Watch Service: Post-Service Review

Key Points from the Discussion

• Breitling's service experience has reportedly declined, with boutiques no longer offering basic services like battery changes and strap replacements, leading to excessive wait times for routine maintenance.
• Other collectors share similar negative service experiences with Breitling, expressing concern over the brand's current after-sales support and opting for independent watchmakers for simpler tasks like battery changes.
• The discussion highlights a broader issue within the luxury watch industry where customer service and after-sales care are perceived to be deteriorating, often accompanied by unreasonably high costs, as reported by experiences with brands like Parmigiani and Lange.
• A contributor notes that the luxury sector seems to tolerate poor customer service more than other industries, such as automotive, suggesting that the 'luxury' label might inadvertently enable subpar treatment of customers.
• The thread also features a tangential discussion on aviation-themed watches, with mentions of Breitling's collaborations (like the Emergency Boeing) and Audemars Piguet's past association with Airbus Helicopters, showcasing the community's broader horological knowledge.