The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi guys this is my first post, please go easy on me.

I am travelling to NYC in january and was thinking of getting a preowned breitling navitimer (current/recent model). I like the navitimer with a silver face and silver sub dials. It also has to be with a braclet as personally I feel the steel navitimer bracelet looks gorgeous especially when it has been polished.

My questions are:

1. If for example I get a breitling without silver subdials and/or face is it possible to send my newly acquired navitimer to breitling and change to my prefered colours? If this possible how much would breitling charge? I'm sure ive read somewhere that this is possible i just cant remember where!

2. How should one inspect a preowned breitling in order to obtain a good example.

3. Should I send the watch to breitling regardless of condition once ive brought the watch? (I hear the watches come back looking as good as new could anyone verify this ?)

4. In NYC how much should I expect to spend on a preowned navitimer? (I might be wrong but 3-3.5 K) seems to be the going rate.

5. Finally and most importantly what shops do you guys reccomend? Websites would be ideal as I could compare prices and decide if the savings (or not!) are worth getting the watch in NYC.

Many thanks in advance.

Welcome to BreitlingSource

1) It can be done, but for current models reckon on $1,000 plus including a full service - better to buy what you want first!

2) Buy the seller first is always good advice, and educate yourself on the tells for fakes. In terms of the watch iteself make sure that the serial number matches on papers and watch, check all the functions and features - chrono, time set, date set, wind the watch, slide tule rotates, etc. Also make sure that you check thoroughly for any dings or scratches. Ask about any service history with supporting paperwork.

3) A full service ($450 - $500) includes case refinishing and the watch will be like new. That said, a service is only needed every 5 - 7 years and if the watch keeps within COSC specs then save your money until it's needed.

4) Can't comment on NY, but check completed auctions on eBay for current (generally US) pricing.

5) Not qualified to answer that, but contact jnelson3097 for George's contact details at Govbergs in Philly. He may not have the used piece that you are looking for, but can quote you a good price on a new one and will overnight to your hotel.

I recently traveled to NYC. I found several used Breitling dealers in the diamond district (West 47th St.). Don't buy at your first stop. You can go from one to the next to find the best watch and best price.
Happy hunting!

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Regards,

Troy

Breitling Bentley Mark VI
Rolex GMT Master II TT Ceramic "Z"
Rolex Explorer II - White dial

I would suggest Tourneau at 12th east 57th street. They have the best selection in the city.

The Breitling Boutique should be open by then.

Except you won't have papers or boxes. They only keep them on very high end pieces. I don't care if Mother Theresa was offering a watch, I would,'t get it without the COSC AND warranty book to check the serial numbers.

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SHARKMAN

Hmm.. Will the Boutique be offering pre-ownwed?

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SHARKMAN

I doubt it, but knows. Someone mentioned going to Govberg for new one, so I added that to it. If anything, it will be a must to visit while there

Too bad my kid doesn't go to college in Manhatten.

Wait! She DOES go to college in Manhatten.

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SHARKMAN

Stay away from Tourneau, They need to be called Turn around and walk the other way. Their prices are nutty!!!

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One Watch At A Time.

X 12431352463463756734352625246

Possibly the worst place to buy a watch.

The only thing they have going for them is the selection. Besides that, a big thumbs down.

If you want to buy from a big chain though, at least go to wempe. They treat you a thousand times better than tourneau. The service in wempe is fantastic compared to tour-NO.

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"Don't Touch The Watch." - Patrick Bateman

thank you Roffensian for your points they were very helpful. thank you for your contact as well I'll be sure to be in touch with him soon. from the points you've made think ill find the watch i like first!

tcreyn your a star!ill be heading to 47th street west to look at some nice pieces.

If i may ask how much of RRP would you expect to be a "good deal". do you think the states with current exchange prices is the best place to get a nice breitling?

thanks for the help!

Reckon on 25% being a good deal - less than it used to be because of increased US dealer costs.

Factor in also that your home country may levy import duty / taxes / etc - just because you wear the watch back doesn't mean that you aren't liable!

In terms of whether the US is a good buy - depends completely on the strength of the US$ vs. your home currency and your local prices / discount policy.

Personally I had a pretty bad experience with Wempe, at least the one on 5th. Even though I walked in wearing a $1,000 suit, they would not give me the time of day, maybe because I am only 22. Even when I asked for assistance or had some questions they shrugged me off like I was some window shopper. That is too bad as I had the coin to spend.

+1 on Govberg, George is a great guy to deal with, have him ship it to your hotel room and you will avoid sales tax which can be a lot on a large purchase.

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

I am 22 as well. I went there after a job interview one day all dressed up in a suit, and as soon as I walked in, a salesman walked right up to me and asked me how he could help. I was asking about breitlings and also the new submariners. He ushered me over to a seat and desk and brough over a whole tray of breitlings and a new sub-c. I even got to chat with their on hand watchmaker about the construction of the new subs. This was even while the place was pretty crowded. I guess I showed some knowledge in the pieces I was interested in, so they respected that and we saw pretty eye to eye. All in all, it was a great experience to check out watches and talk to a watchmaker who used to work for rolex. With how helpful they were, I would still probably not buy from there mainly because of no discount. In a few months when I gather the funds from my first post college job, I will have george from govebergs on my speed dial.

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"Don't Touch The Watch." - Patrick Bateman