Chronometer-Grade Servicing for Your Breitling
Every modern Breitling that reaches our bench leaves it with its COSC chronometer specification preserved. Slide-rule rotation refreshed on the Navitimer, Superocean depth ratings re-certified, B01 column-wheel chronograph overhauled to manufacturer protocol, and a written 12-month guarantee covering every piece returned from the Martin Oliva workshop.
Breitling's chronometer-certified output is the largest in Switzerland and a defining feature of the brand. Every modern Breitling movement that reaches our bench is delivered with COSC chronometer certification, and that standard must be preserved through every service. Slide-rule rotation on the Navitimer, helium escape valves on Superocean references and the column-wheel architecture of the B01 in-house chronograph all reward correct technique and disciplined regulation.
A 1950s AVI Co-Pilot received from a relative and a contemporary Premier B01 chronograph each follow the same protected workflow at our bench, logged on intake, stripped to component level, re-oiled to specification, regulated to chronometer tolerance and pressure-tested against the reference's original depth rating before sign-off.
Every Breitling service includes the following:
A complete Breitling service at Martin Oliva is a calibre and case restoration, not a cosmetic refresh. Every timepiece moves through ten dedicated workshop stages before sign-off.
Pre-Service Diagnostic Trace
Pressure-test results, rate readings and amplitude figures are entered into the service file on intake, these become the documented baseline against which the regulated calibre is later judged.
Slide Rule & Bezel Function
On Navitimer references the bidirectional slide rule's rotation is inspected for play and freed of dust and lubricant deposits, the same attention is given to Superocean unidirectional dive bezels.
Calibre Strip to Component Level
Component-by-component disassembly is logged in our workshop ledger, bridges, balance assembly, escapement, mainspring barrel and gear train each tracked individually through cleaning and reassembly.
Chronograph Module Service
On B01, B02 and earlier Valjoux-derived chronograph references, the column wheel, vertical clutch and lever assembly are inspected, cleaned and re-lubricated individually.
Manufacturer-Specified Re-Oiling
Manufacturer-grade oils and greases are applied to specification, the chart for each calibre (B01, B04, Caliber 13, Valjoux 7750) sets the exact pivot, jewel and contact volumes, dispensed under microscope.
Case & Bracelet Hand-Refinishing
Navitimer, Chronomat and Superocean cases are hand-refinished without softening the lugs, brushed flanks are refreshed with the grain and polished bevels are masked from the surrounding planes so the original geometry holds.
Crown, Tube & Pusher Sealing
Gasket renewal is standard across the case, crown seal, tube washer, caseback ring and the chronograph pusher seals are all replaced as part of every service rather than waited on.
Depth & Air Pressure Certification
Depth certification runs against the reference's original specification, 30m for dress references through 2000m for Superocean DEEP, using sequential dry-air and wet pressure cycles before sign-off.
Chronometer Tolerance Regulation
COSC-tolerance regulation (-4 to +6 seconds per day) is verified across five positions over a five-day trial, the readings are entered into the service file alongside the original chronometer certificate.
Twelve-Month Written Guarantee
Twelve months of written cover protects every Breitling we sign off, workmanship and any components our watchmakers fit during the service are both included in the guarantee.
Breitling Service Prices including VAT
All figures include VAT and the complete ten-stage protocol. "Modern" applies to references in current or recent production; "Vintage" covers earlier Valjoux-based chronographs and pre-2000 references.
All prices include VAT and the 12-month written guarantee. Sapphire crystal replacement, dial restoration, bracelet refinishing and any restoration work are quoted separately after the workshop inspection.
The Service Journey
Four clear stages take your timepiece from the first enquiry to its return in fully serviced condition.
Reach Out
Send the reference, any service history you have, and a description of what you have noticed, chronograph behaviour, crown stiffness, slide rule resistance. We come back with an indicative figure.
Inspect
A senior watchmaker logs the watch on the timegrapher, opens the case under controlled conditions and produces a written diagnostic with the firm quotation.
Service
The ten-stage protocol runs in our workshop area. Time-only and 3-hand references take four to six weeks; chronograph references commonly five to seven.
Send Home
The watch is returned with its full diagnostic record, the certification of regulation to chronometer tolerance and the 12-month written guarantee.
Entrusted with the Chronograph Specialist
B01 Chronograph Expertise
Our watchmakers have trained on Breitling's in-house calibres, the B01 column-wheel chronograph, the B04 GMT-chronograph, the B19 perpetual and the B25 / B45 thinner variants, alongside the Valjoux 7750 and Caliber 13 base movements.
Chronometer Discipline
Breitling's COSC certification standard is maintained at our bench, every movement leaves the workshop regulated to chronometer tolerance and pressure-tested against the reference's original depth rating.
Insured From Intake
Each Breitling is logged at full open-market valuation when it arrives, photographed at every workshop stage and held within our restricted-access workshop area until certification is complete.
Breitling Models We Service
From the latest Premier B01 references through pre-1969 AVI Co-Pilots and vintage Cosmonautes, our London bench is equipped to service every Breitling family.
Breitling Service FAQs
How often does a Breitling need to be serviced?
Breitling's general guidance is a full service every five years for mechanical references. Daily-worn pieces, chronograph references and any timepiece showing rate drift or moisture under the crystal should be inspected sooner, a short assessment at our bench will determine whether intervention is needed now.
Will my Breitling come back COSC chronometer-rated?
Yes, we regulate every serviced Breitling movement back to COSC chronometer tolerance (-4 / +6 seconds per day) across five positions over a five-day trial before sign-off. The original COSC certificate is preserved; we do not re-issue COSC paperwork, which only the testing institute can do.
Do you service the B01 in-house chronograph?
Yes, the B01 column-wheel integrated chronograph and its variants (B02 hand-wound, B04 GMT, B19 perpetual, B25 / B45 thinner versions) are part of our regular workflow. We service them to manufacturer specification including the modular complication stack.
Will independent servicing affect my Breitling warranty?
While a watch remains within Breitling's own international warranty, manufacturer servicing is generally advisable to preserve the original guarantee. For timepieces outside that warranty, an independent service from Martin Oliva uses correct parts and follows the calibre's service sheet, and is fully covered by our own 12-month written guarantee.
Do you service vintage and rare Breitling references?
Yes, our senior bench works regularly on Venus, Valjoux 72, Caliber 11 / 12 and earlier hand-wound Breitling chronographs. Vintage work is priced under the Vintage column and may take additional time due to component sourcing and the bespoke regulation that older calibres demand.
Can clients outside the United Kingdom send a watch to your workshop?
Absolutely. We regularly receive timepieces from clients across mainland Europe, the Gulf, North America and Asia. Contact us in advance and we will guide you through insured tracked shipping, declared values and customs documentation.
