FAQS
FAQS
ABOUT MY BREITLING
A reference number is associated to each watch model, like the Navitimer 1 BO1 Chronograph 43 in red gold (reference RB0120), or the Transocean Day & Date in steel (reference A45310).
You can find the reference number on the documents handed to you with the watch at purchase, like the International Warranty certificate, or on the case-back of your watch:
See all current models with their reference numbers HERE
Under: WATCHES > ALL THE WATCHES
The serial number is an identification number that allows you to identify your watch.
Since the year 2000, this number is unique for each Breitling watch. You can find it on the documents handed to you with the watch at purchase, like the International Warranty certificate, or on the case-back of your watch:
The movements of all current Breitling watches are certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres – COSC). To achieve this certification, the movement of a watch must successfully pass specific precision tests in different positions and at different temperatures, over a 15-day period. The standards set by the COSC allow a maximum average deviation of : -4 to +6 seconds per day for mechanical watches and +/- 0.07 seconds per day for quartz watches.
Watches produced before the year 2000 might in certain cases comply with these standards as well, especially if they have been serviced regularly - see our service recommendations
Under: SERVICE > USER TIPS AND MAINTENANCE > INTERVENTIONS
A chronograph is a watch with stopwatch functions, enabling the measurement of the duration of an event, using a specific hand or display that can be started, stopped and returned to zero.
A chronometer is a watch that has obtained a certification by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres – COSC). To achieve this certification, the movement of the watch must successfully pass specific precision tests in different positions and at different temperatures, over a 15-day period. The standards set by the COSC allow a maximum average deviation of : -4 to +6 seconds per day for mechanical watches and +/- 0.07 seconds per day for quartz watches. The movements of all current Breitling watches have earned this certification.
The movement of a quartz watch is powered by a battery; it is driven and regulated by a quartz crystal and an electronic oscillator.
The current Breitling quartz models are all fitted with a thermocompensated SUPERQUARTZ TM movement, containing a temperature gauge thus offering its user a precision of +/- 15 seconds a year; their integrated circuit contains no less than 8’000 components.
The movement of a mechanical watch is driven by a spring, called the mainspring, which needs to be wound. This can either be done manually, using the crown, or, in the case of an automatic mechanical watch, by using the kinetic energy provided by the wearer’s movements. All current Breitling watches are Chronometer certified and comply with the standard set by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres – COSC), which allows a maximum deviation of -4 to +6 seconds per day.
BLOCKCHAIN
Know more about my digital passport secured by blockchain
As of October 2020 Breitling, is expanding its digital passport secured by blockchain from the Top Time to its entire collection.
This private digital passport features a digital certificate of ownership, bringing considerable added value to Breitling owners as it is empowering them to engage with Breitling as they wish, under full anonymity.
As of Mid-January 2021, the digital passport and all its benefits will be extended to previously produced Breitling watches. We will also offer on-demand digital passport generation for watches that are not currently covered based on the information that the brand currently has through time; in this case an online registration or a Boutique visit will be necessary.
For more details, please click HERE.
See also: How to claim my digital passport?
The Breitling digital passport brings Traceability, Transparency, and Tradability.
Traceability since it allows to access key information related to your watch, including product information, warranty status and full history. The digital passport provides visibility on your Breitling watch lifecycle, from the moment it is sold. Therefore, it records the service that your watch will receive, all the care to ensure its optimal functioning throughout time. Which, as in the case of a car, increases the value of your watch, should you would like to resell it, an option for which Breitling will soon provide a solution, setting up a secured market place with embedded valuation via the blockchain technology.
Transparency as it enables you to engage in a one-to-one anonymous conversation with your Breitling Squad and benefit from all the brand’s services.
Tradability as you can transfer your current ownership to the new owner of your watch via a simple and secured blockchain transaction.
Additionally, all relevant documents to your watch will be included in your digital passport from the COSC certificate to the chronometer certification of the movement to the warranty information pertaining to the watch.
For more details on your benefits, please click HERE.
See also: How to claim my digital passport?
It could not be simpler: one scan, one click.
Indeed, one scan of the QR code on the validated warranty card of your new Breitling watch with your mobile device brings up the dedicated landing page on Breitling website (or WeChat mini program specifically in China) where one click on the “GET MY CERTIFICATE” button allows you to download the unique encrypted wallet to securely claim the digital certificate of ownership that will warrant the digital passport of your watch.
For previously produced Breitling watches, you can claim your digital passport by a manual identification step, that you can access from your private Breitling account.
Of course!
By registering an account, you become a member of Breitling inner circle and benefit from even more value-added services and benefits, from managing your Breitling collection in your dedicated Breitling account to exclusive unveiling and access to private events.
Any Breitling owner has the possibility to register an entire collection of Breitling watches on Breitling.com and access at any times all related documentation (digital certificate of ownership, COSC certificate, user manual, warranty status).
You can either register an account directly on Breitling.com, or by clicking on “REGISTER MY WATCH” button on the landing page that is opening once you will scan the QR code on your new Breitling warranty card.
For more details on associated benefits, please click HERE.
Buy on Breitling.com
We offer the opportunity to pre-order your new Breitling watch on certain models.
The deposit amount shall be thirty percent (30%) of the purchase price of the watch. If the watch is not yet in stock, you should expect to have it shipped within the next six (6) months after the pre-order has been placed. You acknowledge that Breitling may not be able to fulfil your pre-order. If this were the case, Breitling will inform you hereof by email and will credit back on your credit or debit card account the down payment made at the time of pre-order. You will not be entitled to any compensation or remedy in case of cancellation by Breitling of your pre-order, whatever the reason.
Please contact our Breitling Customer Relations team by telephone on (866) 657-7670 or email at info.us@breitling.com
Follow the steps here to send directly to our service centre or drop off at your nearest authorised retailer https://www.breitling.com/zz-zz/service
By creating an account with Breitling.com, you can keep in touch with the latest Breitling news on our mailing list, create your own wish list online, register your e-warranty watches online and monitor your Breitling service and repairs history.
You can measure your wrist using our tool - please ensure you print the tool without changing the dimensions as this could provide inaccurate results. Please note your wrist size may vary from watch to watch, depending on the style of bracelet and case thickness. https://www.breitling.com/assets/documents/store/asset-version-3d35c8cd73/breitling-strap.pdf.
Yes, we can even ship directly to the recipient. We use a non-branded shipment box for secure delivery and the delivery note enclosed in the package won't show the order value. To mark the special occasion, we offer complimentary gift wrapping and you can include a personalised gift message in your order.
Upon receiving your return, Breitling will verify that the returned product satisfies the conditions of the return policy as well as be submitted to a strict quality control process.
If the product does not meet quality control standards, Breitling will refuse the return, or offer a partial refund for the returned product.
Please allow up to 7 days from receipt of your product to our facility to process and issue your refund.
We are unable to accept returns purchased from Breitling.com at one of our Breitling boutiques or authorized retailers. Please contact our Breitling Customer Relations team on (866) 657- 7670 who will be able to advise you further.
We accept items that are unworn and in mint condition within 30 days of delivery. We are unable to accept returns after this time frame. Please contact our Breitling Customer Relations team on (866) 657- 7670 who will be able to advise you further.
(The following answer is for when this program goes live. Until then, the answer is No we are unable to) Yes, upon checkout, you may select a Breitling Boutique to ship your order to where it may be picked up upon delivery.
To show our appreciation, we will offer an exclusive gift from our select range of lifestyle and travel accessories of your choosing for all watch purchases upon checking out through your Breitling.com account. Your chosen gift will be sent separately, approximately 45 days after you have received your order.
Insurance
In several countries, Breitling is pleased to offer to you the option to purchase an insurance, covering your Breitling watch against different kind of risks, usually including theft, loss and damages.
The Insurance Service, if available in your country, is offered by a third-party company, which is independent from Breitling and which may change from one country to the other.
Learn more here.
#BreitlingSelect
Following your initial registration to #BreitlingSelect, you have the right to cancel your subscription within 10 business days.
After that period, the subscription service will run for 12 months.
The cancelation will be effective only when you have sent back the first watch you have received, and once we confirm it meets our return quality criteria defined in #BreitlingSelect Terms and Conditions.
Once we have confirmed that your returned watch meets our quality criteria, Breitling will cancel your subscription to #BreitlingSelect and proceed to refund your subscription fee and your first monthly fee onto the credit card that was used in the checkout process.
To cancel your subscription, please contact us.
Starting two months following your subscription to #BreitlingSelect, Breitling will make you special offers to purchase one of the watches you have enjoyed from the #BreitlingSelect collection, taking into consideration the value of your accumulated Squad Points.
Watches subject to these special offers are from the #BreitlingSelect collection.
Watches from the #BreitlingSelect collection come from a selected, dedicated assortment of fully refurbished watches to ensure the full experience of Breitling’s high-quality products.
After requesting your next Breitling watch online from the #BreitlingSelect collection, you’ll have to first send back your current watch within 10 business days.
Upon reception, Breitling will perform a quality check on the returned watch to confirm that it meets our quality standards as per #BreitlingSelect Terms and Conditions. This may take up to 5 business days.
Once we confirm that your previous watch meets our quality standards, we will send you your next Breitling watch.
#BreitlingSelect offers most of Breitling’s bestselling collections for men and women.
Watches available from the #BreitlingSelect collection come from a selected, dedicated assortment of fully refurbished watches to ensure the full experience of Breitling’s high-quality products.
Additionally, each strap (other than metal bracelets) will be automatically replaced between two rotations.
To discover the collection, click here!
You can benefit from you cumulated loyalty points and purchase a watch from the #BreitlingSelect selection at any time, starting 2 months after your registration and ending 2 months after the end your #BreitlingSelect subscription.
You can keep the same watch for a minimum of 1 month to a maximum of 6 months.
Of course, if you really enjoy your current Breitling watch, you can request the exact same watch model for your next rotation. You will still have to send us back your previous watch before getting the next one.
The #BreitlingSelect selection is made to offer you the most extensive experience of Breitling with best sellers from most of the Breitling collections, for both men and women.
All watches from the #BreitlingSelect selection are cleaned and refurbished between two rotations ensuring a perfect aesthetic and functional condition.
Additionally, each strap (other than metal bracelet) will be automatically replaced between two rotations.
Enjoy up to 3 different Breitling watches of your choice on a rotating basis from the #BreitlingSelect collection, over a period of 12 months.
Watches from the #BreitlingSelect collection come from a selected, dedicated assortment of fully refurbished watches to ensure the full experience of Breitling’s high-quality products.
There is no obligation to purchase a watch from the #BreitlingSelect collection.
Starting two months following your subscription to #BreitlingSelect, Breitling will make you special offers to purchase one of the watches you have enjoyed from the #BreitlingSelect collection, taking into consideration the value of your accumulated Squad Points.
Watches subject to these special offers are from the #BreitlingSelect collection.
Watches from the #BreitlingSelect collection come from a selected, dedicated assortment of fully refurbished watches to ensure the full experience of Breitling’s high-quality products.
Enjoy first – buy later.
Over a period of 12 months, enjoy up to 3 different Breitling watches of your choice from the #BreitlingSelect collection on a rotating basis.
You will also get special offers to purchase your preferred Breitling watch from the #BreitlingSelect collection.
Whenever you wish to purchase a Breitling watch from the #BreitlingSelect collection, you’ll get a special offer taking into account the value of your accumulated Squad Points.
Watches from the #BreitlingSelect collection come from a selected, dedicated assortment of fully refurbished watches to ensure the full experience of Breitling’s high-quality products.
When you register, you’ll have to pay a one-time subscription fee of 450 USD. Then, you will have a monthly charge of 129 USD over a period of 12 months. Whenever you decide to purchase a watch from the #BreitlingSelect collection, your subscription contract will end, and your monthly coverage will no longer be charged.
Watches from the #BreitlingSelect collection come from a selected, dedicated assortment of fully refurbished watches to ensure the full experience of Breitling’s high-quality products.
It is a very simple, 3-step process:
- Register online and then select the first watch you want to wear from the #BreitlingSelect collection.
- Enjoy your first Breitling watch for the duration of your choice (1-month minimum to 6 months maximum) and select another watch online when you’re ready for your next rotation, any time.*
- Get special offers to purchase your preferred Breitling watch from the #BreitlingSelect collection.
*You can try up to 3 different Breitling watches over 12 months, just be sure to send us back your previous watch before receiving the next one.
Over a period of 12 months, you’ll have 3 Breitling watches to choose from and experience.
#BreitlingSelect enables you to enjoy Breitling in an entirely new way. Wear up to 3 different Breitling watches of your choice on a rotating basis, over a period of 12 months.
Additionally, you will get special offers to purchase your preferred Breitling watch from the #BreitlingSelect collection.
Watches from the #BreitlingSelect collection come from a selected, dedicated assortment of fully refurbished watches to ensure the full experience of Breitling’s high-quality products.
Warranty Extension
It depends on the movement that is inside your Breitling watch.
For Breitling watches equipped with any other than a mechanical Manufacture Breitling Movement, the extension is of 2 years while for Breitling watches equipped with a mechanical Manufacture Breitling Movement, the extension is of 3 years.
Learn more here.
Breitling is offering you the possibility to purchase an extension of the International Warranty of your Breitling watch online here.
Breitling Warranty Extension covers your Breitling watch against any manufacturing defect for an additional period of time.
WARRANTY
All Breitling watches are covered by an international warranty valid for two years after purchase, except for watches with a mechanical manufacture movement, which are covered during 5 years (provided that water resistance tests are performed every 2 years following the date of purchase by an authorized Breitling service center).
The warranty coverage applies to any manufacturing defect, within the frame of the warranty conditions, and entails that Breitling will take any corrective action that is necessary to ensure the watch performs as per standard.
See the detailed warranty conditions HERE Under SERVICE > INTERNATIONAL WARRANTY Additionally, all work performed by an authorized Breitling service center, and mentioned on the corresponding invoice/delivery note, is under warranty during the amount of time mentioned on the invoice
All Breitling watches sold at our authorized stores are authentic. The Breitling boutiques and authorized retailers are listed HERE.
Beyond that, the safest way to identify an authentic Breitling is handing it to an expert, for example an authorized Breitling store or service center. Since the year 2000, all Breitling watches carry a unique identification number: their serial number, which can be checked within the Breitling network against the model reference of the watch.
Also see: What is a serial number? / What is a reference number?
SERVICE
The average delivery time is 4 weeks, plus the duration of the dispatch to and from the service center. These deadlines can vary, depending on the complexity of the intervention or the availability of spare parts.
If you have registered a service request on our service platform (provided this option is available in your country) under SERVICE > MY WATCH NEEDS A SERVICE > SEND. You can follow up on the status of the service HERE under SERVICE > SERVICE STATUS.
You also may directly contact the authorized service center where you dropped off your watch for service.
A maintenance service is recommended every 2 years and includes: checking movement parameters and watch functions, changing all seals, checking water resistance, cleaning the case and metal bracelet; changing the battery for quartz watches.
A complete service is recommended every 4 to 6 years and includes: disassembly, cleaning and replacing of standard movement parts, assembly, lubrication, adjustment and setting of movement function parameters; changing all seals, partial changing of hands and checking of water resistance; refurbishment* of the case and metal bracelet; changing the battery for quartz watches.
*Excludes models with black carbon surface treatments.
Regular maintenance, properly carried out, will allow your watch to maintain its performance and reliability in the long term. By respecting the service deadlines recommended by Breitling, and by ensuring that servicing is done by an authorized service center, you will extend the lifespan of your watch – and protect your investment.
Every 2 years we recommend a maintenance service, which includes: checking movement parameters and watch functions, changing all seals, checking water resistance, cleaning of the case and metal bracelet; changing the battery for quartz watches.
Every 4 to 6 years, we recommend a complete service, which includes: disassembly, cleaning and replacing of standard movement parts, assembly, lubrication, adjustment and setting of movement function parameters; changing all seals, partial changing of hands and checking of water resistance; refurbishment* of the case and metal bracelet; changing the battery for quartz watches.
*Excludes models with black carbon surface treatments.
You will find further details on the maintenance of your watch HERE
Under: SERVICE > MY WATCH NEEDS A SERVICE > SERVICES
You are welcome to send your watch directly to one of our service centers or to drop it off at any authorized Breitling retailer.
All authorized Breitling service centers are listed HERE
Under: SERVICE
And the boutiques and retailers HERE
Under: STORES
IN COUNTRIES WHERE THIS SERVICE IS AVAILABLE:
If you register a service request on our service platform
under SERVICE > MY WATCH NEEDS A SERVICE > SEND , you can follow up on the status of the service HERE
under SERVICE > SERVICE STATUS
USER TIPS & MAINTENANCE
The movement of a mechanical watch is driven by a spring, called mainspring, which needs to be wound. This can either be done manually, using the crown, or, in the case of an automatic mechanical watch, by using the kinetic energy provided by the wearer’s movements.
However, we recommend fully winding your automatic watch as well, whenever it has stopped (for example if it hasn’t been worn during a few days) before putting it back on your wrist. Thereafter the energy provided by your movements will maintain the tension of the main spring that drives the mechanism.
To fully wind your watch, we recommend rotating the crown 40 times in a clockwise direction.
In order to wear a watch while swimming, it needs to be water resistant up to 5 bars (50 m / 165 ft) at least. For diving, snorkeling and water-skiing, for example, a water resistance up to 10 bars (100 m / 330 ft) would be required.
Moreover, Breitling strongly recommends that bracelets other than metal bracelets and rubber straps not be used in water.
See further information about water resistance HERE
Under: SERVICE > USER TIPS AND MAINTEANANCE > INFORMATION ON WATER RESISTANCE
The water resistance of your Breitling depends on the construction of its case. However your watch needs to be regularly serviced in order to keep its original level of water resistance: this is due to the fact that the gaskets sealing the watch-case naturally dry out over time, and therefore need to be replaced. Consequently your watch should undergo a water resistance test every year and a maintenance service every 2 years.
The degree of water resistance of your Breitling is described either in meters, or in bars (1 bar~10 m = approx. 33 ft). Note: these figures reflect a technical norm and do not represent the exact depth the watch can be immersed at, while being worn. “Water resistant up to X meters” means the watch can be exposed to the pressure that it would have to sustain, if it was placed at X meters depth in a completely static environment and position. However the wearer’s movements (diving, jumping, swimming, etc…) as well as the force of the water (shower jets, river currents, etc…) can considerably increase the pressure on your watch.
You will find a table listing the level of water resistance you can expect of your watch HERE
Under: SERVICE > USER TIPS AND MAINTEANANCE > INFORMATION ON WATER RESISTANCE
Every 2 years we recommend a maintenance service, which includes: checking movement parameters and watch functions, changing all seals, checking water resistance, cleaning of the case and metal bracelet; changing the battery for quartz watches.
Every 4 to 6 years, we recommend a complete service, which includes: disassembly, cleaning and replacing of standard movement parts, assembly, lubrication, adjustment and setting of movement function parameters; changing all seals, partial changing of hands and checking of water resistance; refurbishment* of the case and metal bracelet; changing the battery for quartz watches.
*Excludes models with black carbon surface treatments.
You will find further details on the maintenance of your watch HERE
Under: SERVICE > MY WATCH NEEDS A SERVICE > SERVICES
DOCUMENTS & AUTHENTICATION
Our authorized Breitling service centers do not assess the current value of your timepiece. For this kind of information, we suggest turning to an expert for second hand and vintage watches, for example at a specialized auction house.
The main facts concerning each current model display HERE
Under: WATCHES > ALL THE WATCHES pick the TYPE or COLLECTION, CASE, DIAL and/or REFERENCE NUMBER
Information about the service history of a watch, is only communicated to its owner. For watches purchased since the year 2000, this history can be tracked using the unique serial number of the watch.
Also see: What is a serial number?
Send it to a Breitling service center or hand it to a Breitling Store. It will then be passed on to the headquarters in Switzerland and you will receive an estimate including:
- interventions to return the watch to its initial condition, if necessary (exchange of non-compliant parts),
- Certificate of Authenticity (at a cost of 350 CHF),
- other interventions proposed to restore or maintain the functions of your watch, or to enhance its aesthetics. However our Breitling service centers do not assess the current value of your timepiece. For this kind of information, we suggest turning to an expert for second hand and vintage watches, for example at a specialized auction house.