The Breitling Watch Source Forums

First My Story:
I've been in market for about 3 months now, originally wanting a Explorer II, then GMT II but then realizing how much more I enjoyed the Steelfish and more raw/rugged Breitling feel over the super clean Rolex feel. I am in NJ, working in NYC so I took a trip over to the Breitling Boutique 2 weeks and wow! I was shocked. Service was amazing. I was taken upstairs and we relaxed and Jaclyn brought well over 30 different models for me to try. I asked for the Steelfish and she had to let me down lightly that it was discontinued. So we moved onto the Galactic (which I nixed because I do not like the bezel font), then to the Seawolf, Seawolf Chrono and eventually a BlackBird. The BlackBird was a little out of my price range for this purchase so I was between the Seawolf and SW Chrono. I like the SW Chrono but I really want a new auto, so unfortunately I had to let the SW Chrono go to the weigh-side. I work on a trading desk and noticed that I am destroyed metal bands really badly as they slam the desk and scratch all day long so I am most definitely going with a rubber strap, as I would also destroy leather in 5 minutes. I like the Ocean Racer the best. So there it is: Breitling SeaWolf Avenger Black Face with the Batons, on an Ocean Racer...done.

Where to Buy?
So no discount at the Breitling Boutique - flat $3865 shipped out to NJ where I will graciously pay my home state the sales tax. Grey market to me is out the question, I want my purchase direct from an AD. I went across the street to Tourneau, the big one, and was treated in a subpar manner (certainly since I was just treated so well at the Boutique seconds earlier), and was told I have to buy the SeaWolf on a SS bracelet then buy a the deployment OR at $350. She said she could do a discount but wasn't sure how much, then tried to push financing on me which I don't want. New York City ADs like Wempe and Tourneau are miserable in my opinion as I am always looked down upon because of my age. So here is my question, any good ADs I should look into for my purchase? What size of discount can I expect? I am in between because if the discount is not large enough, I would much rather just buy from Jaclyn. Thanks in advance!

I buy my watches from george at govberg's they are in or around new jersey and he will take great care of you. you can contact jnelson3097 here at B.S. by p.m. for contact info with govbergs. Steve

25% is reasonable to expect. Some get more but it is getting harder for ADs to do that since their cost increased last year. I would say PLEASE stay away form Tourneau. You will not get the best discount - 20% if you are lucky - and in my experience the service sucks.

Try member FEAR with Provident (Florida AD) or jnelson3097 who will hook you up with George at Goveberg (Philly AD). In my experience it's no haggling, here's the price, get the watch delivered to you the next day. Discounts are good and you won't regret it.

While Tourneau is correct it is better to buy the watch on bracelet and purchase other strap separately (becuase AD cost on bracelets/straps are much higher than the entire watch as one price), there is minimal price difference between a ProII bracelet and an OR strap on the deployant clasp. MAKE sure you get the OR on the amazing Breitling deployment clasp - it is terrific.

Edit - and NO sales tax!

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SHARKMAN

Thanks to both of you. I certainly will check with both of the AD linked members here. Is there 20 - 25% discount range across all of the lines (not limited of course)? Now you have me thinking that the BlackBird fell back into my price range...And yes absolutely on the deployment, I wouldn't go with a rubber strap with out. The ability to expand and contract in seconds is perfect when heading for a dive.

Tourneau in NYC is really pitiful...I waited in line for an hour to drop off a watch for service...the staff is rude and arrogant for new purchase. That was at the big one, Time Machine. The others are not quite so bad, but certainly are not a joy to visit.

Is any one willing to share success stories with either Govberg or Provident regarding a recent purchase? I appreciate it!! I am doing some searching as well but it eases my mind to have someone respond here, on this thread.

I promise to post much watch porn once the purchase is made...I know thats what matters in the end.

Check out the feedback section here and you will here from plenty of people who have bought from both. I have always went thru george at govebergs because a friend refered me to him, but ive been here long enough to know fear with provident is just as good. you cant go wrong with either one. Steve

You cant go wrong with either. Both are frequently used by many members here and ive never heard a bad word spoken about either.

As far discounts, 25% is a ballpark number. More expensive models have more meat on the bone for the dealer, so discounts can vary. You should expect less off on a bare bones entry priced model than you would on a more expensive model.

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-RJ

dont forget Andrew Michaels Jewellers i know UK based but im sure Sam will work it out for you ...

go on the net and have a tour of there shop one word AWESOME ...

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I shop at (Andrew Michaels Jewelle's )

1) I am still surprised as to how so many of you are expecting VIP treatment when you purchase a watch. The boutique might be more patient in showing someone 30 different models to try on and give you a chronolog etc...but this expectation that the AD's should have a parade when you walk in the door is mind boggling. They are jaded salespeople who deal with BS all say. We all EXPECT them to be smiley face wonderful, but alas they are not.

2) Buying the watch at the boutique is a MISTAKE. Paying $3865 for a Seawolf that will be woth 40% of that when you walk out the door with it is like flushing your money down the toilet.

3) Breitlings are a la carte. It isn't any cheaper to buy the watch on bracelet and then buy the Ocean Racer. The pricing is HEAD + Bracelet or Strap. It's the same price for the bracelet if you buy it on an existing watch or get it later. So, you'll pay for the bracelet and then pay $450 for and Ocean Racer with deployant. If you want the Bracelet later it's $550. It would be the same $100 difference no matter when you buy them....Dealers want you to BUY NOW so they'll talk you into buying what they stock.

Breitling Japan gives out reference #'s when you build a watch. http://www.breitling.co.jp/fitting/ You want a A177 B05 ORC. Seawolf with Black Baton Dial and Ocean Racer.

4) Call one of the dealers suggested, tell them Exactly what YOU want and see who gives you the best deal. Buy it there.

1) Im not expecting the store to stop, the heavens open up and the lords of COSC to rain down movements, complements about how great I look and offer massages to calm my stressed nerves. What I was expecting at Tourneau was a person with a moderate attitude who wouldn't mind showing me a few models and quoting prices. I wasn't expecting the boutique treatment.

2) Understand that now...with for example Rolex, the price differences I got re Explorer IIs was about $200, which was marginal. I would gladly buy from who treated me best in that case, but 25% is significant enough to hunt the best deal.

3) Tourneau said you "can't" get it on the Ocean Racer, you have to buy it on the Pro II bracelet, then add the OR rubber after. I don't want the Pro II bracelet period, therefore a waste of money. Thanks for the ref number system, will save a lot of headache!

4) In progress!! Thanks for the comments and help, much appreciated.

Are there any differences between a UK/Euro model and the US models? Has any one done similar?? What are the tax effects re the importation through US customs?

Models are the same across the world.

Check the customs website for any current import duties as they can change. You'll also have local sales tax to pay.

So it looks like 5-6% of the declared value will be grabbed by US Customs on the import duty...and then I have some tax on top for state because it is documented. All in about 13% to buy overseas.

Also, regarding warranty, can it be serviced at any AD while still under factory warranty? While I certainly would like to take a trip across the pond, but it may be excessive for a watch service.

The warranty is global. If it needs warranty work it probably won't be the AD that does it, it will be sent to the regional service centre, but you can do that through any AD (or send it direct).

Perhaps I'm missing something, but how could you possbily come out better buying from an overseas AD. At a 20% discount and even assuming a slightly lower retail, maybe you end up paying 10% off what you could get it for in the US. You can purchase from a US out of state AD over the phone and get it for 25% off easily.

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SHARKMAN

Agreed, this is shipped of course. If making a trip down to the Caymans for example, it may work out if the value is under $10k, you don't declare and wear it back through customs, but then again, you are running some risk. Some of the offshore jewelers have been just as bad as the ones here in NYC regarding discounts since many international visitors are already benefiting from currency exchange and also many are more inclined to drop funds when on vacation with out a second look. I think the best bet here is still an out-of-state AD, like Govbergs or Provident. Will certainly chat with both on Monday.

Thanks to FEAR and jnelson for the PMs and every one here for their guidance!