Breitling Aerospace LCD displays

[andy97]

I have always had a hankering for a Titanium Breitling Aerospace and nearly bought one when I was serving in Hong Kong back in the mid 1990s but didn’t!

I think about getting a pre-owned one regularly but I have no idea what the life expectancy of the LCD screens might be. Any ideas?

Some of them are 20 years old now and about £1650 ish from Watchfinder etc. That might be ok unless someone points out that the LCD life is only 20-25 years!!!!

[bristolbaron]

The LCD’s are hit and miss and very expensive (£1000+) to replace if/when they go wrong. Avoid!

[Podie]

Had one for 21 years, since new.

Must admit, I’m not a huge user of the screens these days but the watch survived as my daily wearer for 15 years.

[TSS]

I've got one I bought new in 1993. It has survived all sorts of abuse over the years. The LCD screens are still 100% perfect.

What tends to go wrong is the functionality of the crown. Mine's playing up at the moment but it works with a bit of persistence. One day I'll get it repaired (again!) but as I only wear it these days for gardening/construction/mechanics it doesn't really bother me too much.

The other thing to look out for is the paint on the dial starting to flake off, normally around the numerals.

[andy97]

bristolbaron said:

The LCD’s are hit and miss and very expensive (£1000+) to replace if/when they go wrong. Avoid!

Ouch, but how likely are the LCDs to go wrong after 20 years?

[Baron Greenback]

Mine has survived as daily user for 25 years use.

[bristolbaron]

andy97 said:

Ouch, but how likely are the LCDs to go wrong after 20 years?

Impossible to say! And impossible to say exactly what might go wrong within expected timeframe too - you could get lucky, just need one display changed and price might be lower, but standard quartz modules have a limited lifespan and you’re adding an additional problem to that.

I understand the appeal, especially on the professional bracelet, but it’s a fair expense on a watch that’s run a good chunk of its limited life.

[Caruso]

I am a bit of a collector of LCD watches (50 ish watches) and the oldest in my collection date back to 1976 - so 43 years old. I also have a 1990s Aerospace in my collection. The older LCDs - Casios and Seikos can suffer from screen bleed where the LCD panel delaminates. I've not seen this on an Aerospace, although I have heard of the modules failing in other ways e.g. crown function as mentioned.

I bought my Aerospace for similar reasons - always wanted one. It didn't disappoint and is a very versatile watch.