The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi All - I have decided to buy my husband a watch for our anniversary and after looking at lots of online stores, have decided that Breitling is the way to go. Just wondering if anyone could give me a few pointers, I don't want to walk into the watch store and not know a thing before I spend a lot of money! I'm thinking to spend up to about $6000AU (can I even get something for that amount??). I am looking for a classic watch, I know he prefers leather wristbands and he doesnt like the face to be too chunky. I had a look at the Navitimer and Cosmonaut watchs and really like the look of them, but none of the sites had any prices so I dont know if I'm dreaming! Does anyone know of good place to buy in Melbourne, Australia?

Any comments would be really appreciated.

Hi,
I'm in Australia too. I'm not sure if we're allowed to mention shop names on the forum (some forums don't allow it). Feel free to PM me. But to begin with, if you haven't already, you can go to the official Breitling website and get a list of Authorized Dealers in Melbourne.
Greg

US prices will give you some idea - http://www.breitlingsource.com/pricelist.shtml

The watch prices are for the head only, you need to add the cost of the strap as well. Remember though that those are list prices, you'll get a discount from that. Not sure what Australian discounts are like - enough Australian members to tell you, but you should be able to get at least 20% or so.

If he likes the classic look then the Navitimer range is definitely worth looking at - go to an AD and see them 'in the metal' because the sizes vary and you need to be able to handle them and decide what works best for your husband (who's a lucky man!).

I think with your parameters the Navi line is def a good place to start.

First off...it is THE Breitling when it comes to a classic look. Secondly, the OEM straps Breilting makes are perfect on the watch. No offense to the Bracelet Navi guys, but in my opinion leather is the way to go with a Navi.

Finally, and I am no authority on pricing and especially AU pricing, but I am betting the Navi will fit very nicely in your budget.

BTW Lucky Guy, and I am sure no matter what you decide he will love his

I would also recommend a Navitimer with a black leather OEM strap although if you think your husband will also like a stainless steel bracelet, you can always go down that route and pick up a leather strap in edition to the watch on bracelet. The price for the leather strap with tang/buckle in Australia is $160 or thereabouts (a deployment is more like $450).

I don't know a lot about Melbourne AD's but if they are anything like the AD's in Sydney and Brisbane (e.g. Watches of Switzerland and Hardy Brothers) the best time of the month to purchase a watch is at the end of the month when AD's are often looking to get their numbers up. That's been my experience anyway. As a first time buyer I would expect a 20% discount that might stretch to 25%, however I've never heard of 30%, which I know is very easy here in the US. However you might be able to get that if you develop a relationship with an AD.

$6,000, from memory, should be pretty close (it has been a while) and as Roff said I definitely recommend you go into a store and try a few on. Good luck!

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Happines is Good Health and a Bad Memory.
"Ingrid Bergman"

B01, Blackbird, Chronomat Evo!

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Squadron Member: Breitling Chronomat B01 Blackeye Blue, Brushed Bezel, Pilot Bracelet

Fisrt off I think it's amazing that you are going to buy your husband such a wonderful gift... But a watch is a very personal thing and he is going to wear it for a long time and if it doesn't have what he is looking for in a watch he will never tell you but it would always be in the back of his mind! It would be like him buying you an outfit, shoes and a handbag, odds are you wouldn't have bought what he picked out for you! Again while it's an amazing jesture, you might let him pick his own watch or at least go watch shopping and notice what he likes and come back later to buy it! I just don't see my wifes taste being the same as mine and would hate to own an expensive piece that I had to lie about how much I like it! My .02 cents, good luck and breitling is they way to go!

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TREVOR

A watch that you just can't go wrong with IMO is the Chronomat Evolution! I love mine and it can't be worn in just about any occasion. VERY VERSATILE! Fro the conference room to scuba diving your golden. Also, there are many combinations to choose from. I have a few small photos below. Good luck!

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

I think this is an excellent point, no need to tell him you are getting him one but swing buy a watch store, pretend like you want one for yourself and see where he ventures into the store. Better off getting something you know he likes than something you will later regret buying, especially something of large value.

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Breitling Navitimer 1461 jours silver dial with dark glazed cognac alligator strap

Thanks everyone for your feedback - greatly appreciated. As he is SO particular about pretty much everything he buys I think it probably is best if he chooses his own watch. I'll keep you posted on what he chooses.