I bought my Omega Seamaster through the Military Exchange on-line when I was active duty. It came with all the paperwork, etc. at about 50% of what the local Omega guy was willing to negotiate in price.

I am also all for buying locally when it makes sense. I have printed online offer sheets from ammo, gun dealers, farm equipment brokers, etc. and taken them to the local folks to see if they would match the offers (after including FFL fees, shipping, etc.). But when real money is on the table, I do what makes fiscal sense to me.

Also, the last thing I would be worried about is dealing with a reputable online watch dealer: Their reputation and business is very frangible, especially with online resources at your disposal should they not deliver.

When my Omega was due for service, I shopped around an found a very reputable place in NJ, did my due diligence and decided to ship my watch there at a significant discount from the Omega folks in Europe.

That was two years ago and the watch has been perfect.

Good luck!

Not to high jack, but what was Omega going to charge for a service? My Seamaster should due for a servicing next year.

Just the day job....

Omega themselves will likely be in the $400 to $500 range. Find a well known/trusted local watch maker in your area and have them do it. My local watchmaker charged me $200 for my Seamaster GMT recently and just a little more for my Sub

I buy my watches through authorized dealers and I've never had to pay retail. I've often bought watches when traveling, which eliminates the sales tax. The discount you can get varies with brand and model. I have no idea what you can do on a Breitling but I would expect more than a 10% discount. I haven't bought a new watch in the last 10 years but there was usually around 35% margin for the dealer on most of the stuff I bought.

JR

Jeff,one of my kids used to be an authorized dealer for Breitling. If you would like pm me and I will put you in touch with Will,perhaps he can help you John Szabo

Thanks again for more advice!

Was thinking maybe to get into a less expensive watch and then move on/up later. Went back to the dealer today and realized I can't.. When looking at watches over the last 15 years when asked which one I like/want I have always said "I will know it when I see it" and this is the one...

Thanks, I will shoot you a PM.

I know you are set on the Breitling (and it is a great watch) but check this one out. The movement is one of the very best (rolex used it for the previous model Daytona) and it is in my opinion a very sexy watch

FS: Zenith El Primero Pilot Chronograph with B&P - Rolex Forums - Rolex Watch Forum

http://dev2.topperjewelers.com/images/zeniths/17.jpg

That is a very cool watch!

Something about the slide rule "whiz wheel" on the Chronospace speaks to me. I still remember learning to use one 22 years ago....

On another note,

While we are talking watches, I would love to know why folks chose their specific watch and what appeals to them about it.

Cheers

OK, here's the watch that I wear every day. I love that it's different. Since I was a kid, I've been setting digital watches and alarm clocks and anything that I could to military time. It just made sense. When I discovered that I could get a watch that tells time in military time, I was sold. Also, a big factor was that I could keep time in multiple time zones. In my work, I'm often dealing with countries in other time zones, so it's nice to be able to keep track of another zone or two. There are other watches out there that do it, but based on looks and $$, this is the one that I liked. I've got the original stainless bracelet, and I've got the rubber band from the manufacturer, and I've also got a leather strap, so I can change it's character.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1417323193.jpg

These are the two Breitlings that I was looking at earlier this year.

Breitling for Bentley Le Mans 24 hour Limited Edition of 288 pieces
http://iwmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Breitling-for-Bentley-24H-2014.jpg

Breitling Cosmonaute Blacksteel LE
http://c745.r45.cf2.rackcdn.com/img/...Blacksteel.jpg

I had pretty much decided on the Bentley Le Mans 24.

Steve,

Those are all cool. I like your daily watch in Zulu time. Lived 2/3 of my life over the last 22 years in Zulu time....

The Cosmonaute speaks to me pretty clearly too... :)

My Airman is the one watch I'll never sell
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w...psq6dzattb.jpg

The Navitimer has always mystified me, even as an a delightful anachronism. imagine trying to actually do pilot stuff with that watch. owned one briefly, couldnt even tell the time with it.

Hey Jeff,

After some research a couple years ago I purchased a tag heuer carrera automatic from Prestigetime.com

Very happy with the watch and price.

OK, when you're ready to give it away, keep me in mind!! ;) :D
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w...psq6dzattb.jpg

These are the folks I used (I thought NJ, but they are in Philly). They also sell new and used watches.

Luxury Watches | Rolex Philadelphia | Fine Watches

They were very well run and they did everything exactly as they advertised. Give them a call, couldn't hurt!

Hard to say what your work will cost compared to mine: I DD the Seamaster and treat it fairly harshly, so I had case and band work done as well.

Best of luck.

Better link: http://www.govbergwatchrepair.com/

I came across a brand a few years back that just made me smile when I looked at it. To this day the girlfriend can't understand why I check the time so often...most of the time I never check the time, just looking at my watch. Glad to hear you are looking for something that makes you happy. A great watch is hard to beat.......if it has great history all the better

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1417400605.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1417400624.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1417400638.jpg

I bought a Breitling watch for my son for a birthday present this year. After doing some research, we decided to buy from a certified dealer and pay full price. At least we know that it is "real' and that there won't be any service hassles if required. These watches are not cheap, but should last several lifetimes!

I purchased a Breitling from and international airline pilot via Timezone. Have had it to Breitling for maintenance once and definetly not a fake. Came with all original docs when I purchased it, COSC etc....

Brother in law has frequent bought / sold via Timezone.