The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I am a total cherry when it comes to shopping Breitling watches. I am afraid I am/have come off as a "rube" when shopping Breitling. Can anyone offer advice on what NOT to do when shopping Breitling watches?

Things like:

Is it an issue to set my wrist watch on the same display pad the dealer sets out to show the watches on?

Am I wrong for trying to wind the watch or work the pushers?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

I personally think you're thinking too much into it. Just go up to the counter and play with the watch (winding included). I used to be timid when it came to just looking at watches; I always felt I was wasting the jewelers time (no pun intended). I have gotten better and now it's fun to pop in a place when walking by.

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viewtopic.php?f=4&t=2335
Breitling SuperOcean (coral)
Breitling Avenger
Corum Admiral's Cup
Rolex Sub

No rules that I know of, and ive been to many, many stores. Just treat it like any other shopping experience. When they give you a watch, play with it if you want but dont abuse it. By that I mean dont try to work things if you dont know how. If you arent sure, just ask them. Put your watch wherever you want. Ive found that they usually pick up my watch and either take a look at it or get a cloth and polish off the fingerprints and smudges for me. Dont be afraid to ask to see something. If you want to see 10 watches, ask to see them (not at the same time, of course). You want to know the price? ask. Dont like the price? Ask for a discount. Dont like the discount? Negotiate. You wanna wear shorts and flip-flops? Go ahead. I find that people are afraid to come off like a cheapskate or a dumb ass, so they dont ask half the questions that theyd like to.

As Biz said, youre thinking too much into it. Just go be yourself and enjoy. Its pretty uncomfortable to go to a dealer and not be able to enjoy yourself. Believe it or not, the hardest part is finding a salesperson that actually knows what theyre talking about.

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-RJ

As others have said, play away with the watch but, be respectful to the dealer's inventory. Any dealer that gave me guff for winding a watch I'm interesting in purchasing would quickly be looking at my backside as I walk out the door.

Ask informed questions. You never know when the salesperson is another watch nut just like you. IMO, it helps you score a better discount and rapport with the dealer when they realize you know a thing or two about watches. Just don't act pompous... I've witnessed someone spouting off at a Rolex AD about money no object, I know class when I see it, blah blah blah, who later asked how often the battery on a WG Rolex Sub would require changing.

Have fun and look all you want. Its supposed to be fun!

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Steelfish GMT LE (white)

It would have been hilarious if you'd been taking a drink of water and done a spit take when he said that.

as somebody who shows breitlings and watches all day to people, the biggest thing i see that bugs me is when people try on a watch when they are already wearing a watch on that arm, bouncing them off of each other on the arm. please people, take off you watch when trying on a new one!
take out 10, try em all, push the buttons, wind em, ( dont just change dates, you can hurt em) ask dozens of questions, walk around, look in the mirror, take pics with your phone, just be respectful off the fact you have a multi thousand dollar watch on that you wouldnt buy if it was scratched or dinged, so be gentle.

I rest my watch on the same pad the salesperson sets out. And I will work the prospective piece, place it on my wrist, unsrew the crown, wind it, work the pushers, check out the clasp. I'm respectful of the watch and always handle it from the inside of the bracelet and case just as I handle my own pieces. I never just plop it down - always put it carefully on it's side. I wish more salepeople were that careful. I've watched them rest a watch I am buying straight down on the clasp as the bracelet links fold up on each other. And I've scolded them for doing that. I would never just set a watch on a bracelet straight down - it scratches the damn bracelet. Always on the side and aways the non-crown side.

It's sort of fun flipping a watch around real fast with your fingers on the inside of the bracelet and watching a salesperson's eye get big until they figure you know what you are doing. It's also vitrually impossible to drop that way.

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SHARKMAN

What??? First time I hear about someone trying on watches with his/her watch on the wrist already!!! Really??? What is the purpose, I shake my head in disbelief but I guess you see all sorts of things. My sympathies go out to you FEAR for having to deal with these cases once in a while.

Also the comment about the Rolex and batteries. Really? I don't mind people who are new to the subject or just don't know. More than happy to explain and help them get more information and more involved in watches. That is a great pleasure for people who are true fans of the matter. That is fine, but to act as a big swinging d**k and say s**t like that...doesn't make me a happy camper and I am sure it puts off real salespeople who like us are true watch nuts. Of course, you have sales folks that don't know what they are doing, mais, c'est la vie.

@11B2P: I would follow FEAR's reco's and that of other members here and trust me, you'll be fine. Have fun and hopefully you get a Breitling. What models have you been looking at? Make sure to ask for help here since we have a few AD's like FEAR and you might get a good deal.

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Alex
Breitling - Navitimer
Breitling - SuperOcean
Breitling - Chrono SuperOcean

I always put mine on the dealer pad. Half the time it makes them realise u can likely afford what ur looking at. Plus then someone else keeps an eye on mine as well as the one on my arm. I play with all the functions and on occasion I've asked for a loupe to insect the dial. I have also visably recoiled when a dealer has picked me watch up looked at it and then laid it back down on the bracelet so the back is in contact with the case back. Ie not how I laid it down. In that instance I corrected ths position of my watch and politely pointed out his error.

Chances are that the sales rep is trying to ogle what's on your wrist anyway, so make it easy for them - put it on the pad for them to admire!

It's your money, and you need to satisfy yourself that you are making the right decision so do what it takes to get to that point.

Thanks everyone!

Based on some of the replies I have been making mistakes! I will make sure not to repeat them. (All though I can confirm that I have NEVER tried on two watches at the same time! )

Sasho, I like just about the entire line of Breitlings but really, really LOVE the Avenger specifically the Avenger Skyland. I like the black dial with white Arabics combo but that's my dilemma. I need more time to save up (even with the so far unbeatable price quote from George at Govbergs) and non preowned Skylands are becoming more and more scarce.

I think it's all been said above. Treat the watch as you would your own. They aren't fragile by any means so playing with a crown or pushers normally isn't going to do anything detrimental to the time piece. I would also definitely use the display pad for your watch. It's better than putting it on the glass or your pocket plus someone else is also keeping an eye on it for you and may even clean it.

Depending on where I go I can sometimes initially feel a little self conscious due to the prices of some of the pieces I am holding but then I shake that off and treat it as any other shopping experience. If someone is rude or arrogant, you can always just leave! Plus often when you show interest, ask questions and demonstrate that you know something, rapport is often instantly generated and the experience becomes fun and memorable.

In conclusion the best advice is to have fun with it!

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Happines is Good Health and a Bad Memory.
"Ingrid Bergman"

The only thing I would recommend to help put the AD's mind at ease is to ask for assistance with the clasp (if there is one). They seem to work differently from brand to brand and the dealer may get nervous if you're fumbling with the clasp as you attempt to close it.

I typically give it one shot and if I can't do it on the first go, I stick out my arm and ask the dealer to open/close it for me. Most dealers' biggest worry is that someone will drop the watch - and that's most likely going to happen when someone is fumbling around with the clasp.

Other than that - just be courteous and polite and expect the same in return.

Good luck

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PAM359, Omega PO Big Size, 1951 Omega Seamaster, Rolex Sea Dweller

I agree with everyone's responses above.... but my advice...don't drop it, they don't like that!

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Past: BlackBird, Navi World, SA, Rolex DJII, IWC Yacht Club
Present: CE, DSSD
Future: Changes daily

Not only do I place my watch on the dealer pad, the AD (at times) will have 4-6 watches ALL out for me to compare and often dissapear into the back room looking through the safe for a particular brand that isnt in the display case. A couple times they have taken my watch into the back and cleaned it while I was shopping. I try on as many watches as my wifes patience will allow. Sometimes I buy one, but more often I walk out without buying a darn thing. I will (and have) had them trade straps and bracelets, so I could see the difference. I have even had them fit the bracelet to my wrist! I will walk around in the store with the new watches on and if I want I will work every function. (not doing this is like not sitting in a car and driving it before the purchase).

They know me, they have ALL my personal information on file and (of course) they have secruity on site with a double locking entry door.

I think a lot of it is attitude. I will go into any random watch store and act the exact same. They sense the confidence and usually I request to see a particular watch .... well before I even show and take off the watch I wore in. A good dealer will treat you great without even seeing your current watch. A great dealer will recognize a true watch fanatic and be even more responsive to your needs.

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Breitling Steelfish(black)
Breitling Steelfish(silver)
Panerai PAM 312
Bell & Ross BR03-92 Phantom
Steinhart BreitlingSource LE #5/15