The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Dear Fellow Breitling fans,

A Breitling of mine was recently lost/stolen. I have seen an identical piece for sale with the serial numbers polished off the caseback!!! I have not reported my watch missing as yet, in the bleak expectation that it may turn up for sale on an auction site or locally.

With the serial numbers removed, what can I do. Please, please drop me a line if you can help, I'm sleuthing this one out for the time being.

I have the date between the lugs of the watch is suspect could be mine, but did not photograph the date between the lugs of my actual watch so have nothing to compare it with.

All help and suggestions welcome.

Kind Regards
CR

Sorry to hear about your watch.

I wouldn't assume that removed serial numbers make it your watch, it was common practice a few years ago for grey market stores to remove serial numbers. I would report the numbers to Breitling and at least get it recorded in their database and if you have reasonable suspicion to believe that the watch that you saw for sale is yours then the movement also contains the serial number.

Is the serial number on the movement itself or on the inside of the case?
I'd like to take my own watchsmith, he's a competent ETA chap but not particularly au fait with Breitling. It would be nice to point him in the right direction and to know how much time it may take.
I'm aware that grey models had the numbers rubbed off but this watch is supposedly from Breitling London.

Regards
CR

It's on the movement as I said. You would be a lot better taking it to a Breitling AD with a watchmaker because they will be able to identify any issues, but your choice.

How were you planning to have the serial number confirmed if it's on the inside of the case, were you going to buy your own watch back?

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End of Discussion.

local police, they are the only ones who can help you

I was planning on having someone assess the serial number prior to 'purchase' before making my next move. I have the original Box, receipt, and warranty cards. If the serial numbers match I'll be able to report it immediately, involve the local law enforcement and get the judicial ball rolling.
No, I would not be buying my own watch back.

Huge difference between lost or stolen. Which was it?

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Breitling SuperOcean Steelfish - 2009
Breitling B-2 - 2002
Rolex DateJust 18k/ SS (1984 vintage)
Omega Seamaster (1958 vintage)
Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece MP6318 - 2003
Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph CV2013-3
Victorinox DiveMaster 500

Not so huge, mislaid, then removed from the scene by someone choosing not to report it or hand it over to the police, thus lost/stolen.
I appreciate the difference however, between dropping it in the ocean- LOST vs being robbed at knifepoint STOLEN.

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- This is Ghost Rider requesting a fly-by. - Negative Ghost Rider. The pattern is full.

Head scratch? Confused for some reason Mr Tomcat?

I like the way you speak/type.
Perfect for a Law and Order voice over ..... Dun dun

Off topic , sorry.

Very good Sean, glad this thread has raised at least one smile. Reading back through, I did have a chuckle myself.

Why dont you call Breitling or an AD and ask them if they can identify a watch by the serial numbers inside the watch? I would inform local police before you do anything so if it turns out to be yours they can take action quickly and you dont have to wait for all the bureaucracy.

Your probably one of the few people who has ever seen a slither of hope in finding a stolen watch back. Good job keeping a look out!

many thanks to all for your contributions.