Fri 30 Nov 2007
Breitling Watch Crowns – Should they be Under Warranty?
Posted by The Breitling Source under Breitling , General Posts[40] Comments
That’s a good question. In my mind, if the crown falls off the watch, it should be fixed by Breitling under warranty… that’s assuming it unscrewed from the stem. However, if it snaps off the stem, then that’s a bit more difficult. Was it abused? Was it a fault stem? These are things that Breitling must consider when looking at the problem.
I received an email from someone and the email says this:
“Hello there! Thank you for your website, it was really helpful, I have fews questions that I hope will get an answers.
My father bought almost 10k for breitling watch. Last time, he lightly pull out a dial(knob) to change the time, and that little knob fall off. I sent it to Breitling to fix it, they charge me $984 to fix it. My father just bought a watch last year, warranty is 3 years. Should they fix this with no charge. Becuase it is such an expensive watch, and you lightly pull out a dial to turn the time, it fall out and they considered this not cover in the warranty. You know a lot about watch. What should I do? Can you please advice.
It is so unreasonable that I bought a watch, and something wrong with the dial installment, I have to pay to get it fix? So, they meant that Breitling is made out of cheap materials and cheap equipment? For example, if something wrong with the chain then it is our responsibility to fix it, but there should not be any wrong with the watch right? The dial is 18kt gold, and the watch is expensive, my father treat it very nice and genlte.
SO, what shoud I do now??
thank you for your time reading this, I really appreciated it.”
Now, warranty is usually 2 years, so I’m not sure where they got 3 years. I am waiting on a reply from her since $984 is an incredibly large amount of money to fix a broken crown stem. If its costing that much to fix whatever it is sounds like it should be under warranty, unless they smashed the watch against some pavement or something.
But it made me think. What if your crown does fall off? Is that covered? What if you take your watch swimming, is that covered? The Breitling warranty manual is somewhat ambiguous when it comes to what it covers. I personally have had no experience with Breitling Warranty as I have had no problems with my watches. I took them in for servicing and that was that. I had to pay.
I’m hoping some of you guys might be able to chip in or shoot me an email with some info!
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November 30th, 2007 at 4:44 pm
In Tourneau They offer a 3 year warranty to run concurrently with the 2 year Breitling Manufacturers warranty. That’s probably why she gathered it was 3 years. But, I believe the 3 year Tourneau, is only for mechanical failures, and in my opinion they would probably label the crown falling off as cosmetic.
November 30th, 2007 at 4:51 pm
But the crown falling off makes it impossible to set the time.. which would fall under mechanical in my opinion, and it would also allow water into the case/movement which would eventually damage it. And $984!??! That’s insane for fixing just a crown.
December 1st, 2007 at 3:24 am
Yeah I understand that’s what a moral opinionated person would say, but you know many AD’s they want to get away with murder. And They will probably state the Crown is cosmetic, just so they can charge the $984 to place in there prockets.
December 2nd, 2007 at 11:27 am
I resently had a similar incident with my Chrono SuperOcean (purchased 1/2007). It was the end of the month and I had to advance the date. This watch has the day/date aperture so adjusting that is a little more complex than winding the hands a day forward, but nothing too difficult. When I was winding the movement (as I always do when resetting the watch) the crown fell off and the spring popped out.
I took it to my AD and they sent it to Breitling USA for repair. It was covered under warranty and I received the watch in 6 weeks. I’m not sure why my watch would be covered and hers wouldn’t be, unless it wasn’t under Breitling warranty (maybe not purchased from an AD?).
December 2nd, 2007 at 3:04 pm
Thats sounds more like that it should be!
December 3rd, 2007 at 9:55 am
This is a really tough decision, without examining the watch.
The goldcrown is made out of a steel crown with a massive gold cap. A crown is subject to wear and hits. As that cannot be coverd with a warranty, it depends, how the crown was damaged. When the stem is bent and broken, I would not cover it by warranty. When the cap seperated from the crown, or the crown unscrewed from the stem, it should definitely be a case for warranty.
It is also a question of the total appearance of the watch: If it looks brandnew and perfect, it is more likely to fall under warranty, than when its beaten up.
Personally, I try to get a reduced price for repairs, where the customer believes, its a warranty case and my agent opposes. It also depends a little bit, how important the customer is. For good customers, I often cover it by warranty, even if it was not coverd by the agent.
December 6th, 2007 at 3:32 am
Good Customers? In other words, they buy alot of timepieces from your establishment? = )
December 19th, 2007 at 8:34 pm
Probably a little late to comment, but all a warranty does is provide services in addition to those you expect through consumer law. It is a goodwill gesture. I can only comment from a Uk perspective but if the fault is indeed a manufacturing fault and not as a result of wear and tear or damage you have up to 6 years to make any claims against the manufacturer from date of purchase.
In my experience watch houses are incredibly good at doing unnecessary repairs at extreme costs for disproportionate gain, and retailers mark up is just as tasty.
I’d recommend pointing the finger at the retailer, in my experience with enough pressure (or charm) they will take on the repair cost themself or replace the watch.
March 22nd, 2008 at 10:37 pm
I also have a superocean chrono that I purchased from Tourneau a little more than two years ago. My crown fell off also while gently pulling it out to set the day/date. The spring was sitting there and the stem appeared intact with threads present out to the the end. Tourneau sent it to their service center. Although I was under the impression that the additional warranty I purchased from Tourneau would cover this kind of thing for three years, it won’t; they want $398 to repair the crown. I agree with the comment that the crown actually is not cosmetic, but the warranty language probably specifically excludes crown problems. I’m not very happy with either Tourneau or Breitling at this point; perhaps I should call Breitling directly? If I were running a luxury watch company I certainly wouldn’t charge people whose crowns had fallen off without any signs of abuse or heavy wear. I suspect this is a design or manufacturing flaw.
March 26th, 2008 at 3:38 am
I bought an Old Navitimer approximately 2 years ago. I’ve worn the watch occasionally, as I split wear time with my Rolex and Maurice Lacroix. Today, the crown fell off as I pulled it out to adjust the time. I believe the watch may no longer be under warranty, gotta pull the warranty card tomorrow when I get home to check the exact purchase date. I’m pretty careful with the watch and not happy with the fact that the crown fell off despite being subject to no abuse. I plan to send the watch to the Breitling service center for repair. I am not looking forward to seeing the bill. Last Breitling for me!
April 25th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
I don’t have the model of the Breitling watch I purchased for my husband 2 years ago. I am however, having the same experience. I purchased from an AD and returned it to an AD after the crown fell off while winding and was quoted $984 to repair. I then took it to our family jeweler (not an AD) and Breitling replied (4 months after he inquired) that they would not sell him the part. My husband now has a useless $5,000 watch. No more Breitling for us. He will be getting a new watch this year but most likely a Rolex.
June 10th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
Purchased A Colt GMT with a CROC. strap, back in sept of 07. The unit has been in the shop 2 times in 9 months. For regulating it gains 3.2 minutes each 24 hours. Time keeping is horriable, I think they should replace it unit with a new one. If not I’m going back to TAG 4.5 years no issue what so ever!!
August 8th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
I love my colt automatic given to me for 25 years service to my employers but boy have I had to pay for the repairs.Admittedly I have dropped it twice but after 10 years the cost of repair is now equal to, or above the initial cost!
August 8th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
I forgot to say that the latest problem is with the crown(my second one!)that will not screw in.Have written to Breitling but expect to be told that I will have to pay out!
August 23rd, 2008 at 1:25 pm
hi,
i bought a chronomat Evo december 06, i’m french but working in the US, i moved to Colorado for a year. unfortunately, i didn’t take the international guaranty card with me. 2 weeks ago, the crown fall off. the watch is still under guarantee due to the date on the case (s5006).
Do you think guarantee will be working even without the international guarantee card ?
August 23rd, 2008 at 4:50 pm
The Warranty is still valid, so it would still be under warranty, but i think you do need the warranty card to be able to send it in for repairs. You might want to talk to the local dealer and find out.
January 26th, 2009 at 9:44 am
NEW BREITLING TWO MONTHS OLD HAD TO BE SENT FOR REPAIRS AS ALL FUNCTIONS WERN’T WORKING TWO MONTHS LATER SAME PROBLEM NOW BACK OF WATCH FELL OFF ANY ONE ELSE HAD THIS PROBLEM AND RECOMMEND REPAIR CENTER
January 26th, 2009 at 10:23 am
That sounds like you got a really bad watch. They should be giving you a new one. Talk to your dealer.
September 11th, 2009 at 10:57 am
Wow. for as much hype as the website (Breitling)shows. Their meticulous ATD (attention to detail) seems to be flimsy. I remember my first Timex watch back when I was in 2nd grade, I couldn’t get that thing to break for anything….. I’m not saying Timex is a better time piece but for durability….Breitling’s Aeromarines claim functionality to unbelievable depths, they should have SOME durability… it’s basically industry standard by NOW…..
September 12th, 2009 at 5:57 pm
A Mechanical watch will NEVER be as durable as a quartz watch. They do have SOME durability and they do have it NOW. They have plenty of ATD but as with all watches, things can happen.
September 20th, 2009 at 6:39 pm
Hi,
After reading this thread about “crowns”, I wanted to share my issue I have had with Breitling crowns.
I had a Superocean that had its crown fall off and the bezel ratchet break. The crown was my fault, as I tighten it to hard. The number one mistake made by us who think we must crank it down to be effective! My friend has the same watch and did the very same thing as I did with the same results.
Now the bezel ratchet, I accidentally bumped it on an aluminum pole(lightly)
and it sent the bezel into “bi-directional”
mode. I found that to be rather bothersome as I am a diver who actually uses the bezel for its intended purpose.
In any event, the inner case was replaced
at this AWESOME Chicagoland repair shop for $80 dollars! I wish I could remember the shops name, to share with your readers!
But the point here is; don’t CRANK your crown so tight, once it seats, just make it snug. If you exert to much torque you WILL suffer the same fate…..And this works for all fine timepieces!
You have a great web blog, keep up the nice work!
February 8th, 2010 at 9:47 pm
I have a Breiting crosswind.. The Tab rider on the 30 mark fell off and is lost:-( Ideas where I can locate this part????
Please help:-)
February 8th, 2010 at 10:34 pm
Breitling should still have some… just take it to a service center.
March 2nd, 2010 at 4:23 pm
I noticed when the crowns on Breitlings are screwed all the way down, they are slightly tilted, not flush with the bezel. Maybe it is tilted so it is easier to pull out and set the date and time once you unscrew it??
March 4th, 2010 at 11:10 am
All my Breitling crowns are flush.. I’m not sure why all yours are tilted. Perhaps there is some dirt in the screw.
April 20th, 2010 at 11:55 am
I am the unfortunate owner of a Breitling Montbrilliant Olympus watch purchased in 2005. While under the 2 year warranty, the watch was sent back to Breitling in 2007 due to the watch keeping unacceptable time, often losing 4 minutes in a week. Breitling corrected the problem with a total cleaning, basic service and readjustment. On average, I wear this watch about 80 days per year. As a collector I own a number of fine watches, including, Rolex, Corum, Vogard, Torneau, Patek and others, kept on watch winders as dictated by the individual type of watch. All my watches are treated with extreme care.
This April, when resetting the Breitling for daylight savings time, the crown simply seperated from the stem and I found myself with it in-between my fingers. I took the watch back to Hamilton Jewelers to be repaired. I was informed that all Breitling watches are sent back to Breitling for any repairs, as the Breitling company, does not send any parts for watch repairs to any watch repair services. I received the repair estimate from Breitling which was as follows:
Crown Replacement: $17.00;
General Movement Cleaning and Adjustment:
$725.00
Hand Replacement: $114.00
For a total of $856.00 plus S&H and Tax!.
I asked Breitling why they felt the hour and minute hands needed to be replaced, and was told that was company policy whenever performing basic service. Having subjected this watch to care and infrequent use, I informed Breitling I saw no need for anything but repairing the crown, and declined the additional “service.” Breitling’s response was to send my watch back to Hamiltons without repairing the crown!…In other words, Pay the outrageous charges for unneeded services or Breitling refuses to repair the crown! Since then, every watch repair expert I have taken the watch to, has informed me that Breitling refuses to supply any parts for repair, thus forcing Breitling watch owners to pay the outrageous charges that Breitling levies upon them, or end up with a watch that no longer functions!
I am sick and disgusted with Breitling in their drive for absolute exclusivety and total disregard for true customer satisfaction. In addition, I have severed all relations with Hamilton Jewelers of the Palm Beaches, for withholding from their customers, Breitlings absurd policy!
April 20th, 2010 at 12:00 pm
As you should! If I was treated in that manner I would do the same. However, your Breitling dealers are ill-informed. Any Service centre that has a Parts Account can order Breitling watch repair parts to fix your watches. The key is finding one. I know of a few, but do not know which ones are in the USA.
May 3rd, 2010 at 9:12 am
First of all, great site. Did you ever hear back on the original posting? I purchased a Colt less than 3 months ago. When I went to set the time last night, the crown broke off as I was winding it. I plan on taking the watch back to the jewelers tonight and wanted to arm myself with as much info as possible. Thanks.
May 16th, 2010 at 11:28 pm
I bought a Brokeling in the early 90′s and had to have it repired several times over the years, due to my fault and then twice more for inexplicable resons, as it was out of warranty. The last time it promptly stopped working after a repair. I gave up – I spent about $2400 on repairs. Almost what the watch cost new. The are after all Brokelings – the finest watch you can keep spending money on.
October 16th, 2010 at 1:02 pm
Is there a pattern? Does Breitling ensure that there is no such thing as warranty covered failure?
While my problem is not a stem, a navigator diving watch has “a bent case”???? and they want $700+ on a 10 month old watch that is rarely worn.
At least it keeps time.
October 16th, 2010 at 2:06 pm
I’m not sure if this constitutes a pattern, since they sell something like 150,000 watches a year. But anything that could be contributed by the user impacting the watch on something is often hard to get repaired under warranty.
November 13th, 2011 at 4:22 pm
The crown fell off of my breitling, and I only paid 120 to repair it. I don’t know if they actually replaced it, but for 120.00, who cares?
November 13th, 2011 at 7:41 pm
That’s actually quite inexpensive compared with many watch repairs.
November 22nd, 2011 at 1:57 pm
Bought an Airwolf 6 mos ago and the digital clock ceased to function. Breitling Canada fixed it once but the same problem has occured again. Does Breitling ever replace watches rather than repair them? I fear I bought a lemon.
November 22nd, 2011 at 3:45 pm
I’ve never had too many problems with my Breitling but its possible. Try asking them.
December 7th, 2011 at 2:49 pm
Just informed by Breitling of a 700 dollar charge to fix the crown on my four month old Super Ocean GMT. I was on my way out the door for a week long Europe trip and discvred the watch stopped and the crown stuck As a pilot I feel naked without a wrist watch. In attempting to un stick the crown I scuffed the grooves slightly. Breitling will not honor the warranty . It’s my second Breitling and my last.
I just ordered a Doxa GMT.
December 7th, 2011 at 4:58 pm
Is there something wrong with the mechanism? Or is it just some surface damage?
December 7th, 2011 at 9:03 pm
I was told there was damage to the tube. I cared for the watch meticulously .
December 7th, 2011 at 9:32 pm
If it is as you said something that broke through no fault of your own whatsoever, then of course Breitling should repair under warranty. Obviously they think it is otherwise… I hope it works out for you but it doesn’t sound that way.
December 8th, 2011 at 7:01 am
They are not. I am paying for the repair and selling the watch.