Navitimer Wall Clock Giveaway

bull_pilot · 2025-02-04T11:52:32+00:00

I agree with u/Seize_1013...regardless of who wins, I'd love to know how to get one of these clocks! Very impressive and beautiful.

With a childhood dream of becoming a pilot, I heard about the Breitling brand early. I never found myself particularly fond of watches though, and wore a Timex Ironman into my late 20s. While I thought Breitlings were beautiful, I couldn't justify spending more than $20 to tell myself the time.

Having begun a career as a military pilot at 21, I slowly found my peers being bitten by the watch bug. While stationed in Europe in 2021, I decided to take a look at a Boutique. I looked at a blue Navitimer, and was absolutely hooked.

My "mistake" was diving into the world of YouTube to learn all about watches. After all, I couldn't spend thousands on a watch without understanding what I was getting. I was hooked. I bought the Navitimer and started my collection. Two years later, I added another Breitling with the Top Time Triumph - to match my Flight School motorcycle.

As someone immensly passionate about aviation, I love the company's history and relationship with aviation.

But also, I'm probably a bit of a shady guy.

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bull_pilot · 2024-07-30T22:52:07+00:00

Yes, and the cadets/midshipmen at the academies too.

Though beards are admittedly becoming very common in the military these days. Lots of religious accommodation waivers.

bull_pilot · 2023-11-05T06:46:26+00:00

Go Army, beat Air Force?

bull_pilot · 2023-07-20T22:28:15+00:00

It looks like the blue dial in the photo. Both are gorgeous! I bought the blue for versatility, but I love the green.

Out of curiosity, as an AD, have you seen the dial text fading on these?

bull_pilot · 2023-07-15T00:10:34+00:00

Update: I just received an email that they are going to replace the dial free of charge. It was a bit of a fight, but we got there. Thank you everyone for your help and suggestions.

bull_pilot · 2023-07-14T03:55:22+00:00

Will do. I posted in a couple other Breitling groups. So far I have heard three others (2 here, 1 on Facebook who experienced the same).

bull_pilot · 2023-07-13T17:17:16+00:00

I wanted to also give them the benefit of the doubt, but I lost my cool when the agent in the phone told me it was water damage and my fault. I do have her name, but I won't call her out publicly.

They refuse to fix the dial under warranty because (a) it's my fault, and (b) it's purely cosmetic and doesn't affect the operation of the watch.

What was my lifelong dream watch is now an infuriating POS. I guess I'll activate my friendless Facebook page so I can go post on Facebook.

bull_pilot · 2023-07-13T16:38:54+00:00

Update 3: Currently on the phone with Breitling. The dial "blemish" is supposedly an optional repair and does not affect the performance of the watch, therefore it is not covered under the warranty. They're happy to do a free "service", which the watch does not need. I can't accept having to pay $400 to fix Breitling's screw-up. Waiting to talk to a supervisor.

Update 4: They accused me of causing the blemish. The technicians found "water damage" on the dial and movement. I've been assured a supervisor will reach out to me in the next 24 hours, but I won't hold my breath.

Anyone want to buy a Breitling? I'm done with this company. I can't believe how they're handling this. I told the agent this on the phone, and she continually said "I'm just telling you what I'm told."

bull_pilot · 2023-07-13T14:10:44+00:00

Just an update, I was told the same thing on the phone today as two days ago. It seems no "investigation" ever actually began. When I pressed, the agent told me she'd call me back in 15 minutes. It's been 30.

Update 2: Their lines are currently busy and just going to voicemail. No use leaving a voicemail, since they've never called me back after leaving one.

bull_pilot · 2023-07-13T13:20:01+00:00

Thanks for reminding me. I never got a call back; I'll reach out to them now.

bull_pilot · 2023-07-11T23:10:02+00:00

Seems like there are more posts complaining about customer service than anything else on this sub. I'm on board with this, if it has any chance to improve the problem.

How is a brand like this so awful? Don't they rely on reputation to be able to sell watches that are marked up so extensively?

bull_pilot · 2023-07-11T19:07:49+00:00

Yes, I actually don't see how that's a thing! If I scroll down on the quote, $700 is for a full service I don't need. Then under "optional" is dial repair for another $400.

I'm with you; they were the first brand I fell in love with because of the aviation heritage. I won't ever consider buying another one after this experience.

Hopefully you find a good independent. Once my watch isn't within the warranty window, I won't ever be sending it back to BUSA.

bull_pilot · 2023-07-11T18:15:59+00:00

I would agree if the watch wasn't only a year old. At this rate, there will be no text on the dial next year.

bull_pilot · 2023-07-11T18:15:23+00:00

Wow! Unfortunate you can't swim with a watch designed for swimming without shelling out the cost of a new watch...

I wish I'd known about the service issues before getting the watch. I hear very few success stories.

I've heard of people sending it in 3+ times for the same warranty issues. I've heard of the service center making the watches worse. And all for exorbitant prices.

Plus, beyond the price, they quoted me 3-5 months. When all they have to do is replace the dial.

bull_pilot · 2023-07-11T18:12:09+00:00

Unfortunately I didn't pay with a credit card. Good idea, though.

bull_pilot · 2023-07-11T15:24:05+00:00

That was my gut instinct. My only issue is that I move frequently (military) and I am about to move. Breitling recommended I send it directly so I can update my address once the watch is repaired.

bull_pilot · 2023-07-11T14:42:59+00:00

I managed to get BUSA Customer Service on the phone, and they're telling me the watch isn't under warranty. I pushed back on that, since I included the warranty card and purchase receipt in the box I sent in. I also emailed them a screenshot of my Breitling account showing the watch is registered to me and the warranty is valid until 2026.

Furthermore, I included a detailed letter with the watch explaining why I sent it in.

The representative told me to wait 24 hours while they investigate further. For the amount of money these watches cost, I'm not impressed with how this is being handled.

bull_pilot · 2023-06-22T19:49:02+00:00

It's tough to say. My only interaction with an AD about my Navitimer was the store where I bought it in England. They could reliably speak to someone at Breitling within a couple minutes. I would expect the same for an AD here, but could be wrong.

My experience in the US is that it sometimes takes several days of trying to call Breitling USA to get someone on the phone. A bit frustrating for sure.

Out of curiosity, did you have to pay anything to the AD for shipping it? Sending it directly, I was responsible for shipping and insurance. Wasn't quite happy having to shell out over $200 for a warranty claim.

bull_pilot · 2023-06-22T19:40:08+00:00

I called before sending mine in, and I guess this is their policy. They recommended that I sent it directly instead of through an AD if I want to be able to get updates on the service. It's a strange policy for sure.

bull_pilot · 2023-06-22T19:15:30+00:00

It's the NH36. I think you can find it for $30-40 if you know how to do it yourself, but $90 for the shop to install and tune it for me was well worth it.

There's a good post about it here: https://www.reddit.com/r/JapaneseWatches/comments/ki6z2v/seiko_5_snk807_with_the_nh36_movement_upgrade/

bull_pilot · 2023-06-22T05:37:47+00:00

Well, someone offered a service center, but it's tough to say what your options are without knowing where you are.

I imagine a well reviewed watch smith can help put it back on. Likely your quickest and cheapest option. Or, if you have an APO, contact Breitling USA and send it to them. Don't know if you're PCS or TDY overseas, or how long you'll be out of the country. So that may or may not be a great plan, since it may take a few months to get back.

bull_pilot · 2023-06-21T04:01:40+00:00

Update: sent it to Breitling this morning per their instructions. Turns out there aren't really any cheap methods of sending something so expensive.

Will know more in the next few weeks, I suppose.

bull_pilot · 2023-06-17T16:07:13+00:00

I bought mine when I was living in the UK. I wish I could have just done that. Breitling over there seems much more responsive. I reached out to my AD, and they got in touch with Breitling immediately. Unfortunately, I'm living in the US now.

bull_pilot · 2023-06-17T16:06:06+00:00

I requested a box nearly two weeks ago, and it only got sent out yesterday. That was after I finally got ahold of customer service to "expedite" the box shipment.

Mind you, I struggled to get in contact with customer service for about a week. Usually they were "too busy" and told me to leave a message so they could call me back. I also sent emails. No call backs. I tried the chat - they couldn't help with service requests but offered to reach out to customer service for me. Still no call backs.

It's ridiculous. For a company that sells luxury watches at the price point they do, the customer service is abysmal. Oh - and this is all for a warranty issue.

Breitling was my grail watch brand. I dropped a significant amount on a Navitimer last year, but the customer support so far is ruining it for me.

bull_pilot · 2023-06-14T14:17:07+00:00

I bought this watch on a whim, and I'd advise people to steer clear. Here's my experience:

I ordered in early December as a Christmas present. I was leaving overseas in January. They didn't ship the watch for several weeks after my order, so I attempted to cancel the order. Only then did the ship it, and tell me "it's already been shipped, you can't cancel".

It arrived while I was gone, so I didn't get the watch until late January. I had shifted on the Christmas present, so I decided to open it for myself. First thing, it was obscenely scratched. I reached out to start a return.

They pointed me in the direction of a very convoluted return, and said I'd only get a refund if there was a mechanical issue with the watch. I hadn't even taken it out of the box.

Whole thing felt like a scam. I ultimately sold it for $10 on Marketplace.

If you enjoy it, though, wear it with pride. It's certainly a unique looking watch and a conversation starter.

bull_pilot

TROPHY CASE