My dead Breitling - advice pls.
Discussion
I got a grand after my granddad so bought a watch to remember him. This was quite a few years ago as those watches are £2,5k now! Anyway it filled full of water in a pool despite only ever using a Breitling dealer to replace battery - should have had the 'O' rings changed too I learnt for £600. Great! Watch fixed and back in working order. Then next month the clasp broke and it fell on Greek floor tiles... They wanted over £800 so I wrote it off.
I now thought I'd treat myself to a new Breitling at Xmas. However a quick Google revealed I just cant see where the value is compared to my solar titanium Citizen chronograph for £300.
So! Does anyone know anyone who can fix watches that are better value than the main stealers? Someone said that a Tissot caliber will fit in it...? If not does it have any value left in it to anyone in the watch world?
Thanks for any advice as I am a bit gutted but I must have enjoyed it for over 10 years.
I now thought I'd treat myself to a new Breitling at Xmas. However a quick Google revealed I just cant see where the value is compared to my solar titanium Citizen chronograph for £300.
So! Does anyone know anyone who can fix watches that are better value than the main stealers? Someone said that a Tissot caliber will fit in it...? If not does it have any value left in it to anyone in the watch world?
Thanks for any advice as I am a bit gutted but I must have enjoyed it for over 10 years.
Edited by Ken Figenus on Tuesday 27th October 09:13
Unfortunately you're pretty well stuffed as far as non-authorised repairers go thanks to the broken LCD screens. Breitling have never supplied parts like that and the base ETA 988 versions (which could be use as parts donors for your movement) are now restricted as well.
Next time, don't buy Swatch because those £800 repair quotes are only going to get higher as these restrictions bite more.
Citizen are good and happy to supply parts
Next time, don't buy Swatch because those £800 repair quotes are only going to get higher as these restrictions bite more.
Citizen are good and happy to supply parts
I don't know for sure. Try asking Variomatic.
But Variomatic says that your watch has an ETA 988 and that's an ETA 988, so...
I can't tell for sure if that one has an LCD. I thought they all did, but it isn't obvious in the photo. Nor I can tell you whether or not it works.
The Tissot should have the same movement as your watch. But the same caveats apply. Variomatic is a watchmaker, ask him for an opinion. He'll know a damn sight more than I do.
ETA - Get the back off your watch and have a look. The movement number will be in there ETA 988 - ??? . I have no idea what the variants are, but knowing exactly what you've got is going to help.
But Variomatic says that your watch has an ETA 988 and that's an ETA 988, so...
I can't tell for sure if that one has an LCD. I thought they all did, but it isn't obvious in the photo. Nor I can tell you whether or not it works.
The Tissot should have the same movement as your watch. But the same caveats apply. Variomatic is a watchmaker, ask him for an opinion. He'll know a damn sight more than I do.
ETA - Get the back off your watch and have a look. The movement number will be in there ETA 988 - ??? . I have no idea what the variants are, but knowing exactly what you've got is going to help.
Edited by mikeveal on Tuesday 27th October 15:26
http://breitlingsource.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=...
Looks like they are differences.
Your movement E10.391 Size 9 3/4x 11 1/2
Raw movement on Ebay 988.432 Size 9 3/4 x 11 1/2
As fitted to the Tissot on ebay 988.332 Size 9 3/4x11
The 988.432 is the exact size, but it looks like the LCD characters are in the wrong place. Take a look at the exploded diagram in the link above.
The 988.332 is very slightly different in size.
http://members.iinet.net.au/~fotoplot/tech/wmms.ht...
Size 11 is 24.814mm and 11 1/2 is 25.942mm , so the movment fitted to the Tissot is fractionally smaller than the movement in your watch.
Nor do I know if the LCD numerals will line up.
Ideally you want to get a complete E10.351. You now know that Bell and Ross and Certina used this movement. You're not going to find a cheap B&R.
Failing that, the 988.332 might go in with a bit of bodging. There's 1.13mm of slop and you don't know if the LCDs will line up.
Gamble on a 988.332 or source a second hand E10.351. Your choice.
Looks like they are differences.
Your movement E10.391 Size 9 3/4x 11 1/2
Raw movement on Ebay 988.432 Size 9 3/4 x 11 1/2
As fitted to the Tissot on ebay 988.332 Size 9 3/4x11
The 988.432 is the exact size, but it looks like the LCD characters are in the wrong place. Take a look at the exploded diagram in the link above.
The 988.332 is very slightly different in size.
http://members.iinet.net.au/~fotoplot/tech/wmms.ht...
Size 11 is 24.814mm and 11 1/2 is 25.942mm , so the movment fitted to the Tissot is fractionally smaller than the movement in your watch.
Nor do I know if the LCD numerals will line up.
Ideally you want to get a complete E10.351. You now know that Bell and Ross and Certina used this movement. You're not going to find a cheap B&R.
Failing that, the 988.332 might go in with a bit of bodging. There's 1.13mm of slop and you don't know if the LCDs will line up.
Gamble on a 988.332 or source a second hand E10.351. Your choice.
Thanks so much for that fab bit of research. I followed your lead and found the ETA actual movement manufacturer site - its only half a Breitling the rest is owned by Swatch!!!
https://secure.eta.ch/CSP/DefaultDesktop.aspx?tabi...
They cunningly don't list the E10 351 to protect Breitlings huge mark up I guess - but I went through all the 988 variants and found that the 988.333 is pretty similar - the alignment of the LCD looks a lot better.
Its NOT exactly the same though:
I don't know if I could take a punt on that or find a jeweller willing to order and try?
Close - so close
https://secure.eta.ch/CSP/DefaultDesktop.aspx?tabi...
They cunningly don't list the E10 351 to protect Breitlings huge mark up I guess - but I went through all the 988 variants and found that the 988.333 is pretty similar - the alignment of the LCD looks a lot better.
Its NOT exactly the same though:
I don't know if I could take a punt on that or find a jeweller willing to order and try?
Close - so close
I have a feeling they fitted a more recent possibly thermocompensated movement after the flood damage, so it isnt on its original early 2000 movement. It has a black lump top middle...
In looking to order 500 units here (LOL) https://shopb2b.eta.ch/quartz-line/988-333.html the only real variable 'option' for the 988.333 seems to be hand height...
I think I'll bide my time on ebay as that movement is in Bell and Ropss, Certina and Victorinox (https://www.klepsoo.com/en/watches/victorinox/chrono-classic/chrono-classic-xls-mt/241300.html/?ifrom=GB&landing_g=1&gclid=CjwKEAjwwbyxBRCS74T049iEp0wSJACkO5v1WgMQSJixtAXR_6L5Hgbj8utqwtfXxWyFueBPp8N1wBoCbofw_wcB )
Thanks again
In looking to order 500 units here (LOL) https://shopb2b.eta.ch/quartz-line/988-333.html the only real variable 'option' for the 988.333 seems to be hand height...
I think I'll bide my time on ebay as that movement is in Bell and Ropss, Certina and Victorinox (https://www.klepsoo.com/en/watches/victorinox/chrono-classic/chrono-classic-xls-mt/241300.html/?ifrom=GB&landing_g=1&gclid=CjwKEAjwwbyxBRCS74T049iEp0wSJACkO5v1WgMQSJixtAXR_6L5Hgbj8utqwtfXxWyFueBPp8N1wBoCbofw_wcB )
Thanks again
I cant get any data on that E10.351, would you do me a big favour and post what you found from that same site Mike but with the right model number pls mate (I don't have a login)? This as I have found a 988.333 for £300 which means I may be in business - if they are the same.
(and here's a super resource for the ETA calibers comparison http://www.mechanikus.hu/cal_ETA_directory.htm)
Thx
(and here's a super resource for the ETA calibers comparison http://www.mechanikus.hu/cal_ETA_directory.htm)
Thx
Thanks Mike - do you want a job? :P
Surprised to see an E10 series in that, thought they were quite a bit more recent. Then again, as you say they may well have "upgraded" when it went back last time. The good news with the E10 is that parts aren't obsolete for it, the bad news is that they still won't sell them to anyone - even the service manual isn't available as it is for most of the older stuff
I've never had the two side by side but, looking at the parts that are listed that E10 and the 988.331 share quite a lot but with some curious differences - like same gear train (which usually means the same front plate) but a different stem, which usually means different setting work. But the setting switches appear to be the same visually. the 988.432 is the same base but with an altered shape (which wouldn't fit as a direct replacement) and unlikely to use the same LCD panel because of its curved sides.
Of course, the critical thing is the LCD panel. If that's the same then you should be able to either use a 988.331 or swap the panel from one to your (probably ok otherwise) E10
Surprised to see an E10 series in that, thought they were quite a bit more recent. Then again, as you say they may well have "upgraded" when it went back last time. The good news with the E10 is that parts aren't obsolete for it, the bad news is that they still won't sell them to anyone - even the service manual isn't available as it is for most of the older stuff
I've never had the two side by side but, looking at the parts that are listed that E10 and the 988.331 share quite a lot but with some curious differences - like same gear train (which usually means the same front plate) but a different stem, which usually means different setting work. But the setting switches appear to be the same visually. the 988.432 is the same base but with an altered shape (which wouldn't fit as a direct replacement) and unlikely to use the same LCD panel because of its curved sides.
Of course, the critical thing is the LCD panel. If that's the same then you should be able to either use a 988.331 or swap the panel from one to your (probably ok otherwise) E10
Thanks for your advice Vario!
I can buy a ETA 988.333 for $200 (http://www.allwatchparts.com/ETA-988333-Watch-Movement-_p_3054.html) but, although it looks very similar to what is in it now (rather than the older and maybe initially fitted 988.331?) its a bit risky. However if we could swop the LCD panels too that would be plan B! Might this work even though you suggest the older 988.331?
I did find the one you suggest for £200 http://tissot-ru.com/%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%B... but I could lose my pants
I have electronics qualifications but that sounds like a very tricky job once I get the parts! Do know watch repairers that would take the project on - especially if I import/source the caliber?
I also need a new titanium spring loaded clasp and that seems impossible to find too - sheesh!
Cheers
I can buy a ETA 988.333 for $200 (http://www.allwatchparts.com/ETA-988333-Watch-Movement-_p_3054.html) but, although it looks very similar to what is in it now (rather than the older and maybe initially fitted 988.331?) its a bit risky. However if we could swop the LCD panels too that would be plan B! Might this work even though you suggest the older 988.331?
I did find the one you suggest for £200 http://tissot-ru.com/%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%B... but I could lose my pants
I have electronics qualifications but that sounds like a very tricky job once I get the parts! Do know watch repairers that would take the project on - especially if I import/source the caliber?
I also need a new titanium spring loaded clasp and that seems impossible to find too - sheesh!
Cheers
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