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Newbie question - help, can i cusomise my watch?
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Author:  brownhorse [ Tue May 26, 2009 11:02 am ]
Post subject:  Newbie question - help, can i cusomise my watch?
First of all, hello!

and i'm sorry if this question has been answered before, i did look but couldn't see an answer that satisfied me.

Several years ago my father gave me a second hand Chronomat. It is a two tone model in silver with gold details. please see below for an image of the watch or have a look at the link to a copy of the watch:

http://www.breitlingsource.com/watch_de ... er_73.html

Unfortunately, and please forgive me; but i don't wear this watch, as i don't like gold and i am not to keen on the look of the watch. I am very fond of it as it was a gift from my father, so i would only like to sell it as a last resort and buy something else that i would wear instead. As i'm sure my father would prefer a watch that i wore than one that sat on the shelf. If there was a way around this i would like to try that first.

So i'm wondering after seeing that the Swiss Watch Store have a steel bezel for £195:

http://www.swisswatchstore.co.uk/produc ... LING-PARTS

could i get the bezel and crowns replaced? and taking a step further what are my chances of getting the dial replaced as well? I know this will cost a bit, but i don't mind spending a few hundred pounds changing the watch to one that i would like to wear. Do you think it would cost more than that? and would it be easier and cheaper to sell this watch and put the money and savings towards one that i would wear?

Thanks in advance for answering this, I'm asking you here as i am after an honest opinion and not a watch store trying to sell me something. I do like Breitling's and find it heartbreaking that i have this beautiful watch that so many people would love to have and it's just sat on my shelf. So if there is a way around this, i would love to find it, otherwise it may be best to sell the watch and purchase another.
Author:  Roffensian [ Tue May 26, 2009 11:18 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Newbie question - help, can i cusomise my watch?
Welcome to BreitlingSource!

In terms of customising, Breitling won't do it - there is no way that they will replace the crown and pushers because they argue that it changes the watch fundamentally. You could have it done aftermarket, but Breitling would be very likely to change it back if you ever sent it to them for servicing.

In terms of the rider tabs (you don't need a whole bezel as that is already steel), you can change those out yourself and just put the gold ones back when you send it for service.

Breitling will change the dial to another one that was available for the two tone chronomat, but the cost is going to be very high. They will insist on a full service at the same time so plan on around GBP1,000.

Sorry to say, the most cost effective solution will likely be to sell this watch and replace with one that is more to your taste - sorry.
Author:  Driver8 [ Tue May 26, 2009 11:21 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Newbie question - help, can i cusomise my watch?
I think your last line there answers the question for you - it would definitely be easier and probably cheaper to sell the watch and buy another. Firstly Breitling would not undertake any of that work so you would be looking at getting an independent jeweller / watchmaker to do it for you. Then you have the problem of getting hold of all the parts. Your average watchmaker can't get hold of Breitling parts as supply is restricted on purpose. Secondly you have the added complication that this is an older model Chronomat so parts are not freely available. And lastly, even if you could get Breitling to do it (which you won't) it would be very costly. Just a dial change on a Montbrillant Legende was quoted to me as just over £600.

Much better to sell the watch and put the cash towards something you DO like.

EDIT : Roff beat me to the punch on the response, but as we're agreeing I posted mine too!
Author:  brownhorse [ Wed May 27, 2009 12:44 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Newbie question - help, can i cusomise my watch?
Thanks Roff & Driver8,

It seems that the best thing may be to sell it then.

Anyone have any idea what it may be worth and where is a good place in the UK?

I think i have a box for it, but as it was second hand i don't have any paperwork or instructions.

also do you know of a good reputable dealer in secondhand watches? I don't mind part exchanging it, but i want to get the best price so i can afford a nice watch that i will wear.

Thanks again
Author:  alex** [ Wed May 27, 2009 12:48 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Newbie question - help, can i cusomise my watch?
see i agree in principal but i wouldnt sell it.

if your dad is still around then maybe a different story but if he isnt then i wouldnt sell, id buy something i would wear and put the chronomat on a winder and assume either your taste may change or if you have a son in time he may want his grandfathers watch.

but thats just me.

good luck
Author:  brownhorse [ Wed May 27, 2009 7:48 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Newbie question - help, can i cusomise my watch?
Hi Alex,

Yep it sure is a tough one. My father is still around, and i want to make it clear (so as i don't sound heartless and like i want to sell the family silver) that my father never owned this watch. He was just offered the opportunity to buy it a seven years ago and asked me if i wanted a Breitling, to which most people would answer YES YES YES, I never saw the watch before he purchased it, so didn't know that it had a lot of gold on it.

I'm sure my father wouldn't mind if i sold it, as he is not too sentimental and has no attachment to the watch. I should ask him first and will do so. I have just had my first baby who is only 8 weeks old, so i may have to wait some time before i pass it on, and i would prefer to pass one on that i wore and he had memories of.

Its been a tough decision, but the watch has been sat on the shelf for a good few years now I can't actually remember the last time i wore it. i'd rather let someone else who could appreciate it have it, and me have one that i would wear. I hope you all understand.

So if anyone does know a good place to sell the watch as well as buy something else i'd really appreciate it.

many thanks
Author:  alex** [ Wed May 27, 2009 8:00 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Newbie question - help, can i cusomise my watch?
this leads me to a very different answer.

id ask him if he minded and then ask him if he would help pick somethimng you like out, then there will always be the attachement of going shopping with your dad for the watch he bought you when you are unlucky enough to not have him around.

with that post i dont think your heartless mate

my dad had his 806 from new in the 60's and died in 2007 leaving it to me, his most prized posession and the one item that is him all over so id never sell ever, would rather go hungry. but very different circumstances and as such attatchment.

Alex
Author:  Polenzo [ Thu May 28, 2009 11:25 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Newbie question - help, can i cusomise my watch?
alex** wrote:
see i agree in principal but i wouldnt sell it.

if your dad is still around then maybe a different story but if he isnt then i wouldnt sell, id buy something i would wear and put the chronomat on a winder and assume either your taste may change or if you have a son in time he may want his grandfathers watch.

but thats just me.

good luck


:yeahthat

If it was my dads I'd never sell - hold on to it - tastes do change as do fashions - You could end up regretting it for ever.
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