The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi,

As I already mentioned in another thread, I am in the market for a pre-owned Navitimer or Montbrilliant.

Since this would be my first watch of such kind, any helpful tips? I obviously know about the risks of buying online, and that some models have been replicated as fakes. But some questions that come to mind are:

-Some sales seem to be missing papers and box. While I can understand the box, what should be read into missing paperwork? Will I get service even without paperwork?

-Asking for the serial number, how can I use this info to check up on the watch?

-Many watches may have a shady history when it comes to service history. Should these be avoided?

Using search will help with a lot of your questions. Missing papers is only an issue for warranty service. You can't look up the serial number anywhere, some ADs can depending on market, but all you really need is to check in the replica section here before buying.

If a watch has no service history then use it as an opportunity to negotiate and factor service costs into the purchase price.

Know your seller.. times a 100

Buy the seller, not just the watch. Forums are a great place to get a deal, but the trade off for that deal is risk.

Do as much research as you can, not just on the watch but on the seller as well.

Just because a watch does not have papers and a box, it doesn't mean it is fake. You should be able to get a better price for them and the resale value also won't be as good, but there are plenty of reasons why a watch does not have papers and a box. Do not let this turn you off a watch…Again, buy the seller.

You don't need papers for service. Only for warranty. You'll always get service as long as the watch is authentic.

A shady history of service just means that you'll have to pay for a service sooner rather than later and may have to do a full service. Work this into the price and consider the physical condition of the watch. Once you get the full service, the watch is practically brand new again anyways.

If you can't handle the risk, there are plenty of AD's or grey market retailers you can purchase from for a bit of a premium.

Good luck on the hunt. It's part of the fun!

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