Watch Gurus, I have a Breitling question

[Jeff Alton]

I am interested in purchasing a limited edition Breitling watch as a retirement gift for myself. I have seen the watch in person at an authorized dealer. I have also looked around online and found it on a few sites available for a fair bit less money. I have wanted a quality watch for many years, but have waited until now to make a purchase. I am new to the whole watch thing. So my questions are:

1. If I purchase online is there really any way to verify authenticity?
2. Does my dealer have "room to move"? It is important to me to buy where people have spent time educating me and helping me make my decision. However, I don't want to spend 2K more than I need to based on that. I don't expect them to match online pricing, but if they can get half way there, that would be enough for me...
3. Anything else I need to know or consider before making a purchase?

Cheers

[masraum]

Originally Posted by Jeff Alton

I am interested in purchasing a limited edition Breitling watch as a retirement gift for myself. I have seen the watch in person at an authorized dealer. I have also looked around online and found it on a few sites available for a fair bit less money. I have wanted a quality watch for many years, but have waited until now to make a purchase. I am new to the whole watch thing. So my questions are:

1. If I purchase online is there really any way to verify authenticity?
2. Does my dealer have "room to move"? It is important to me to buy where people have spent time educating me and helping me make my decision. However, I don't want to spend 2K more than I need to based on that. I don't expect them to match online pricing, but if they can get half way there, that would be enough for me...
3. Anything else I need to know or consider before making a purchase?

Cheers

1 I doubt it unless you can verify that the seller is an authorized Breitling dealer.
2 Yes. If they want to sell it, they should be willing to negotiate with you.

Enjoy. I came very close to getting one of 2 Breitling LE watches earlier this year, but didn't pull the trigger. If they had been automatic instead of manual, I probably would have.

[aigel]

I would offer to pay cash - that usually is good for 5%. And I definitely would not buy online, even if it costs less. Some things are nice to buy locally ...

G

[gassy]

What websites are you looking at? Some have good reps, others not.

[Jeff Alton]

Thanks Steve,

I appreciate the feedback. I don't like to price shop and do like paying for service, but I just want to ensure a good balance. I own a business where people like to price shop and understand that.

The watch in question is a Chronospace Automatic limited edition (black steel).

[island911]

Some Breitlings are harder to fake than others. For example, I have yet to see a fake Aerospace. Tough to fake Anti-reflective surface (both sides) of the sapphire lens. Same for the custom digital read-out.

Also, they often make design changes every couple of years, and have serial numbers.

[Jeff Alton]

Aigel, Gassy,

I do always try to business in my trading area. Having a relationship with a vendor is important to me.

A quick google search pulled up Crono24, authenticwatches.com and many more. To be honest, I don't want a headache if I ever need service etc. I am the type of person who does not want to walk into my authorized dealer with my watch for a battery replacement when I did not buy it there...

I guess my real question is, do I need to pay full retail for this watch or is there room to bargain. I am fine paying full pop, if that is how the industry works. I highly value service and the people who spend time with me and am willing to pay for it. As this is something I plan to hand down, a grand or two is not a big deal in the big scheme of things....

[Jeff Alton]

Originally Posted by aigel

I would offer to pay cash - that usually is good for 5%. And I definitely would not buy online, even if it costs less. Some things are nice to buy locally ...

G

Paying cash is not a problem. I suspect at least 3% as that is what it would cost them if I use a rewards type CC.

Cheers

[WPOZZZ]

Try the watchuseek and timezone forums. Lots of enthusiasts there selling watches.

[masraum]

When I was looking at those two Breitlings this year, I found them at a Breitling authorized dealer very close to my house. They were charging MSRP. There is another authorized Breitling dealer in Houston that had one of the watches at a discount. I think that a lot of dealers sell at a small discount, but when you're spending that kind of dough, 5% or 10% is big. I would have definitely done some haggling with them if I had decided to buy. I suppose that since you're looking at the LE watch, they might not want to give you a discount, but then, when was the watch released, and how long has it been sitting on their shelf? That sort of thing can be motivating to them.

We bought our wedding rings and my wife's engagement ring at a fairly ritzy designer jewelry store this summer. They gave us a 10% discount without us even asking.

[Chocaholic]

Since you're buying a "keeper", stick with an authorized dealer and don't worry about saving a few bucks. Peace of mind and no excuses.

You can save money buying grey market (I've done it many times) but you would likely sacrifice factory warranty and if you're not Breitling savvy, you risk being taken advantage of. Stick with peace of mind and enjoy your new watch for decades to come.

[Baz]

Never gets old......

[matt f]

I have a Navitimer that I rotate with another watch.
Bought at Grenon's in Newport, RI. The owners Ray and Betsy are wonderful.
I negotiated as I would with any purchase.
10% would not be an unheard of discount, more for cash.

When buying watches, I follow a couple simple rules.
Always go to an authorized dealer in person. I call ahead, make an appointment and show up on time.
Dress appropriately and get the dirt out from under fingernails.
Deal with the owner.
NEVER put 2 (or more) watches on one wrist to compare size, etc.

Check out the watch with both metal and leather bands.
I get both, they usually will throw in the leather band as part of the deal, even after the initial negotiated discount.
I wear my Submariner with a leather band occasionally, more subtle and comfortable for me, when not around water.


Best of luck with your purchase.
Matt

[widgeon13]

I'm not a big fan of the watches but the commercials are spot on........

[osidak]

a company I have dealt with in the past is Buy, Sell & Trade Used Luxury Watches Online - Pre-owned Panerai, Rolex, Breitling for Sale

they are all used watches - usually in excellent shape and you can work with them on price. If they do not have what you want at the time you can tell them what you are looking for and they usually come up with one pretty quickly.

WatchUSeek is a good site as well (mentioned above) - It is the pelican forum of watches and has a large and active forsale forum. Watches deemed not kosher are weeded out very quickly


Oh here is a link for the watch I believe you are looking at - at watchuwant

http://www.watchuwant.com/watches/breitling-chronospace-blacksteel-limited-edition-chronograph-ref-m7836522/ba26-special#.VHncwWd0y00

[Jeff Alton]

Thanks for the advice guys.

Osidak, that watch is similar, the one in question is Chronospace Automatic - Breitling - Instruments for Professionals

Cheers

[RacerX1166]

Buying online isn't a huge deal, so long as the watch comes with the appropriate packaging and paperwork. I've made a few purchases of this type and haven't gotten burned; but I make sure to do my due diligence.

With respect to buying locally, I'd offer 20% less than MSRP and be prepared to walk if they don't get down to at least 15% off. Even Rolexes, which are super price controlled from the factory, have wiggle room. I've never paid more than MSRP - 15% for one.

[creaturecat]

I bought one of my Omegas in Holland.
The difference in price paid for the flight. And then some.
I have taken it in for service, in Vancouver. They certainly did not have a problem, whatsoever, with me having purchased it elsewhere.

[creaturecat]

Retirement? Already?
Just the day job, correct?

[MrAlien]

I am a big watch collector, there are a couple grey market dealers that I trust and deal with regularly. you can haggle with them, and often get around paying sales tax. I dont waste my time with the authorized dealers, as far as I am concerned they are all crooks.