My dead Breitling - advice pls.

[Ken Figenus]

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.

Edited by Ken Figenus on Tuesday 27th October 09:13

[Ken Figenus]

Thanks guys. The only thing that puts me off a Citizen again is that the glass scratches so much. Maybe I'll stick to socks and slippers for Xmas

[Ken Figenus]

Mike!

I could buy that ETA 988.432 from Denmark and it would fit my Breitling? I'm sure any jeweller could fit it for me too?

A glimmer of hope! Thanks

[Ken Figenus]

Thanks Mike - really appreciate this help. Got the back off but cant see the xxx.xxx model number?

[Ken Figenus]

Found this useful info on my travels:

Caliber: B75 ETA E10.351 movement. Can be used for Breitling, Certina or Bell and Ross watches

[Ken Figenus]

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

[Ken Figenus]

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

[Ken Figenus]

Sorry Mike - I 'll tick toc away soon :-) Did you have a typo in your search on Boley site? Its a E10 351 not an E10 391 - or are they the same? Cheers.

[Ken Figenus]

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

[Ken Figenus]

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

[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.

[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).

[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!!!

[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

[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

[Ken Figenus]

>>Your watch is currently in the workshop and our estimated completion date is the 23rd February, pending the results of our quality control, checking and testing<<

I gave them the OK Dec 15 after waiting 3 weeks for a quote.

Out of interest how long does it actually take to (impatiently;)!!!) change a movement guys?

[Ken Figenus]

Huge big thanks to Vario here



We fixed the clasp for £1 not £400 (and it retains the springy Breitling 'give' branded bracelet bit) and Breitling also charged me £414 for the new movement. They are lucky I didn't charge them a pound a day impatient waiting time or we might have been quits God they are SLOW for a 2hr job (but they did coconut 'oil the quartz' etc )! They also refurbed the case and put new hands on it and may well have replaced the sapphire glass or super cleaned it at least - looks really new. The LCD is really dim though. I'm putting it down to my ageing eyes but its really not very contrasty and nothing like I remember it.

Anyway its fixed and, I know in the big scheme of life its nothing, but I'n happy to have the watch back on my wrist without feeling utterly ripped off to sub GQ ad costs! So thanks Vario and thanks good guys of PH :-) I do think of my grandfather every time I look at it, and it is SO SO light compared to the Citizen that is now in the drawer that I keep pulling right!

As I said - big thanks Joe. Top man. Diolch!

[Ken Figenus]

Clean the contacts to try with a new battery - or has it corroded through?

I found people in US that would send me a caliber (motherboard) but you have to super research the model number. Its made by ETA not Breitling and a more recent model number may also fit. The info is out there...

Any decent chap will be able to change it for you - like my helpful friend here.