My dead Breitling - advice pls.

[mikeveal]

Oh look what came up when I googled ETA E10.351! http://forums.watchuseek.com/f6/eta-e10-351-parts-... Looks like "somebody" has had this problem before.

Thanks for the offer Variomatic, I doubt you could afford me. Then there's the small problem that I live in Southampton, so the commute would be a bh.

Ken,
I've looked on that Boley website and it looks like they don't have details on the E10.351. I don't have a log in either.
This might be useful though: http://static.sav.breitling.com/prod/medias/news/0...

I'm afriad it's all I can find. If E10.351 was used to replace E10.391, you can probably conclude that the reverse swap is possible. Note the bit about .351 being fatter. You may need a spacer.
If you're fixing on the cheap, a bit of cardboard might do it.

[Variomatic]

Yeah, funny coincidence that google hit :P There are a few Swatch parts account holders on there and, if they're in a good mood, they'll sometimes oblige with parts look-ups if you ask nicely

I agree I couldn't afford you but the distance wouldn't be a problem - we'd just have to open the R&D department down there and re-brand as AWAC Intl. One day.....

[Ken Figenus]

Thanks guys - my head is spinning!

I have checked that pdf Vario and as I have the Aerospace Repetition Minutes and the stamp on the back says F 65062 its a Calibre 65 movement. The hand height seems different between the E10.391 and E10.351.5 - depending on which was fitted.

So , as you say, it probably originally had an E10.391 when new but was replaced by E10.351.5 (what is this .5 bit - its not written on the caliber...?), They probably also then changed for a deeper back.

If I could have it officially changed for US $425 I wouldn't be bothering you here [see "http://forums.watchuseek.com/f6/eta-e10-351-parts-question-2519650.html ] but as Breitling UK pluck numbers out of thin air and then add a zero on the end I am trying to bypass them - and thanks for your hard work here too!

So looking for E10.391 (plus spacer) or E10.351 as a straight swop or likely 988.333 for an LCD panel swap (f that is possible). The chap on the other forum seems hands on so may drop him a note.

Thanks so much.

[mikeveal]

Ken Figenus said:

So looking for E10.391 (plus spacer) or E10.351 as a straight swop or likely 988.333 for an LCD panel swap (f that is possible). The chap on the other forum seems hands on so may drop him a note.

Thanks so much.

I've got a sneaking suspicion that the chap on the other forum is already aware of this thread. Yeah, he has a reputation for being hands on.
It's possible that the 988.333 will also go straight in. Easier than swaping the LCD.

And; you're very welcome.

[Variomatic]

mikeveal said:

I've got a sneaking suspicion that the chap on the other forum is already aware of this thread.

Yes, he may well be :P

Curiously, in between all the Swatch Group restrictions, Cousins have just advertised the 988.333 as a newly available movement (it used to be restricted) in factory pre-sealed version.

Not cheap at around £350 delivered but, if it can be confirmed as a drop-in replacement, then a safer option than buying a NOS ("honest, guv") / unknown history version from elsewhere - especially allowing for getting hit for import duties, international shipping and so on!

[Ken Figenus]

Variomatic said:

Yes, he may well be :P

Curiously, in between all the Swatch Group restrictions, Cousins have just advertised the 988.333 as a newly available movement (it used to be restricted) in factory pre-sealed version.

Not cheap at around £350 delivered but, if it can be confirmed as a drop-in replacement, then a safer option than buying a NOS ("honest, guv") / unknown history version from elsewhere - especially allowing for getting hit for import duties, international shipping and so on!

Thanks Vario - Breitling quoted £140 for the caliber so Cousins are beating them at their own game. Its the clasp at £400 that ruins this for me - let alone the massive labour cost for a caliber swap (hugely masssssive).

[Ikemi]

Ken Figenus said:

Variomatic said:

Yes, he may well be :P

Curiously, in between all the Swatch Group restrictions, Cousins have just advertised the 988.333 as a newly available movement (it used to be restricted) in factory pre-sealed version.

Not cheap at around £350 delivered but, if it can be confirmed as a drop-in replacement, then a safer option than buying a NOS ("honest, guv") / unknown history version from elsewhere - especially allowing for getting hit for import duties, international shipping and so on!

Thanks Vario - Breitling quoted £140 for the caliber so Cousins are beating them at their own game. Its the clasp at £400 that ruins this for me - let alone the massive labour cost for a caliber swap (hugely masssssive).

I might be completely wide of the mark here, but if you can get a replacement movement from Breitling for £140, pay for someone (Vario?) to fit it for you, then throw on a NATO strap ... Surely it would be worth doing?

[marcosgt]

Ikemi said:

Ken Figenus said:

Variomatic said:

Yes, he may well be :P

Curiously, in between all the Swatch Group restrictions, Cousins have just advertised the 988.333 as a newly available movement (it used to be restricted) in factory pre-sealed version.

Not cheap at around £350 delivered but, if it can be confirmed as a drop-in replacement, then a safer option than buying a NOS ("honest, guv") / unknown history version from elsewhere - especially allowing for getting hit for import duties, international shipping and so on!

Thanks Vario - Breitling quoted £140 for the caliber so Cousins are beating them at their own game. Its the clasp at £400 that ruins this for me - let alone the massive labour cost for a caliber swap (hugely masssssive).

I might be completely wide of the mark here, but if you can get a replacement movement from Breitling for £140, pay for someone (Vario?) to fit it for you, then throw on a NATO strap ... Surely it would be worth doing?

Sounds like it.

M

[Variomatic]

Ken Figenus said:

Thanks Vario - Breitling quoted £140 for the caliber so Cousins are beating them at their own game. Its the clasp at £400 that ruins this for me - let alone the massive labour cost for a caliber swap (hugely masssssive).

Yeah, that happens with Cousins quite a lot.

It seems to be a mix of manufacturers not discounting to materials houses (so Cousins are probably paying the same, or even more, than Breitling are quoting for the movement) and Cousins effectively being the only palayer in town now unless you want to faff about with potential customs clearance etc buying overseas. All the small materials houses have either folded or concentrate on relatively niche markets now like antique clock spares.

What's the problem with the clasp? They can sometimes be repaired or replaced with a similar (titanium) generic where all you really lose is the branding but they cost you £20 instead of £400!

[lostkiwi]

For the clasp you could always find a half decent fake and nick the clasp off it...? (can I say that on here?)

[Ken Figenus]

Ikemi said:

I might be completely wide of the mark here, but if you can get a replacement movement from Breitling for £140, pay for someone (Vario?) to fit it for you, then throw on a NATO strap ... Surely it would be worth doing?

They already refused mate. They WONT supply you the movement alone - they want the labour charge to fit it which is over twice the cost of the part. I have the original leather strap but I prefer metal bangles!

I may end up having to bite the bullet anc cough up for such an old watch as its a sentimental value, but we are all putting up a fight in the name of fairness and value! Thanks brothers!!!

[Variomatic]

Ken Figenus said:

They already refused mate. They WONT supply you the movement alone - they want the labour charge to fit it which is over twice the cost of the part.

So effectively ends up at around the Cousins price because they'll only charge £140 for the movement, but then £200+ an hour for fitting - think I need to ask my boss for a pay rise! Oh, hang on, I've just told me that if I start asking that sort of rate I'll fire me

[Ken Figenus]

Variomatic said:

What's the problem with the clasp? They can sometimes be repaired or replaced with a similar (titanium) generic where all you really lose is the branding but they cost you £20 instead of £400!

The clasp hinge broke and hence it fell...



I'm almost at the point where I import the 988.333 for about £200 and keep fingers crossed. If it doesn't work and plan B LCD cant be ported over I sell that on. I'll also trawl cousins for a £20 hinge - its abso-bl00dy-loutely nothing special after all! I can then leave you in peace and well thanked

[Variomatic]

Sure I posted this about 10 minutes ago, then PH started showing me posts from 14 April, then this one seems to have disappeared. So if it turns up twice, mucho apologies!

Cost on a generic replacement for that style is about £3 and you can swap the original clasp top so it'll look exactly the same.

Or, if you don't mind a stainless steel hinge under your original top piece feel free to PM me your address, along with the width of the clasp (inside the top piece) and the width of the "gap" where the strap's pinned to it and I'll send you a complimentary one because they're really taking the piss at £400 for that and I don't like seeing people ripped off in that way!

[Ken Figenus]

Thanks mate - that's very good of you.

I have been feeling a bit tight here - posh watch an' all - but I'd rather put £400 in my kids' saving account or give it to Soi Dog than spend it on a clip worth £3. Its not even titanium its stainless. I'll PM you with a proper shot - and let me give a tenner to a Just Giving mad mate's skydive or something for you!

[Ken Figenus]

Was just checking this thread as I OK'd the watch to have a new movement for £400 back in mid Nov 2015. Still don't have anything back from Breitling. Joe has long since sent me a clasp - saving me £400 (sic)!!!!

It used to be if you were paying through the nose you got quick service - the old 'choose any two' from CHEAP / FAST / GOOD! I cant tell you how much I will never bother with a Breitling ever again - absolute PITA to deal with and milking it all the way with slow slow slow service.

Apologies for ranting horologists

[GCH]

Hopefully it comes back working....unlike the last one I sent to Breitling Uk....

[Variomatic]

Sadly, that's the real (and usually unspoken) benefit to the owner of restricted in-house parts and service. Once you've paid that much for the watch you're kind of tied in to accepting whatever level and price of service they grace you with because you don't want to throw something that expensive away but no-one's going to buy it "for repairs" if they'll be facing the same.

Anyone considering any Swatch group product take note......

[Jimmy Recard]

Variomatic said:

Sadly, that's the real (and usually unspoken) benefit to the owner of restricted in-house parts and service. Once you've paid that much for the watch you're kind of tied in to accepting whatever level and price of service they grace you with because you don't want to throw something that expensive away but no-one's going to buy it "for repairs" if they'll be facing the same.

Anyone considering any Swatch group product take note......

I think you've seen my thoughts on it!

I've moved over to pretty much only Rolex and Seiko recently, so things should be ok

By the way, I sent you a message about a certain vintage Seiko I've ordered. I wonder if you can take a look when it arrives?

[Variomatic]

Not seen anything in my inbox but seem to have managed to split my messages between my laptop at home and tablet in the shop so it may be in there. I'll have a look on Friday when I'm back in