I pulled the trigger on my first real Grail. I have lusted over this exact model and a planet ocean since I started collecting/buying/selling seriously about 3 years ago... so before the pics you get to hear my story
I have owned everything across the spectrum, like many of us here... I appreciate all watches without prejudice. I don't personally collect many "TV" brands anymore but have lots of friends who do and help them out all the time.
My personal 2 favorites before this were my Oris Regulateur der Meistertaucher and Tag Aquaracer 500m. They were 2 of the only watches I sought for a while and was not underwhelmed when I finally received them. They were and are excellent watches and I have been looking for them recently on the used market to no avail.
Then, a perfect storm of events happens and all my watches I had posted happened to sell and I found myself with a healthy paypal account and no watch
A Tag AR Calibre 16 Chrono pops up on craigslist locally and I have just the right of cash in my paypal account. I email the seller back and forth negotiating a little bit and getting more pics because I realize its going to need a spa treatment so I know that's $100-150. Then he kind of goes dark...
So I am trolling around and for grins, I throw Breitling into Craigslist and behold, an older post pops up. I assume its gone because its a pretty good deal and there was no recent reposts. Sure enough the guy gets back to me and we start negotiating. The watch does not some cosmetic work and a servicing, but I know Breitling does all of that in their standard overhaul.
We meet and I decide to bring my old man with me. He is also a watch guy and more importantly, interested in protecting my investment. I knew there was a risk I could look over something when authenticating it being as excited as I was. In the end all looked good, we "bought the seller" and were able to negotiate a little further based on the condition.
All said and done, I got a Titanium Seawolf on Bracelet with Grey Dial, and extra Pro 1 Rubber Strap and complete box set for a killer deal.
I spoke with my watchmaker who is going to look at it and said he may able to complete the service for me depending on what parts he has and what it needs. However, he said if it will be more advantageous to send it off to Breitling, he would advise me. Their overhaul service includes a number of parts @ no charge that he would have to purchase wholesale.
On the same token, I will enjoy it for a little bit before dumping the cash into it... I have always had safe queen type watches. It feels good to actually be able to wear it without fear of every door frame
I took a few quick and dirties for everyone. Once I get it back from it's overhaul I will post up some freshies. Thanks for looking and checking out my journey to my first Grail.

