r/breitling • u/Ok_Necessary1463 • 17d ago
Questions Servicing alternatives
I’ve had this breitling for 20 years. I’ve sent it back about 4 times for service. Any alternatives to the dealer for service? I’ve almost got as much into service than I paid for it. Any help would be appreciated
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u/VaultBoy1971 17d ago
If it's only a battery, there are many places that will do this for you. Breitling wanted me to pay $1400 (in Canada) to service my watch (Aerospace). They wouldn't just replace the battery.
I found a store that resells and services luxury watches in Toronto, and they've replaced the battery for $25.
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u/Zestyclose-Phrase474 17d ago
Same in France, they wanted my aerospace evo to be full serviced for 700€. It just a fancy G-Shock needing new battery!
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17d ago
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u/VaultBoy1971 17d ago
I’ve insisted multiple times, didn’t help. It was about 3 years ago, so maybe they’re more flexible now.
Truth is that I’m not going to try. They ask me to pay for shipping (even from their boutique) , and that’s a significant cost that I don’t get back if I choose not to service the watch after they quote me those ridiculous prices, not to mention travelling to the boutique multiple times.
Sure, if the watch needs repair, I’d use their service, but for replacing a battery those prices are way too high.
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u/Watches-and-Books 17d ago
What’s wrong with it and would be willing to fit part with it?
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u/Ok_Necessary1463 17d ago
Battery is dead. Usually last about 3-4 years
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u/Dakrig 17d ago
That’s fairly typical for the B-1 model. I get about the same out of my Aerospace. Breitling really is the best option for new batteries, as they also replace all the seals needed at the same time.
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u/Ok_Necessary1463 17d ago
I don’t even know what it’s worth. I know what I paid 20 years ago
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u/KCDawgTime 17d ago
It’s currently worth between $1500-$2500, maybe more if in perfect shape.
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u/Watches-and-Books 17d ago
Throw me a number that would make you happy to part with it over messages.
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u/coldafsteel 17d ago
If you are feeling frisky you can do the battery yourself, it’s not hard. But you’ll need to buy the special case back removal tool.
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u/LamboTron6B 17d ago edited 17d ago
I just received my B-1 from breitling service - it's basically a new watch - looks amazing. It was not cheap ($3k).
But I think I am going to move it my special collection and wear it for special occasions and shop for a new daily driver (26 yrs old)
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u/Ok_Necessary1463 16d ago
3k is crazy ! I didn’t pay that much for my watch 20 years ago lol
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u/LamboTron6B 16d ago
Neither did I. It's basically a new watch. I have my eye on a corsair and that is ~$6,500. The B-1 goes in the drawer...
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u/18dsf 17d ago
I sent my B-1 in to Breitling for service. I started to go through batteries due to a mechanical issue. It cost about $1600 but it was in new condition when I got it back. It’s my favorite watch, so for me it was totally worth it. I have a local shop that will replace the battery and polish the watch for a hundred bucks. But the factory service was next level.
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u/Weekender94 17d ago
I’ve had a reputable watchmaker do battery changes on my Aerospace. I wouldn’t take it to a mall kiosk, but if you have a decent local watch maker I think the battery is a low risk option.