The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Wow... This is pretty crazy! Thank you Thomas for your forensic assistance! Well, Breitling USA just received the watch this morning, so let's see what they say!

While this has been very draining, it is most definitely educational! First, you must buy from a dealer! What is pretty surprising is that the AD (Morgan's) was 100% certain of the authenticity! I have a signed appraisal from him, but he could not confirm the origin... That is $130 wasted...

The seller is requiring an official, signed document stating that the watch is a replica before he refunds my payment... I am hoping that Breitling USA will be able to provide that to me!!

Thank you all for your assistance and interest in my dilemma. Now I wonder how many fakes there are floating around out there without people even knowing it??

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Hermosaman, CA

That still supports my information:

S 10 07

S = Stainless Steel
10 = 10th week, so around March 7-14th
07 = 2007

You got your watch in May, so 2 months of time between the production and your receipt is pretty close.

This dating system has always been almost dead on for the ordered watches I've received from AD.

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BreitlingSource Admin
http://www.breitlingsource.com - http://blog.breitlingsource.com

This has been a most interesting thread and I hope the outcome is not what we all suspect.

With regards to AD - quite often they have rarely seen the inside of a watch so the fact that they verify it as genuine means nothing to me. I had one expert tell me my fake Panerai was a fake because the strap wasn't genuine - really!!!! The only surefire way is to have the serial numbers confirmed by the maker. Frau Patricia Wiesler at Breitling CH confirmed that my CA was genuine and she has also organised a replacement COSC cert for me - they are very helpful and a quick phone call is all it needs to confirm the worst (or best!!).

Well... I just spoke with Christina Veira from Breitling USA and she has confirmed what Thomas astutely suspected after my original post... The watch is a "good fake".

They have sent the watch back to me with their findings... Now, hopefully the seller is as fair as he seemed to be and refunds the money.

Now a question... Given that a good percentage of watches out there appear to be replicas, many unbeknownst to the owner, does it make sense to pay $5000 for one? I am tempted to just stick with my Omega Seamaster since I am now suspicious of the authenticity of any watch I may see... I guess it all depends on why I want it, right?

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Hermosaman, CA

I would just recommend You to visit Your local AD, teach him the difference between a fake and a real watch and ask him nicely for a good price on a real one. As he seems to try to be helpful, he should be able to help You in that as well.

BG
Thomas

Unfortunately there are plenty of fakes of all luxury brand watches out there, including Seamasters...., although the "Fakeling" you purchased was obviously exceptionally good.

By the way - amazing work by Thomas there to be so sure even without handling it! Brilliant stuff Thomas!

My advice would be - If you like your watches and want the genuine article AND piece of mind, then bite the bullet on the price and buy from an AD. Unfortunately in these times of amazingly good fakes it's the only way to be 100% sure.....

Thus far I've only ever bought from AD's, but I was considering dipping my toe into an online purchase (from a reputable vendor of course), but this thread has be so informative that I can't imagine myself even considering stepping outside of the AD network in future. Been a great learning experience.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

I also found this thread very informative. Glad everyone pitched in and gave their opinion.. it helps when everyone talks a bit about it.

So this one is officially pronouced, FAKE!

For your first Breitling especially I recommend AD as well. I am very active in the Breitling secondary market myself, but that is because I have handled many of them and feel confident in this regard.

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BreitlingSource Admin
http://www.breitlingsource.com - http://blog.breitlingsource.com

Wow....This took a turn for the worst.

~Brian

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Breitling Super Avenger
Fortis Flieger Chronograph
Rolex Submariner Date

Special thanks do go out to Thomas for exposing the inconsistencies!

While experiencing some personal financial and emotional expenses, I did get exposed to this excellent forum that provided answers and support that was not available anywhere else!

I will submit a pic of my Authenticated Breitling CE soon!

By the way... Is there any guidance on how much of a discount an AD could give? The one I talked with offered 15%...

Tell me if I am crazy, but what about AuthenticWatches.com? Are they legit?

Thanks!

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Hermosaman, CA

Try harder and you'll get more discount

Authenticwatches.com is definately legit!

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BreitlingSource Admin
http://www.breitlingsource.com - http://blog.breitlingsource.com

Yes they are, but you could read on this forum that sometimes they remove the factory numbers, so manufacturer can't track the watches. Lots of folks here say that www.prestigetime.com are OK and they don't remove the numbers.

Be a little careful with Prestige Time, generally they leave serial numbers intact, but I think they only state that serials may be intact.

Joma Shop - www.jomashop.com never remove serials.

I thought, You have learned. I would recommend an AD....

BG
Thomas

After my expirience (Early Colt Automatic without papers), I would also recommend an AD...

Wow! What an amazingly educational thread. Great work guys! Sorry to hear it turned out to be fake, but what a testament to great detective work! I would have to agree with the arguement in favour of purchasing from an AD. Both my Breitlings were purchased at ADs and although the price is a bit more, I have peace of mind. I was also considering an on-line purchase for my next watch, but this has definitely put me off... I'll save a little longer and return to the AD. Again, absolutely amazing research!!