The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Well after a life time of drooling over Breitlings's, I finally can say I own one now. I purchased a Crosswind from a AD and I couldn't be happier with this watch ref# B13355 MOP face.
But more importantly to me would be this. I just got asked by Nephew to sponsor him for his confirmation. I would love nothing more then to get him a Breitling. The issue of course would be money. I convinced my wife and I can spend around 2k ish for a watch. Is that even an option through a AD? I hate walking in to a store not knowing what to expect. I have seen gray market watches and I think I found a place I can trust in NY but I really prefer to stick to the AD. But would love to hear some opinions on gray market sellers and advise if you guys feel 2k ish just isn't a option for me. He is 13 lol I know I wish I had that kind of watch at 13 but I want something special for him. I don't mind buying pre-owned because mine was pre-owned and it was in perfect condition but like anything pre-owned it is hit or miss if they will have it in stock when you want it. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated because I have been lurking on this boards for a while and respect the love you guys have for this brand and I really want to pass on the appreciation for these watches to my Nephew if I can some how afford to.

Firstly, I'm not sure I'd buy a $2000 watch for a 13 year old, but that is your own choice, if it were me, I'd probably put that money in a college fund where it would serve him a lot better in the long run.

Also, giving a mechanical watch is a bit like giving a pet. Be sure that the recipient is aware of the care and maintenance that comes with it. Can he afford a $500 service when he's 18?

That aside, you can get some nice pre-owned Breitlings in the 2k range. Check out the forsale section on here or timezone.com.

If you want to go new then contact jnelson3097 for contact details of George at Govberg - way better option than grey market and the prices won't be as far apart as you might think.

In terms of used, that's definitely a very good budget and as dhalem says, take a look here, TimeZone or WatchuSeek for a lot of options.

You can definitely find a new colt or maybe superocean for about 2k. Like Roff said, jnelson3097 is the contact you need.

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-RJ

Thanks for all your help guys I will start looking in to the sites you guys listed.

Buy a used B from someone who bought from an AD!

When you buy grey market you lose ALL Breitling warranty's....TRUST ME! I learn the hard way by purchasing from thewatchery.com!

DON'T DO IT!

But what do I know...

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Past: BlackBird, Navi World, SA, Rolex DJII, IWC Yacht Club
Present: CE, DSSD
Future: Changes daily

Buying used takes some care and common sense. I usually buy from private parties, but some of mine came from Pawn Shops, etc. Some with warranty, some without, etc. Just do your research first and know what you are getting into.

Yeah I was getting caught up with the gray market prices online. But I was also getting caught up with all the negative experiences I was reading about gray market dealers. I wont mention names because I didn't use them but I will say I was looking on Amazon. I took some time and researched George and I think I'm going to give him a shot. As soon as I have my money together I will contact him and maybe take a road trip. I just can't pull the trigger and buy online Ebay etc, I don't know watches like some guys who can see a fake from a mile away.
For the person who posted that it may be a bit much for a 13 year old. My wife is in full agreement with you, But it is a tradition in my family to give a watch for this occasion. My thought process is. The next level down from this class of watch isn't that much cheaper. And the next level down from that level would be unacceptable for me because I feel him choosing me to do this for him is way more generous then any watch.

can you elaborate as to what is "confirmation"? pardon my ignorance.

It's a sacrament of the Catholic Church. One "confirms" his baptismal intentions. Think of it as a young man or woman saying, "yes, I accept my Christianity."

Peace

Mike

You sound like a generous uncle!
As the parent of three teenagers be sure he will even wear watch. Today's generation have their cell phones and many would not consider wearing a watch or appreciate it's value. $2000 in to a college fund for a 13 year old sounds better.

Please stop trying to sell me off of the idea lol. All kidding aside thank you for the compliment. He wears a watch every day. I purchased a few watches for him already and recently purchased a skeleton watch off Amazon for his birthday and he really liked it. I don't have kids so sometimes I go a little overboard, And I have a little more flexibility shutting off the section of the brain that controls rational thought and responsibility. My wife feels the way some of you guys feel, So I will at the very least give this a second and third thought before I make a move. I wouldn't mind some feedback from people who think this is a great idea lol

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

To extend me opinion a little more.... When I ran into a problem with my watch after two months of having it I sent it back and didn't see it for 7 months!

If you go the the AD and buy a used one they would give you at least a 1 year warranty plus, you can go through Breitling! Where as thewatchery.com made me go through them and they used a private store (didn't mention who) to service my B! I didn't know who was touching it and it wasn't a good feeling! It was like someone baby sitting my children who I never met before(even though I have none lol)!

Contact George at Goverberg Jewelry in Philly, PA... great guy and I made a decent amount of purchases from him and he will help you out a lot! They also have a decent used selection there which I would definitely look into!

As for buying a watch for a 13 year old... hopefully he is very mature about wearing it! Another thing, if he's gonna be wearing it to school... they would make him take it off(I'm sure) for gym and locker it. Which My GF in high school had her Gucci Watch stolen that way.

Another thing, When kids realize what type of watch he has he would be very vulnerable because kids like what they don't/can't have. I'm not saying I wouldn't think about buying my young teenager one (when I have one one day) BUT, I would say, "you can not bring it to school"! Soooooo many ways another kid can get into another locker and take it!


Good Luck with it, those are just my two cents from experiences when I was young with expense things!

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Past: BlackBird, Navi World, SA, Rolex DJII, IWC Yacht Club
Present: CE, DSSD
Future: Changes daily

By the sounds of things it is not only a tradition in your family, but you have given it a lot of thought and he already has an interest in watches.

Your earlier comment about him honouring you by asking you to be his sponsor says it all - you want to give him something that he will forever associate with the occasion and will create a bond between the two of you. Perhaps one day he can give the watch to his son on confirmation, and then it can be passed on to your grandson and so on - the watch will certainly last long enough.

User your head to be sure it's the most appropriate gift, but choose the piece with your heart.