The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Okay there's a lot of talk and questioning buying watches at Costco at least high end ones, IE. 5000.00 and up. Anyway I saw a Super Advenger w/diamonds for 7999.99 and wanted to get it, but questioned about the warranty.
I then looked at all the paperwork and things seemed fine but still questioned things, especially spending that much. I now read here that some of their watches are older models and may not be covered by Breitling. What do you all think ?
Well the good thing about Costco as we all know, 'Their NO hastle return policy' So if you have a big problem with that purchase it can be returned
All and all what can I do to make sure the watch is up to date and is covered by Breitling? You can't beat that price!

Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

Costco is a grey market seller, not an AD. I highly doubt that they have the Breitling warranty with the watch.

Costco provides its own warranty. As a general rule, Breitling will not cover watches sold by unauthorized dealers. I don't know how Costco selects who does the repairs under its warranty; there's a very good chance the person doing the work won't have access to Breitling parts, even if they're qualified to do the work (and that's a considerable if). The flip side, as you mentioned, is that Costco has a no-questions-asked return policy. Basically, you can return it for a full refund within three years of purchase, provided you haven't abused the policy in the past on other purchases. That's actually not such a bad deal, since the Breitling warranty is only two years. After that, you're on your own for repairs anyway. Of course, the problem is if the watch develops a problem in the first two years and you don't want to return it, but want to have it serviced. You'll either have to accept Costco's outsourced service, or pay Breitling to service it.

But, to answer your question, the only thing you can do to make sure the watch is covered by Breitling's own warranty is to purchase from an authorized dealer. As for beating the price, you might be surprised. Most authorized Breitling dealers will discount 20% or more.

1. Costco does not provide a warranty and they won't fix anything, but they will offer a refund if there ever is a problem.

2. SA w/ diamonds is over $12k, so at $8k this is 33% off... rare to find that kind of deal from an AD.

_________________
Current:
Chronospace Silver, Black Ocean Racer
Navi World Silver, Aero Classic
Chronomatic 1461 Bronze, Bronze DP-1
SA White, Diamonds, Pro 2 Diamonds
SA Black, Bentley Rubber
Navi 1461 LE, Black DP-1
Chronomat GMT Silver, Pilot

They did when I bought a watch there in 2007. The "customer satisfaction" card that came with it clearly stated the watch was covered by a warranty that provided for repairs, as well as returns; it did not list an expiration date. However, their returns manager told me the standard return window is three years, no questions asked. They might still take it back after three years, but they will want to know your reasons for the return, and they may refuse. I haven't bought anything in the way of watches or jewelry from them since 2007, so I don't know what their current policy is. If it has changed over the years, then I stand corrected.


I didn't know that. It would seem the price the OP saw at Costco is "unbeatable." At the risk of sounding either snobbish or paranoid, though, when watches are discounted too heavily, I start to wonder why.

Not sure what watch you bought from Costco but for the higher end watches I know this has been their policy for at least the past 2-yrs as I did purchase from them, and this is right off their website: "Since Costco is not an authorized dealer for this product, the manufacturer’s warranty does not apply. In place of the manufacturer’s warranty, Costco will refund your purchase price if you are not completely satisfied with this product."

And I agree that 33% off does raise questions. No you're not being snobbish, and in this case maybe not paranoid, as 33% is quite a bit when you consider they had to get it from somewhere low enough to turn a profit.

_________________
Current:
Chronospace Silver, Black Ocean Racer
Navi World Silver, Aero Classic
Chronomatic 1461 Bronze, Bronze DP-1
SA White, Diamonds, Pro 2 Diamonds
SA Black, Bentley Rubber
Navi 1461 LE, Black DP-1
Chronomat GMT Silver, Pilot

It was actually a Chronomat Evolution. The wording on their website is different from the wording on the warranty card that came with it, although I don't have it any more, so I can't quote directly from it. If what is on their website is reflected on the cards that come with the watches, then they have changed their policy.

Really, who cares whether Costco offers to repair it - they'll have no access to Breitling parts and offer a refund so you would be mad to let them try and fix it.

Very true. It's pretty much academic.

man i wish i had the wrist size to pull of the SA

A good-sized wrist might be able to pull off an SA, but I'm still trying to figure out what can pull off an SA with diamonds.

A mugger?

Depending on the country, they might actually lop it off.

i know im in the minority but i actually like the OEM double row bezel. i think it just looks clean. obviously is super blingy but its a very nice piece

Just out of interest if you bought from costco, do you still get the approriate paperwork and if something does go wrong in or out of the warranty period would breitling fix it if you were willing to pay or could they just refuse to work on it?

Jay