and they echoed the comments of breanach78 above, that the pa
rts would not be sourced from Breitling and the service would not be approved in the event of a return to Breitling in the future.

I am beginning to think that a Breitling service is my only and possibly best option.

Thanks,
Anthony.....

What did they take out to reduce the price?

breanach78

893bet wrote: »

What did they take out to reduce the price?

IMO your as well off get it done. As they say it will be life new. Don't forget to get them to stamp the service book!

Enjoy it when it gets back and update this to let us know if you are happy with the results.

Pandybelly

Hi,

It will be a while before I get it done. Holiday to be paid for and a new wall around the house costing €4k to be built. There are always things in life that some people (wife) feel are more important then servicing a watch. :rolleyes:

I am told the price reduction is their costs on the service. I presume time, shipping, regular customer discount, etc. Whatever the reason, money off is good.

Thanks for all the help.

Anthony.....

Cyrus

Pandybelly wrote: »

Hi,

It will be a while before I get it done. Holiday to be paid for and a new wall around the house costing €4k to be built. There are always things in life that some people (wife) feel are more important then servicing a watch. :rolleyes:

I am told the price reduction is their costs on the service. I presume time, shipping, regular customer discount, etc. Whatever the reason, money off is good.

Thanks for all the help.

Anthony.....

Have you contacted breitling UK direct for a price ?

Pandybelly

Cyrus wrote: »

Have you contacted breitling UK direct for a price ?

Didnt contact Breitling UK. I thought that a major strip down was condcuted in Switzerland and hence it would be the same price regardless.
Also, I didnt want to be responsible for shipping etc. At least if I go through the AD and it goes pear shaped I would expect to have some comeback.

Anthony....

Cyrus

Pandybelly wrote: »

Didnt contact Breitling UK. I thought that a major strip down was condcuted in Switzerland and hence it would be the same price regardless.
Also, I didnt want to be responsible for shipping etc. At least if I go through the AD and it goes pear shaped I would expect to have some comeback.

Anthony....

Might be worth calling them just in case to compare the price

Pandybelly

Just visited Breitling website and found this maintenace price list:-
http://www.breitling.com/multimedia/pdf/sav/sav-480.pdf
Chronograph With Complications £595 approx €830. Maybe I should not complain too much.

Anthony.....

Cyrus

Pandybelly wrote: »

Just visited Breitling website and found this maintenace price list:-
http://www.breitling.com/multimedia/pdf/sav/sav-480.pdf
Chronograph With Complications £595 approx €830. Maybe I should not complain too much.

Anthony.....

Cool at least you know now the price is fair

blue5000

I think it is unfortunate that Swiss companies have limited the spare parts availability to independent watchmakers, and decided to do all the servicing in house. In the long run I think it's going to make people think twice before buying a Swiss watch, especially if their watches are going to be costing this sort of money every few years. Also independent watchmakers will no longer be there if they have no watches to repair. Is there an alternative?

Are we going to spend €6-700 on tools and oil and clean our watches ourselves, and hope with regular servicing no parts are needed?

http://forums.watchuseek.com/f6/getting-started-guide-watchmaking-tools-688276.html

Pandybelly

Hi,

I have decided today to get the watch serviced with Breitling. Need to start saving. Thanks for all the help and advice.

Anthony.....

Pandybelly

Hi,

Update on the watch service with Breitling.
The watch was ready for collection last week and it was like a brand new watch. Hands and gaskets replaced and polished like a mirror. It looked fabulous. While waiting I was browsing the Rolex stand and asked to have a look at the new Oyster Perpetual 39mm with the grey dial. Then the salesman showed me a mint Explorer I - bad move. I fell for it on the spot and after a weekend of hard thinking, I went back and traded the Breitling against it.
Anyone in the market for a mint Breitling Navitimer World, steel braclet and blue dial with all boxes and papers?
A few photos attached.

Thanks for all the help and advice.

blue5000

No thanks, cost of servicing has put me off:D

Pandybelly

blue5000 wrote: »

No thanks, cost of servicing has put me off:D

It is an expensive service. It was allowed as part of the trade in. Must say that I love the Rolex Explorer considering it is a watch brand that sits low on my radar.

893bet

I am rather devastated of the poor viewing of the new 39mm oyster! It looks like perfection to me but I am preparing to be disappointed!

Pandybelly

893bet wrote: »

I am rather devastated of the poor viewing of the new 39mm oyster! It looks like perfection to me but I am preparing to be disappointed!

The new Oyster Perpetual is a beautiful watch, I just felt when compared to the Explorer, it did not have that 'timeless' quality. I felt that the OP might date whereas the Explorer will look well in 50 years and will match any occasion or clothes style. Heres a few phone shots of the OP and a side by side of both. No matter what you decide to buy, you wont be disappointed.

mynameis905

Pandybelly wrote: »

The new Oyster Perpetual is a beautiful watch, I just felt when compared to the Explorer, it did not have that 'timeless' quality. I felt that the OP might date whereas the Explorer will look well in 50 years and will match any occasion or clothes style. Heres a few phone shots of the OP and a side by side of both. No matter what you decide to buy, you wont be disappointed.

Would definitely pick the Explorer out of those two although it would be a much closer call if you were comparing the 39mm Oyster Perpetual with the blue dial and the green accents.

ablogtowatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Rolex-Oyster-Perpetual-114300-ablogtowatch-2015-hands-on-2.jpg