The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi there. Reference the following conversation in this thread:



Emphasis added. Ocassionally in pictures people post of their watches online, I'll see blurred serial numbers. They weren't removed physically; this is obviously an effect done in a photo editor. Is there some reason I should not want people knowing the serial numbers on my watches?

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I remove mine from photos. Call me slightly paranoid, just don't want my SN captured and used for something other than it's original purpose.

I don't get it either. Maybe they think the CIA can track them with satellites using the serial number on their watch?

If heard stories about somehow using the serial number in an elaborate insurance scam, but that sounds more like an urban legend to me. I usually post the SN in pics when I sell stuff.

Some people are uncomfortable because of matching up serials to fakes.

As you quoted me at the start of the thread, I merely said it in case the OP felt uncomfortable - my point was that the important issue was whether or not the serial existed, not what the number itself was.

I'm used to dealing with serial numbers all the time because of vintage pieces where it's a necessary tool to date the watch.

I'm guilty of blurring the SN for this reason. Call me paranoid. Ironically I have no problem using my real name and posting photos... Maybe I should re-evaluate what I'm paranoid about....

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“The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once.” - Albert Einstein

Your concern is that someone will use your pictures to advertise a fake watch on eBay or somewhere. Is that correct?

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I often cover the serial number up when selling as i believe some people use them in insurance fraud, though i usually will release details if requested. Steve

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Quite a few Breitlings, most of them starting with the letter C.

Can you explain how such a fraud would work, and do you know of specific people it happened to? It seems like an urban legend to me.

Some of the "better" fakes can be ordered and purchased with a specific SN. If one matches a real watch to the T, it could be a very scary fake to an unwitting buyer.

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Chronomat, Steel/Gold, MOP Dial, 2-tone band (2008)
Super Avenger Black Baton Dial (2009)
Bentley B04 GMT Silver Dial (2013)
Avenger Blacksteel Baton Dial (2014)

Your name really is Ian the Klutz???

just to be on the afe side I remove mnine it does no harm and if anyone wants to know what it is Ill tell them so theres no issue

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Once again, why? Perhaps if they somehow got your paperwork, then maybe it would be of use. But otherwise it is just a random number to the buyer.

My first name is Ian and I am a klutz.

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“The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once.” - Albert Einstein

It's a good thing you're attracted to a watchmaker that makes such robust pieces.

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