The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hello. Long time reader---first time poster. I am buying my first Ling (a 2 year old Bentley Motors) and picking it up next week from a reputable jewler here in Denver. Just as an aside, how many of you guys bought your first ling used? I can't wait to pick it up, but wondering if I should have paid the extra to get 'full' experience.

Thoughts?

Hi!

My 1st Breitling I bought new. (no longer own it had it for 13 years & traded it this past January for another Breitling)

I have also bought a new JLC & traded it after a dozen years of ownership.

Currently, all of my watches have been bought pre-owned and to be honest it's not a big deal - you can't wear the box & when buying from an AD you get a 1 year warranty.

The reason for the remark about the box is that Tourneau doesn't provide any of the original boxes or paper work.

Pre-own offers a substantial savings that allows to either afford the watch or let you put the difference towards another piece!

Enjoy the watch!

Cheers,

Enezdez

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IWC - Big Pilot 5002 - 01
IWC - Pilot Chrono 3717 - 04
Panerai - 183
Omega - Speedmaster 145.012 / 67
Rolex - Explore II (Black Dial) - 216570
Rolex - Explore I 114270
Blancpain FF 5015

If it helps you get into the addiction with a used model, all the power to you! As they say, the first hit is free!

I wouldn't be surprised to know that a lot of first timers bought their first real timepiece used, helps swallow the price tag IMO. I got into them out of peer pressure from my co-workers, hence my first and one I have not parted with being a Colt. Apparently you just can't go to any kind of business meeting overseas without a fancy watch. I don't think many enthusiasts walk into an AD and pay full retail. I believe a lot of people continue to buy used when they can. That being said, buying used from a reputable jeweler will help you prevent buying a fake or a poor condition watch which is a GREAT idea. Down the road once you are more informed about purchasing used, you can look into private sales.

IMO save the AD purchase for the first new model or LE you just have to have.

If you have a pile of money burning a hole in your pocket, walk into an AD and pay full retail through the manager after you tell them you realize 20%-30% discount is possible but you will pay a premium for quality service and after care, and you will have them bending over back wards for you. A good relationship with an AD can be very handy in the future.

Welcome aboard!

I started off only interested in vintage watches, so not much choice about second hand there
But even now with newer ones i try to buy them second hand with some warrenty left. One day i might blow the budget and get a new one. it would be nice to have that AD experience. But for the moment, letting someone else take the biggest depreciation hit makes most sense to me.

I think a freshly serviced used watch can is one of the best ways to buy. If a fresh service isnt availible, hopefully you can buy one still under warranty.

I agree with a prior post about saving the AD trip for a new model or LE. These can be difficult to find second hand, but if you are looking for a model that has been out for a while, finding one on the bay or through forums shouldnt be too much of a problem .

The main thing to remember is to be patient and if a deal doesnt work out know there are plenty more coming down the pipe.

My first two lings, a SOH and Navi, both were bought used and the cost was about the same as a new model from the AD ($4500 for both).

Use the replica forum, and ask lots of questions, and above all....linger around a bit. I learn something everyday to make be a more informed consumer.

I did

I too buy most of my watches pre-owned so as to take advantage of better price points while still getting a nice piece. I prefer to buy them with all the original boxes, manuals, certifications in order to have a better value for resale down the road and to validate the piece. There are some really good deals to be had out there if you keep your eyes open.

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If you buy new and keep your piece for 5 years or greater, it will likely appreciate if you keep it in excellent condition. Prices seem to go up every year.

~Brian

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Breitling Super Avenger
Fortis Flieger Chronograph
Rolex Submariner Date

Purchased all of mine pre-owned. If the watch is well cared for, you will not be able to tell the difference. Although, if I could get a good deal from a AD, I would consider buying new...

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Regards,

Troy

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

Of the the watches I presently own, bought:

2 used (discontinued models that I liked)
2 new (one was an LE)
1 NOS (also discontinued)

All came with complete, dated paperwork and boxes. Like others have addressed, nothing wrong with finding a good used piece and saving some $$. I prefer to have the proper documentation but that's just me.

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Chrono Jetstream
Montbrilliant 1903
Aerospace E79362