The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I am desperately trying to support my local AD. I know they aren't giving me the best discount, I know I still have to pay local sales tax, but still, I would like to have someone local I know I could go to with potential warranty issues, questions, info on new models, etc.. I really want to have a good relationship with my local AD. That being said, why do they make it so difficult to do that? Example;

I recently purchased a new Chronomat from *** at *** (not my local AD). I purchased it on a croc strap. This week, I decided to pick up the Pilot bracelet. I did my homework, and came to the conclusion that I needed a 372A. Here's the conversation I had on the phone with my local AD;

Sales Rep: Hello ***.
Me: Good afternoon, who am I speaking with?
SR:My name is ***, who is this?
Me:My name is John, and I am looking for a Pilot bracelet for my Breitling Chronomat.
SR:I'm going to need the serial number on the back of the watch.
Me:I don't have it with me. But it's a 22mm bracelet, and I believe it's the 372A bracelet.
SR:Well, did you purchase it here?
Me:No.
SR:Well, you're going to have to give me the serial number and where you purchased it.
Me:Ok, well, can you just assume it's a new Chronomat, 22mm Pilot bracelet, and quote me a price.
SR:I'll have to call Breitling, and get back to you.

Later that day...

Me:Hello.
SR:Hello, this is *** from ***. For the bracelet, you're the list is $1400, we can do $***. But, we are going to have to see the watch to be certain.
Me:Well, just for my records, is there a part number or reference number I should write down for the bracelet.
SR:No.
Me:Is there any number you use to order the bracelet?
SR:No.
Me:No identifying number or description at all?
SR:No, we tell them what the bracelet is for, and they send us the bracelet for that watch.
Me:Ok, thank you, I will let you know.

I understand if they AD is just trying to protect themselves from me shopping around (as feeble an attempt as it may be), and I understand that they don't want to order in something solely based on what I think the number should be. But, certainly in the correspondence with Breitling, or even looking in their catalog, they would have confirmed my number 372A with what Breitling told them. And could have confirmed my information. What's going on here? Did I just get a dim sales rep? Are most Ads that secretive? Can anyone shed some light on this? Thanks.

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Rolex 126600 Sea Dweller 43
Chronomat (Evo)
Avenger Seawolf Chrono
SuperOcean Steelfish

Omega Speedmaster Broad Arrow GMT

G-Shocks
GWF-D1000-1JF Frogman

I wouldn't get too concerned. When it comes to bracelets, most ADs are simply relying on their Regional Breitling rep to place the order. They don't know end link numbers from a hole in the ground. The Regional rep wants to know the model number (no need for the serial number - I'm guessing the person you spoke to doesn't know the difference). That is pretty much how they communicate.

And if it is the wrong bracelet, they don't much like getting stuck with it since ADs rarely carry bracelets in stock.

So while it's true they have lists of the end link numbers, it just isn't the way they communicate. The sales person calls the BUSA rep and says - I need a pilot bracelet for model A13###, Chronomat. The BUSA rep orders the correct # from BUSA.

There are a few extremely knowledgable ADs and a couple of them have a presence here. But even among the best of the rest, understand they tend to rely on the BUSA reps. That is after all a big part of what those reps are there for.

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SHARKMAN

Ok, that's pretty much what I assumed, but didn't want to accept. And, it is also why, I ended up purchasing the bracelet from the same AD I got the watch through, who, quoted me a better price... and had it in stock... and is getting it to me tomorrow. Which is why I really appreciate **** (rhymes with iceberg).

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Rolex 126600 Sea Dweller 43
Chronomat (Evo)
Avenger Seawolf Chrono
SuperOcean Steelfish

Omega Speedmaster Broad Arrow GMT

G-Shocks
GWF-D1000-1JF Frogman

And, if im not mistaken, Breitling dont like to send out parts unless they can verify that it is going on a genuine watch. That might be the reason that they asked you for the serial.

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-RJ

Yup, Breitling HQ in Singapore won't sell me the rubber strap until I bring the watch w me. Perhaps they are concerned of fakers using genuine parts to fool victims?

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a few Pams...

From the AD's side:

The local representative knows, that the AD's employées are not firm in looking up the bracelet numbers. Your SR just asked, if You bought the watch with him, as he wanted to look up the numbers in his sales records. That ensures, that the right bracelet is ordered.

I have to admit, that I have most standard bracelets and straps on stock (unless its some special one only built for one rare type of watch), but I can always take one from a watch and reorder it. But I agree, that most smaller dealers hardly have any bracelets in their stock.

BG

Thomas

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http://www.ellert.at

close, but the store orders directly from busa, no rep needed, you could use the rep, but why. and no verification of the parts is needed, i order they ship, that simple. if the salesperson isnt that strong on product knowledge, i can understand them wanting to verify the model before they invest in a 1k+ bracelet.

ohhh and sometimes customers are wrong, i have had customer order part and it turns out they had a COMPLETELY different watch than they thought they did.

My local ADs always go through the rep when ordering, if they have strong reps. For intance not with Zenith but always with Breitling. Like I said above there are some ADs, two US ones here on BS, that do it differently. They rhyme with evident and iceberg.

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SHARKMAN

Look, when you're talking about spending thousands of dollars on jewelry you don't take those transactions lightly. Unexamined allegiance is the quickest road to disappointment, merch returns and a generally bad buying experience.

I have the privilege of living in an area with no less than 8 ADs in a 50 square mile radius. I have trafficked with 6 of them and can say that each have their advantages and disadvantages. The AD closest to me in geographic proximity (similar to your situation) is the most personable of the bunch, but the one purchase I steered his way was the categorically the worst experience I've had with the brand. I specifically asked for a new in box model and the AD tried to pass off a piece that had either been in his case or his inventory for a while, as evidenced by the multiplicity of scuff marks on the bezel and bracelet. It was very awkward for me to return the item and point out the defects while listening to his speech that 'the watch was in brand new condition'. What made it worse is the guy serves on my local board of education, where I'm also involved.

Moral of the story, in matters such as these the head MUST overrule the heart.

I've done some purchasing with the out of state ADs (fantastic experiences bar none!) and do not feel obliged to support the local ADs, but actually have good working relationships with a couple local ADs. It is an enjoyable experience to visit - purchase or no purchase. And one in particular tends to have free stuff waiting my next visit. Most recently a $400 retail new Montblanc pen.

If I want a bracelet, the ADs knows me so when I say, "Order me a 22mm polished ProII for an Avenger Skyland," they will order it. But if I made a cold call to an AD I didn't have a relationship with, I'd expect them to ask to see the watch or at a minimum give them the model, style, and model number.

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SHARKMAN