The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Folks here and on the other forums do it every day. It takes some inquiry into the particular watch and even more so into the particular seller. But they are out there and secondary market prices are quite low right now.

Used I got a very nice Skyracer that I had to have serviced by BUSA, but even after that the overall price was ridiculously low. A near perfect Chopard Milla Miglia GMT Chrono at <1/3 retail. A very good price on an awesome silver dial Chronomat (was listed here) which is amazing and keeping time at <+2secs/day. A Skyland that needed some external cosmetic work (cost all of $60!! for the work) that is a great piece.

So they are there. Or just go to Costco and get the dang Blackbird. That's what I would do

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SHARKMAN

Well they don't hire watchmakers!

Is the fact it's been sitting there unused for a over year any cause for concern, in terms of its condition?

I guess ill disagree here since there the repair is obviously not actually done by Costco. Theyll send it out to some 3rd party that services watches, probably not all that different than any local place that you took it to yourself.

Of all of your options, some are obviously more advantages than others, but I would probably go with #1. Im agree that youre playing by their rules, but id say that you should at least give them another shot at earning your satisfaction by upgrading to the BB though them.

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-RJ

Fair enough - but if we're only talking a regulation then may as well cut out the middle man and get the job done in a few hours or less.

I went to Costco again today, took a closer look at the Blackbird (i.e., had them take it out of the case), and asked one of the guys there about the return policy. He said they would probably still take my Chronomat back, although I could tell he had some misgivings about it. He said I'd have to take it up with the Returns department, and they'd probably have to call in a manager to OK the return. I held off on that, since I wasn't in a position to return the watch right then. Honestly, I'll have to think whether I would feel OK doing the return at all. I suppose if I were to take the BB off their hands, maybe they'd feel better about it, but given that this would be purely a preferential return (ironically so, since I actually like my Chronomat, save for the color of the dial), part of me would feel like a fink making them eat the cost. That doesn't mean that a new BB wouldn't help me get over myself...I'm just sayin'.

I was a bit surprised that the brushed surfaces on the BB were only on the top, and that the sides were polished. It's definitely a nice watch, and a bit more "unusual" than a standard Chronomat, although I can see myself being perfectly happy with a Chronomat with a black Roman dial, as well. I guess I've got some options to mull over, although I'll have to make a decision pretty quickly, since the guy there felt I was pushing it asking for a complete refund at the three-year mark; much longer, and it probably won't be an option.

Thanks again for all the input. I do appreciate it. Keep the comments coming, if you're so inclined.

Costco has millions and millions of dollars as a company. If their warranty does not have an expiration date and you are not happy with your product, return it. I wouldn't feel guilty personally as you are not robbing an individual of their meal for the night. Get the watch you want, if you don't love the BB go to your AD and find something you do!

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sco
Breitling Chrono Superocean
Omega Aqua Terra 8500
Rolex Submariner Date Ceramic

Good point. Roff mentioned getting a 25% discount at an AD. That's pretty much the discount Costco offers, which definitely makes the AD a better way to go, assuming I can get the discount there, too. How does one go about asking for it? In Oregon, there is only one AD for Breitlings, with only one location. If they're the only game in town, should I expect to be able to talk them into discounting? What about if it's a watch I need to special order?

Well the best advice is to contact George at Govberg via jnelson3097, but just flat out ask your AD and if they say no, then try another AD - just because it isn't local doesn't mean that you can't use them. Special order doesn't make any difference.

Don't ask - tell. Tell them you will only take 30%. Settle "begrudgingly" for 25%. If they blow you off - then by all means use an out of state AD and save the sales tax on top of an acceptable discount.

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SHARKMAN

Thanks, Sharkman.

Roff, PM sent.