Breitling Superocean Service

[Double Fault]

Just heard back from Breitling regarding servicing of my 1999 Superocean.

Needs full service (£450) and they recommend a new crystal (£250). They are also saying that the bracelet is damaged and they want about £520 for a replacement. They won't polish the current strap, which I didn't have any issues with, given the 'damage', so the case will come back pretty much as new but with a tarnished old bracelet if I don't buy the new one.

Total bill > value of the watch.

Bit of a joke really. Feels like they are taking the piss.

Any other options for a service?

[M11rph]

Plenty of options. The new Bracelet/Strap trick has been going on for a while, you don't even get the old one back.

A quick phone call will often give you a feel for the level of service you can expect. I look for someone who does the work in house. Things like it being pressure tested should go without saying.
Case and bracelet polishing really isn't a black art, but there are different approaches to how far you want to go and a reputable repairer will discuss this with you. On a 25 year old watch it should have a nice amount of "patina", do you want it back to "as new" or just a light refresh to remove the worst of the dings?

Here's a few options:

https://thewatchservicecentre.co.uk/price-list/

https://birmingham-watch-repair-ltd.business.site/

Not used these, but at least they have an indicative Price list.

https://www.watchrepairuk.com/watch-service/breitl...

[buymeabar]

That's ludicrous. My 25 year old Breitling was serviced 2 years back by David Carpenter for less than 400 quid and that included a case/bracelet polish. Came back as new.

Same movement as your Superocean.