Breguet

I have two Breguets - A Type XXI Flyback and the Classique 5707.  I was drawn to them, as there is just something about Breguet styling.  I have had them for four years and I still find them exquisitely styled.  Unfortunately, the 5707 developed a problem - the watch will not automatically move to the next date.  I can only force it to the next day by using the time advance mode.  Of course, that is not working properly, either - it's suppose to move an hour at a time and it no longer does that.  I baby my watches, as  I am sure most of the readers of this site do as well, and thus was particularly frustrated that this issue could occur.  I brought the watch back to the Breguet store here in Los Angeles where I bought it.  They are sending it in to Switzerland and will let me know the cost to fix it. 

I do recognize these are intricate works of art, but for the price we pay, I also expect them to function for more than 3 years without issue.  I have read in at least one thread where Breguet stood tall and not only did not charge the thread author for the repair, but also serviced it at no charge.  Only time will tell what they will decide to do for my watch.  I am hoping they will stand behind their product for me as well.  I will keep the group posted.

I am curious how many Breguet owners regularly service their watches, as Breguet recommends.  I keep hearing from their store personnel that they recommend every two years.  However, I doubt many of the owners are bringing in their watches on this schedule for a $1,000 service - particularly when they take around 12 weeks to return it.  I would love to hear from other owners whether this is true for you.

Many thanks!

Marc

I am definitely interested to hear how this goes, as I am starting to plan for my first Breguet (I generally plan for a purchase like this a good way in advance).  Customer service is a very important aspect for all companies, but at this level particularly.  I agree wholeheartedly that four years is too short for a major issue.  If it didn't run for at least forty years I'd be pretty peeved.  I have an 85 year old Omega that is ticking strong with only a few minor repairs (set bridge, etc.); certainly a Breguet should last no less than that.

As for cleaning, Breguet ought to know best.  Two years does seem absurdly short though.  Normally the service interval is determined by the oil.  In earlier days, two or three years made sense as oils degraded fairly quickly, but today's synthetic oils should last at least five years and some more like seven.

One possible exception is that some Breguet movements have an open barrel.  I have heard these require more frequent cleaning as it tends to spread microscopic metal bits around in a way that is unusual to a movement with a closed barrel.