The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I have been wanting a Breitling for years now. My latest Bulova/Accutron has stopped after nearly 4 years to the date! The cost to repair is just shy of the cost when new. This is my second Bulova and will be my last as the quality and longevity are not what I would expect. Now I am looking for one last watch, the watch, to make me happy for many years to come. But like my father in law told me a couple of decades ago I have champaign taste on a half a beer budget. I managed to find a Breitling store two years ago when stationed in GA and though they did not have the one I wanted they were somewhat resonably priced. I was looking for a cockpit and I seem to recall it costing about $3-4K.

Fast forward to the today and now. We are somewhat at the mercy of whatever retailers we have here in Alaska but our local Ben Bridge started carying Breitlings! I was excited to say the least and went down to their new store a couple weeks ago, dropped of my wifes ruby ring for re-tipping at the same time. Thats when I got a chance to hold the new watches and fell in love. Being a larger muscular guy I found that the Chronomat 44 fit me like it was made for me. Being a chronograph guy I just cant shake the experience. But I have a problem paying retail for anything, anything at all. I need to feel like I got a deal.

So when we went down to the store today to pick up said ring I spoke with them again, the manager this time, or so I think, but she hardly speaks english and keeps trying to push Tissot watches on me every time I go in there. Anyways I asked her about a discount and she said Breitling does not allow discounts. personally I think this is bull. I know its going to be an expensive purchase and I was not trying to get it for free but when I can get it from well known online merchants for $3k (20%) less it makes me wonder. I would rather buy from a AD but we only have 1. I could buy a round trip ticket to the lower 48 and still save money than to buy from them.

So, what is the advice of the forum? Does anyone have a AD local that gives nice disounts, are they willing to ship? I am looking for the Chronomat 44 two tone (entire bezel), two tone strap with the black or blue (the blue is much nicer in person on the B01 I saw today) with roman numerals, maybe even mother of pearl. Should I just throw haste to the wind and buy from Joma, Prestige, or LOW?

Argh, I need help.

Welcome aboard.
If you are in the US, contact members FEAR or jnelson3097.
They should give you the good price as forum sponsors.

Yep, I second this. I know that jnelson3097's contact will ship the watch to your door. Stop by Ben Bridge and decide on the Breitling you want. Then contact jnelson and get it ordered from a great jeweler who will definitely treat you right.

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Chronomat 01- Sierra Silver/Steel
Navitimer 01- Limited Edition #1337/2000

Definitely recommend an AD over grey market, and our forum sponsors will pleasantly surprise you on prices.

I third the comments from the other members. Tell the AD in Alaska to shove it where the sun don't shine. You can get discounts from any AD across the country.

Excellent advice above if you want to buy new, but also don't overlook the option of buying pre-owned via forums like this one. If you're patient, you'll find near-mint specimens at great prices, since Breitlings typically take a beating on resale. Just be sure to do your homework and shop smart. As the saying goes, when you're doing business on a forum, "buy the seller, not the watch."

Here is another question. When I origionally looked a few months or so ago I found one that I really liked, the Chronomat Calibre 13. My local sales guy seems to be steering me away from this because of the 775 movement in favor of the new 01 movement. I understand that the new movement has more reserve life in it, and it doesnt suffer from the danger zone time change that the 775 has. While these are valid points I also think its because he couldnt find it in his books and it is not in the new book that they gave me (great coffee table reading material BTW).

I will try to hook up with one of the aformentioned site sponsors (I like dealing with vendors that support forums greatly). Hopefully they may have the watches in stock and able to send pictures. The reason behind pictures is I saw a B01 in the store with a blue face that was super dark and looked really awsome, much better than on the website. I also have this idea that luxury watches of this caliber should have a mother of pearl face but alas none were available at the store to see other than the watches with the crown.

Sooner, why do Breitlings take a beating on resale. I wouldnt think it would take anymore of a hit than the crown watch. Am I mistaken?

Breitlings are going to be worth less on resale because they are so heavily discounted new and don't have the same lasting appeal as Rolec - them's the breaks!

In terms of the Chronomat Calibre 13, well it's a ruined Chronomat / Chronomat Evolution so I would always buy the Evo version, but it's a great watch. Sure the in house movement is attractive, but if you don't care specifically about the inhouse then buy the watch that appeals more, not what the salesman wants you to buy.

I agree with you there, I will always buy what I want rather than what the salesman wants me to buy. I am curious, what do you mean by "its a ruined Chronomat/Chronomat Evolution"? And what is a Evo version?

Evo = Evolution.

Most people here considerthe Chronmat Evolution (later renamed Chronomat) as an iconic piece. The Calibre 13 is simply an excuse to use up the left over parts from when it was discontinued and is not well loved.

After spending hours upon hours using the search function and oogling peoples pics on here I think I have figured out which one I want. Lets pray we can make it a reality.

This is such a great site, very thankful to the site owner and all members for their contributions to the brand.

Any hints?

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"It is just a matter of time!"

Hmm, well. I love two tone watches but have found I am a bit rough on the gold (layer) and this will be my daily wear watch. So I am going to go with another all stainless one that just died on me. Chronomat 44 grey bulseye face (seen this around on here and it looks amazing). Must... wait... for... tomorrows... phone call!

Ok, Ok, I have changed my mind yet again and pulled the trigger. I cant wait till next week. Pictures to follow I promise, all I can say is I have never seen anything like this. I am excited to say the least.

I had a heart stopping phone call today from my AD. Looks like my watch was sold out from under him. After about 45 seconds of panic that felt like a hour he said they have remedied it but it will take another day. Disappointed I have to wait a tad longer, super happy my AD fought for my purchase!

Is it next week yet? My keyboard cant take much more of my drooling!