The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Last week, I took delivery of an Ocean Racer strap for my Steelfish w/black dial. I had never seen the operation of the deployment clasp, so when the rubber part was being shortened, I didn't pay as much attention as I should have. When I tried it on, it seemed OK as far as fit goes, just a bit of play. The way I like it. I was concerned that it was rather tight to get my hand through, before engaging the clasp. I assumed this was the way the strap should be. The fellow who was taking care of me thought it looked OK too.
When I got it home, I started to take a closer look, and try the self-adjusting feature, which I have to say is brilliant. However, there was hardly and play in it, and if I had worn it all day it would have been too tight, and I would be unable to adjust it.
I took it in today, and explained my problem, and to make sure it would be possible to get just the rubber part. The girl I dealt with was, as usual, just excellent, she went away to check and came back and told me that it would be ordered, but may take some time. I asked how much it would be, and if I would have to pay. She said that there had been too many "links", or sections of rubber taken out, and that they would fix the problem no charge.
I realize this, as the customer, should have been the outcome. However, just the fact that it was made as painless and easy for me as possible, without argument, just makes the whole incident as pleasure instead of a hassle. This is at least the third time, I have had similar issues, and every single time my AD is there for me, even when it has been doubtful that it may be my fault, and either fixed or remedied the issue.
Sorry to ramble on and on, but this is an example of why I find it so important to deal with an AD if at all possible, and not to buy from the internet. It makes a total difference in peace of mind and enjoyment of my watch. For any of you asking whether or not to deal with an AD, hope this helps.
Thanks for "listening"
Cheers,
Carl

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'63 Omega Seamaster, 2014 Omega Speedmaster MarkII

"Those who possess a sense of entitlement are seldom satisfied"

That's a good story and I'm glad they corrected the situation because even though that is what they should have done, they really didn't have to do it.

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Collin
SuperOcean- Coral/Diver Strap

Good story, Carl. I know the feeling... Glad it worked out in a super way!

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Collection: http://s540.photobucket.com/albums/gg32 ... mview=grid

100% Agree, that's what you pay that little bit extra for - peace of mind and someone to talk to!

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Breitling Super Avenger White, Steel
Breitling Superocean Heritage 46 Black, Ocean Racer
Rolex Submariner Bi-Metal, Yellow Gold/Blue
Panerai 112, Black Leather (Soon Hopefully!)

and...B ADs are the best ive encountered. second to none.

Agreed. My only gripe is that I just wish the UK AD's were as willing to discount the price a little more as their US cousins are.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

The thing about an AD is the relationship - and I personally can't put a value on that. Things like this situation are all about preserving the relationship and ensuring the future business - and it works.

My AD has polished my Cockpit, given me the wooden box that the gold Bentleys usually come in and is going to regulate my Cosmo - and all free of charge. You have to factor that (and the peace of mind) into the initial cost.

@Driver8, i don't know, but I wonder if the problem is the UK ADs not discounting or the UK wholesale price being so high - in North America the retail park up is huge which provides more flexibility on discounts.

That could be it. When I've spoken to my AD about he disparity of discounting between the UK and US he kind of just shook his head and said "Yes, I just don't know how they can manage it in the States". Now obviously he might have just been covering up, but then again maybe the US AD's have a greater margin to play with. And at the moment the strength of the pound makes the US prices seem like a no-brainer.


I will totally agree with you on that one Roff. And for all my comments about discounts, I did get a superb 30% off my Motors, but that was very much due to their circumstances on the day, right place right time, etc.... BUT I'm also sure that I wouldn't have got it if I hadn't cultivated a good 10 year relationship with them in the first place. (That was the only really amazing discount I have ever managed. The rest have really been about 5% max).

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Driver8

Site Moderator

I got a call on Friday from my AD which I can't say too much about yet (another week), but it was making me aware of a very unique situation that's coming up that could be extremely beneficial for me. I'm sure that I'm not the only one that got the call, but I'm also sure that not everyone did - and that could mean big savings if I want to acquire any more pieces, which would make up for any premium that I had to pay for going the AD route.

And yes I did ask if I could share it with you guys, and yes I can when it's official.

OK now I'm intrigued!

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Driver8

Site Moderator

You got my attention too, Roffensian...

Driver - don't you think it could be some kind of huge discount, in the 80% range, for all US customers?

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Collection: http://s540.photobucket.com/albums/gg32 ... mview=grid

I promise I'll tell you as soon as I can - but not by further hijacking Carl's thread (sorry Carl).

Suffice it to say it is enough to have gotten my attention on the same day I paid for my TT Legende.

Oh yeah! I want more too!

btw, I know I could have saved a couple of hundred dollars by going through a non AD source as well, but the personalized service you get, the option to try on several (dozen) watches while deciding which one to get plus the insanely hot sales girls made it all worth while

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I wish mine had one. I get the biggest discounts possible, but have nobody to flirt with.

Next time you're down in San Diego, drive into La Jolla. CJ Charles Jewelry is directly on prospect

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