The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hello all. I have been reading these boards for the last few months and I have learned so much...so I jumped in with both feet - I just hope you tell me the pool has water in it!

I fell in love with the Chronomat Calibre 13. I built it on the Breitling website 20 different ways. I found a combination that I had to have - steel band, black face, black subs, gold roman numerals, gold accents. The retail from the website is $7500.

I sent emails to several AD's in my area and heard back from two - one said it was discontinued and could not get it. The other replied that it was discontinued and they had one at one of their locations.
I was confused by this since the order number I provided them was based off of building it in the My Breitling Made to Order part of the Breitling website.

I went to pick it up and checked everything. The serial number was printed on the warranty card, the AD's name was punched in the card. The serial number was faint but clearly readable. So I bought it for what I thought was a reasonable price.

Later last night, while reading through the warranty material, it caught my eye that the manual is for "CHRONOMAT EVOLUTION" Evolution? That was from several years ago. So, I looked on the band, and it is dated 2008.

The watch is brand new and its exactly what I wanted. Is there an issue with it being manufactured four years ago?

Again, thanks for providing so much information to date - it was invaluable in making the decision...but I am upset with myself that I did not pick up on this at the AD rather than after the purchase.

Thanks,
Scott

I'm not sure about the whole thing about it being manufactured in 2008, but I wouldn't worry about it as long as you still have the full term of the factory warranty. I'm not usually a fan of two tone watches, but that EVO looks great, and I would just enjoy it. Congrats.

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18k Rolex Datejust / Breitling Crosswind Special / Patek SS Nautilus / Bvlgari Diagono Chrono / Bvlgari Scuba / Omega Speedmaster Professional / 60s Omega Constellation

The serial number was printed on the warranty card matched the watch (although the number on the watch was faint) I am confident about the warranty.

The EVO was discontinued in 2008-9 replaced by the Chronomat replaced be the Calibre 13. I know they are the same - but it seems odd to me (as a new Breitling owner) that the watch was made four years ago.

I agree on the two tone - I have two gold rings and an all steel watch just did not work for me. Loved them in the case - but didn't when I put it on my arm! This one has just enough gold to make it work for me.

I love the watch...

I am not an expert on the Chronomat series, but, from a timetable point of view:
1) the Chronomat Evolution was made from years 2005-2007
2) sometime in 2008 they renamed it back to Chronomat thru the year 2011
3) in 2012 they renamed it Chronomat 13 to distinguish it from the new 01 movement Chronomat

These iterations all have the Breitling caliber 13 movement and have the same case and mechanicals. The difference may be some minor dial design options. Someone else may know exact details.

As far as being a 2008 model year (actual manufacturing date is etched between 6:00 lugs - will need to removed bracelet to see), the watch will have been sitting around for a few years. This may mean a service will come up sooner than if it was a new 2012 model (service every 5-7 years).
The Evolution manual may have even been distributed in the later model pieces since operation is the same.

Of course you still get the 2 year warranty. If it is the exact dial configuration you wanted then I wouldn't be too worried, the newer models may not have been available in that dial (?)

Enjoy and congrats!

(see you have a good handle on it in your later post, the faint serial number on the caseback could be due some polishing)

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Chrono Jetstream
Montbrilliant 1903
Aerospace E79362

The date etched on the bracelet is 2008. I am not inclined to pull the bracelet off.

The Breitling website let me build the watch on the website. The model numbers I sent the AD's were from Breitling. That's why I am confused about the AD's telling me it was discontinued.

That is the exact watch I biult earlier this year on their website and fell in love with it. When my latest watch went Tango Uniform I loaded up wifey poo and one of the teenagers and headed to my new and only AD. They informed me that it was not available and told me about the different movement. Seems like they wanted me to go with the new one but I was ready to pay full retail for that one had they had it in stock.

I wouldnt worry about its age, I do believe your warranty starts from the date of purchase and it hasnt been running for the past 4 years if that is indeed how old it is (I think that is just the date on the bracelet).

Anyways, super nice score! I hope it brings you years of enjoyment. Just remember it has the 775 movement so dont change the date during the danger zone.

The date on the bracelet does not automatically imply that your watch is from 2008.
You would need to check the date code between the 6:00 lugs as Kodiak advised.
What is the model number on the back of the watch and does it match the serial number in the warranty card?
Ultimately, you bought it from an AD, you have all the papers so it has full warranty.
It's the combination you wanted so I would not worry one bit about the year it was build other than keeping in mind that it might need a service a little earlier.

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"It is just a matter of time!"

Which can legitimately be done under warranty if it is a 2008 piece.