The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I have been looking at a few sites where I can get a B01 for around 25% off the retail price. If the company is reputable and the watch comes with all the documentation etc, what problems could arise with buying from here?

I'm really sold on the B01 in either of these combinations, but none of the discount places I've looked at have any of them in stock right now
I've going away for 6 weeks this weekend so wanted to find one before I went.




edit: oh and hi, thanks for having me in the forum

Most AD that you walk into will match that discount and you can see the watch and try it own and have the AD mail in your warranty card, just saying.

Well I can get it shipped over from the US for around £3,500 here - http://www.authenticwatches.com/. I didn't think any AD would go that low?

I've just read this article - http://blog.breitlingsource.com/2008/11 ... in-a-store. I am not really bothered about the relationship with the AD, I just want a good price, (well I'm only really concerned with the depreciation of the watch) If I don't buy from an AD, will the resale price of the watch be lower?

Also, I will be in Bangkok next week so could look there.

First, the watch will be worth less than 75% of retail the moment you take it ou of the box, regardless of where you get it.

Second, a gray markey watch is definitely worth less than a comparable AD purchased watch. You don't have the factory warranty for starters. Even after 2 years when a Breitling warranty would be up, you likely won't have a stamped, perforated warranty booklet. That makes a difference to many people - most pre-owned buyers want all the paperwork even if it is out of warranty.

Bottom line - 25% is just an ok discount. It is not nearly enough to make up for what you do not get (Breitling warranty and likely lower resale value).

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SHARKMAN

Welcome Mojo.

I can give advice on buying online grey market.

Dont.

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Al

“Quis custodiet ipsos custodes"

Actually the RRP of the watch at the AD is £5700, so 25% loss on £3500 from the grey market is not as bad.
Hmm, gotta think about this a bit more. I'd have the same watch on my wrist from the grey market and I'd lose less to depreciation, so it looks like the better deal.

Tony, get your Mojo working......

Dont.

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Al

“Quis custodiet ipsos custodes"

Ok my Mojo is working now, I'm calling round the AD's in London to see if they have any in stock as I've had a change of plan and I'm off to Koh Samui in the morning.

I'm hearing 20% is the max discount the AD's can offer, is this correct?

If so, I'm going to say take it or leave it today, I have the cash. Think this is a good approach?

Overall I would say yes good approach.

The sales guys have targets and it is always good to hit them end of a Q. However in the UK (you and I) are expecting a VAT increase and a price increase 8% so now might be a good time.

Be brutal (flash the cash) and make them earn their money (there is another AD just around the corner in London). Let us know how you get on.

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Al

“Quis custodiet ipsos custodes"

Cool, cheers.
Yeh I'll go down there with the readies in my pocket and make a point that it will be harder for them to sell these by the weekend.
Selfridges is the only one which has come back to me with one in stock atm, so looks like it's shit or bust there. I'll go down to 15% discount maybe. If not, grey market time.

Isn't the VAT you guys have to pay already extremely high? Something like 17%? If that number is correct then it seems to me that virtually any savings you might get from buying from an overseas grey market dealer like AuthenticWatches would be wiped out by the tax. Am I mistaken on this guys?

No you are spot on, br549. Eveb at the current 17.5% VAT rate you have to be getting an EXCEPTIONALLY good deal from outside of the EU to make importing any watch worthwhile. When the exchange rate of the Dollar to the Pound was in my favour (almost 2 to 1) then it I used to buy the odd watch from abroad to sell on, but now with the FX rate being what it is, plus the impending 20% VAT rate...... well, it's just not cost effective any more IMO.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Yeah that's really not a very good price in the UK - GBP3,500 + VAT + import duty vs. GBP 5,700 including VAT - 20% - buy grey market if you want more risk for more money - otherwise go AD!

All other things aside, in the future, I'd go with an AD just for the warranty.

Well I got it. Selfridges turned out to be the only one in London with the exact one I wanted. Couldn't get them any lower than 11% off, but I'm happy. £5250.

The first ever decent watch I have bought.