B-1 at the "Spa" update

[OB59]

Hi all,

Shipped my B-1 to BUSA last Sat the 17th.The battery was dying after 4 years ( a good run. ) Received an estimate via e-mail on Tuesday the 20th. That is fast. Recommendation for Basic Service at a cost of $100 and $25 return shipping. The estimate had a condition section where I learned the crystal, AR coating, case, chimney, and bracelet were all scratched. I called BUSA because I never noticed any crystal or AR scratches. A nice lady explained that the condition was ascertained using a loupe and most often these 'scratches' on the crystal are not visible to the "naked eye" and just a part of normal use. Whewww...OK. Also how many of you ( be honest) know what the "chimney" of a watch is. I didn't. The chimney explained the lady on the phone at BUSA is the metal ring between the bezel and the crystal. I had never seen or heard of that term prior to receiving the estimate.
I know many will say (and have) "$100 for a battery",but I believe you receive a good deal. See the video on the breitling website , if you havent already.The watch is taken apart with the proper tools , all gaskets replaced, parameters checked and a basic polish too. . Plus a 1 year warranty. Its a $2500 watch new so $125 over 4 years is a small percentage to pay IMHO, to properly maintain it.. So after faxing written authorization ( you cant approve on the phone) I now await the return of my beloved B-1. I'll keep you posted.
Best to all,

OB

[helderberg]

I have to agree with you as to cost of maintenance. That is a beautiful watch and if that is what it costs to keep it performing as it can than so be it. I don't understand people who complain about this as it is part of the cost of ownership for something that nice. Best of luck and please post photo's when you get it back.
Best health, Frank

[brvheart]

thank you for the update :)

I agree that is a small price to pay to have the experts take care her ;)

Let us know as soon as it gets back - also mandatory is pictures after the Spa

[Shel]

I happened to speak with a gent from Australia, while we were at Universal Studios. We were both sitting, waiting for our wife/kids, and I complemented him on his Tag Heuer watch.

He told me that it needed to be sent in to Tag every six months for service, but that the service was included in the cost.

Wow! It is an automatic, and I understand that a mechanical watch may need more service then a quartz, but man, I would NOT want to have to send my watch in for service every SIX MONTHS!!!

$125 every four years, for a thorough cleaning and inspection is well worth it!

Be sure to keep us posted on the return of your B1.

[SnapIT]

I find it hard to believe. Maybe he was having a bit of fun with you. Tag's service centre would be waist deep in watches if they had to service every Tag in the field every six months. The whole thing doesn't ring true to me.

[icqcq]

Obie:

Did the nice lady on the phone quote you a turn-around time? I think I read 'six weeks' somewhere here on the forum, which would feel like an eternity (but eternity comes down to hours). (And a minute makes a tough guy cower.)

Second question, for anybody who knows: let's say you had your B-1 modded, perhaps bead-blasted and maybe even PVDd.... Would Breitling respect the revised watch? Would they service the innards if the outtards had been so changed? Would they service it, but insist on returning the watch to Factory specs with a nice deep polish? Or could they respect the changes?

My B-1 showed up yesterday, and No, I haven't done anything to it yet. But everytime I see a BlackSteel SupahAvenger I grind my teeth with pleasure, and plot the BlackSteel B-1.

[rt19]

I did a pressure test of one of my quartz watches a couple years ago, and it ran me (I think) about $20. Add in a new battery of around $15-20, and a thorough polishing and gasket replacement, the price isn't exorbitant at all. Makes me even more interested in the Aerospace.

[OB59]

No she didnt say. The estimate sheet says 4-6 weeks. I am hoping 4, expecting 6 and I'll be happy if its earlier. Skyland getting the bulk of wear these days. I love it too.
Best,

OB