The Breitling Watch Source Forums

So I am just about to buy my first Breitling (and first high end watch! ) and I have a few questions. The one I will be buying is "pre loved" but it is in very good condition. It unfortunately doesnt come with any papers. I understand that without papers it will not be under warranty (even though it was purchased originally in 2008). My question is though, if some service was needed would I be still be able to pay and have it done? I just want to make sure I wont have any issues in the future. I am okay with paying for service work if needed.

Thanks in advance!

Yes you will be OK - as long as the serial number is intact. If the papers were withheld because the watch was originally sold on the grey market then it's possible that the serial was also removed which will give you problems.

If they bought the watch in 2008, they should still have the (credit card) receipt to prove the purchase took place then.
I find it quite strange that people can not hold on to the papers for at least a year, so make sure you get a good explanation why the papers are missing.
If they bought it from the internet, then often the internet store offers a 2year warranty through their store, but you might require the proof of purchase to get that warranty service.
Will you buy the watch from a store or private seller?
And Roffensian is right, check the serial number and double check the authenticity.

After you're satisfied with everything, enjoy your new Breitling for many years to come!

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Navitimer World baby!
Oh, and a sweet black arabics Super Avenger for the daily grind...

thanks for the advice. This is his story about the paperwork:

"The watch was originally purchased brand new from an AD in the Caribbean in 2008. The original owner threw away the box and papers to avoid paying taxes through customs. (This was pretty dumb because he probably lost more on the trade than what he would of paid in taxes). The guy was a regular customer of Lorilill Jewelers, and traded it in because he thought it was too big for him. I still have the receipt from my purchase.

I contacted Breitling SA about getting the original paperwork, but since I was not the original purchaser, I cannot get the warranty certificate. They will provide me with a Chronometer certificate if I'd like it."

It sounds pretty reasonable to me. I dont think he would be able to get the warranty if he was the second owner. I have been talking to him for the past week and I think I've asked just about everything I could. The watch is in near mint condition (95%) and he does have the box and extra links and everything. He has provided me with many high resolution pictures and I cant find any difference between those and the pictures in my Breitling Chronolog.

I actually made another thread about the validity of the sale here:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=7951

Thanks for the reply!

There are still plently of experienced watchsmiths that will professionally service your watch for a few hundred dollars and keep your movement running forever just as good as the Breitling Authorized Service Center and they would not care if your serial numbers did not match up.

True enough, but they also wouldn't be able to get OEM parts - including the single use hands.

That watch has been for sale for a long time on Timezone. If it doesn't have papers, I'd try to lower the price since a CSO with papers on the pro 2 just sold for $1700 over there.

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Justin
Please contact me via PM for the contact details for Govberg Jewelers
Govberg is an AD for over 50 fine Swiss and German watch brands.
Visit them on the web at http://www.govbergwatches.com or call 800-528-8463

Nice watch. Tell him to get you the COSC paper for you since he says he can. It will help you with a sale later on down the line if you ever decide to get rid of it. I cant comment on the asking price, but no warranty should go for at least $200 less than one with warranty, imo.

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-RJ

thanks guys, and thanks for the heads up jnelson! I'll see what I can do!

just wanted to throw a comment out there...

if you are talking about the Superocean Chrono, I know the watch you mean and the owner.

as well, my buddy owns Lorilil (where I buy my stuff) and I set up the current own with the purchase.
he got a nice deal on an as new watch cuz it didn't have the papers.

the watch is the real deal so have confidence in that.

now, to just cut a good deal on it?!

for me, if the deal is good enough I don't care about papers or boxes as you aren't
wearing those anyways.
just be sure you leave enough 'fluff' room in case of a service or repair being needed.

you should be good for a long while though since the watch isn't even a year old yet.

good luck with the purchase.

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Steve G.-
Baltimore, MD


Certified 'Desk' Diver

Let me say this about that... I've had my Crosswind to service twice, and polished to the point where the serial is no longer visible. Unless it's verifiable internally, mine by that criteria would be a red flag, which if I were to sell it would be an unfair judgment.

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Avenger Skyland
If I said I was good, you'd think I was bragging.
If I told you I wasn't, you'd know I was lying.

I think ive seen somebody mention that B can re-etch the serial for you.

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-RJ