The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Why do we need to close it? Just because the collective opinion is against your initial thoughts doesn't mean that it's not a valid discussion.

There is no good reason to get a fake.

For me personally, my watch is about the last thing I worry about being stolen when I'm on a trip. Of all the expensive stuff I take around with me, my watch is the one thing that's always physically attached to my person.

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[Witty signature here]

Good idea... Movados are cheap enough than losing a expensive watch.

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Montbrillant Datora

I agree. It does make sense. Theres also good ideas to help people without getting another watch being stolen/lost.

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Montbrillant Datora

Today I became a first time buyer of a Breitling and felt this was a good thread to add my first post. I previously and proudly wore a $300 Bulova for 9 years because it was a birthday present from my wife. And quite honestly, was never interested in luxury watches. That started to change when I saw ads for Breitlings and Tagheuers in magazines I read. The Breitlings especially caught my eye. So when our 15th anniversary came around, my wife bought me a Colt Automatic and I love it!!

I would never wear a fake. If I'm not comfortable wearing the Breitling, I'll proudly wear the Bulova with all its sentimental value. It may not be a Breitling but its real!

Replicas are not for me. Even if you think you have good intentions, as to wear it on trips or to try the appearance before the real purchase, every replica bought will still nurture an illegal business. The real company will lose money that otherwise could have helped with R&D and maintenance while the replica company, already doing illegal business, often aren't too bothered with environmental laws and worker conditions.

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Collection: http://s540.photobucket.com/albums/gg32 ... mview=grid

To answer your question about insurance - since you long ago abandoned the fake notion - the 2 most recommended here are Chubb and Jewelers Mutual.

When I bought a fake Steelfish long before I ever bought real, I had no knowledge of Breitling(I don't think I had even heard of it) or any brand really. I liked the look of it and couldn't for a moment fathom why someone would spend big money for something so closely replicated for $300. It wasn't trying to look like I was wearing something I wanted to impress people with - I would have gotten a fake Rolex if that was my intent - it was that I figured, like me, no one had really heard of Breitling. Right or wrong, that purchse brought me to this site. This site brought me to an AD.

But I was right about one thing - for all statistical purposes, no one does know Breitling. They have all heard Rolex, some Omega, maybe Tag. I've never once had someone say - "Oooo, nice Breitling." Or "Hey, nice Steelfish." Occasionaly I get a "Nice looking watch." I did once get a "Nice Rolex."

And then there was that Texas TSA lady, but all she knew I was wearing was a Big-Ass watch.

Now if you will excuse me I have to dye my hair, shave my chest, pop some viagra, pump up my calf implants, and go get "real."

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SHARKMAN

Great info! For years before I ever bought my breitling, and I decided I'll get one sometime when I can afford a watch beside other important stuff. But, 2 years back I finally stopped by my local AD and they already had my Datora instock since it caught my eye for a while. I never wanted a replica before because I was never interested for fake possessions. But I only thought about this thread to avoid losing my watch. Much easier to just get insurance.

Also, about when you mentioned that a lady saying "Nice Rolex!" because most people dont know what Breitlings are. I do like that.

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Montbrillant Datora

The only thing worse than getting killed over your Breitling, is getting killed over your fake Breitling. Seriously, do you think the thief is gonna know how to spot a replica while he's got a gun to the back of your head or a knife to your throat?

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-RJ

Like stated lots of times above you can pick up a perfectly good/quality watch for relatively small $$$. I am pretty sure you could also pick up a nice Breitling SH Colt, again relatively cheap. Maybe well under $1000

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Breanach78

A Few Breitlings.

This subject crops up every now and then and lots of people tend to get quite hot under the collar about it with people on both sides of the fence with strong opinions.

All I will say here are my own personal opinions about fakes -

Fakes are a total false economy - they can cost quite lot for a "good" one (bit of an oxymoron there!) and yet they have practically zero QC (despite what many fake peddlers claim) because most are made in sweatshops or in some guy's garage in the far east ; they can't be serviced or fixed anywhere respectable ; they are illegal in many countries ; they may harm the genuine watch industry while potentially supporting illegal activities and organisations (OK, so the jury's out on these two points, but again why run the risk?) ; they can lead to people being ripped off for thousands of pounds/dollars (as we see on eBay) if they buy a fake thinking it's genuine ; and lastly you run the risk of looking like a total prat if people notice that it's a fake you're wearing! And rest assured SOMEONE will notice!

I don't know why people would want to risk any of the above? I know I don't.

As others have said, if you want a cheap(er) watch to wear when wearing an expensive one is not an option, buy a Seiko...., or a Steinhart...., or any number of other cheaper but nonetheless genuine makes out there. A genuine watch will have NONE of the downsides I listed above, including the 'looking like a idiot' factor when someone says, "Nice fake you've got there mate".

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Driver8

Site Moderator

I use my seiko kinetic premier perpetual calendar or the cheapest breitling (the superocean II). When I started collecting breitlings (when I bought my first b, avenger skyland), just like you I wanted to buy a replica, but now, as many of the forum members think, I prefer a casio, seiko or swatch before buying and wearing a fake.


Mr sharkman, shame on you! I never would think that you ever bought a rep, you're no longer my idol

It will be hard Count, but somehow, somewhere I will find an excuse to go on without your worship.

Yes, after seeing a friend's I bought a white dial Steelfish fake. I've talked of it on this site before - even my first post. Heck even our own admin has bought some in order to do helpful video reviews.

No regrets here though. It introduced me to something I inititally pronounced "Breetling." I was never a fellow who lusted over expensive watches - never gave them a thought. And as I've written here before, after I learned what many unscrupulous poeple were doing with these fakes, I smashed mine with a hammer to take it out of circulation. But before that I took it to my AD and educated them on just how good some fakes were - they were shocked; had no idea.

I'm certain a couple ADs and BUSA are happy I bought that fake about one year ago. It lead directly to a buying spree beginning 3 months later.


"Someday many years form now when you talk about this, and you will, be gentle." ~Tennessee Williams

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SHARKMAN

HAHAHAH


I still pronounce it Breetiling, but I attribute some of that to a Texas drawl. It isnt like anyone I Know will ever call me out, bc as mentioned earlier, for the #3 COSC watch producer, very few people are familiar with Breilting.

Mr sharkman, I read a post why and how you started collecting watches, and we started in the same year and same month, for similar(?) circunstancies. I had a hard time. I lot of problem with my family who I use to work with. The problem started when I was a kid, but I ended all my relation with them and after that, problems with drugs of all kind. Thanx to a few friends I have, I'm fine now. And spend the money in something more addictive (watches)