Jeff M

Review of Breitling USA

I received my Breitling as gift 17 years ago. Beau...

I received my Breitling as gift 17 years ago. Beautiful watch... when it works. In the past 17 years, it's been back for service at least 6 times. The first few times were because the movement was faulty. They FINALLY replaced the entire movement after the 3rd time. The thing will work for about 2 years and the battery dies. But you just can't go to a jeweler to get the battery replaced. Got to go back to Breitling - that'll cost you 8 weeks and at least $160 for a basic service. if it's been more than 4 years between services, they INSIST on a full service ($560, plus add-ons like new hands, new crystal, new face).
Look, I understand this is an elite watch. Someone said you should expect this if you buy quality - like a BMW. But if your BMW has a problem (and it will, I have one), they will tell you what it is, and only fix that issue. They don't say "Pay me $XXXX and you can have it back in 2 months."
Just know that over the life of the life of this watch, you'll spend nearly as much (or more) in maintenance as you did to purchase it.
If it wasn't for the sentimental value, I'd sell it and get another Tag Heuer (got three of them and they are flawless!)