The Breitling Watch Source Forums

We all read, pretty much daily in this forum, Breitling enthusiasts looking to add pieces to their collections. we just want more: A new Skyracer, perhaps, maybe an S.A., or maybe a Superocean Heritage, or even classy Transocean? ...the list goes on, and on...

When does it stop?
When do we stop feeding the addiction?
When do we say enough is enough?

We don't! We just keep buying more B's we just really, truly, legitimately don't need...but we want 'em. We have to have 'em!

For those guys out there who love their watches, and want to add pieces to their collections, but just need that financial incentive to take the leap: What if we established a powerful buying group? Let's say a bunch of us got together, cash-in-hand, and worked out a volume purchase with a credible dealer?

Could this work?

Let's stop perusing the product catalog... or surfing the Breitling site over our next Breitling.... let's just buy it!

Are you in?

It was done once before with results that were generally positive, however since AD margins were cut I highly doubt that the incentive would be significantly better than sponsor ADs will already provide.

every one pleads hard done by in this day and age.....car dealers...ADs...etc... all pleading they make nothing on the items they sell.

But ever since i received the AD cost price invoice within my SA paperwork, my view on reasonable and excessive margins has somewhat altered.

Over the last few weeks I have been considering the dichotomy of putting a scan of it on BS to better inform the BS user community against the actual damage it could possibly do to used prices...........

Perhaps not publicly, but in private only to relevant parties who are in the market for one and it would allow them to understand how much of a deal they are getting.

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Super Avenger B973

My understanding is cost is about 58-60% of retail and it was much closer to 50% just two years ago. Am I wrong?

My numbers may be off a bit, but AD cost hasn't been a big secret on the watch fora.

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SHARKMAN

your two year old figure is still pretty good - like Lenny eluded to, its one thing to discuss it, quite another to publicly display the evidence.

If im honest, i still think they are worth the money as Breitlings are fantastic watches - maybe just not worth the full RRP, but then no one should be paying that anyway

Then who wants in?

I was at a dealer in Montreal, Canada and bought a World on steel. I worked the price like a madman. I had worked out a deal for $4,300 CDN. Tax in. It was an amazing price. I was in NY, Miami, and Barbados and the dealers could not come in under 5K. What made the difference is that I was with a friend, and we both bought a watch.

These AD's are making solid margins. They play the game really well. They hold their position and they know that the consumer will succumb to their love affair and bite the bullet. They claim that "Breitling controls customer pricing". Come on!

Here's how I see it: As an active spending consumer, I am always "justifying" my purchases. I do the cognitive dissonance thing, lie to my wife, and continue to spend. When I am thrown a bone, the pill is that much easier to swallow.

I need a bone. I need a new watch.

Again, who's in?

Do I just send my wishlist of one or two measly pieces to a recognized AD connected to this Forum, or do we band together, make this list dozens long, and offer a good score to all parties concerned?

Thanks.

Sharkman's numbers are accurate for the US. Slightly higher margins in other regions but it's no big secret and has been discussed here before on several occasions.

I don't see why that is such a scandal, the gross margin has to cover not only the customer's expectation of a discount italsi has to cover rent / real estate costs, staff salaries and commissions, operating costs (heat, light, communications, corporate functions, advertising and promotions, etc), inventory costs, taxes and profit. There is a reason why there are few watch only dealers around - without the higher margins associated with jewellery it's tough to make money.

I have my sights set on a new Breitling in the near future, probably wait until after Basel to see if anything new comes out.

Don't know what a "group" buy could get for a discount, would probably have to be in the 30% area to make it worth while, assuming one can get a good 20% on a single buy.

Appreciate your enthusiasm Darston, may have to give it a bit until we see what Basel brings, then may have considerable interest for that 'hot' new piece!

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Chrono Jetstream
Montbrilliant 1903
Aerospace E79362

For the right discount, I'm interested!

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Breitling Chronomat 44 Evolution C13356 Rose Gold/SS
Breitling Chronomat 44 B01 LE Black Pearl Rose Gold/SS
Breitling Chronomat 44 B01 White Pearl Rose Gold/SS
Rolex Daytona TT White Face

Ok, great!

So far then we have the following participants:

Darston
Racerdj

Who else wants in?

Step 1:
We'll make a wish list of pieces we want, min. 1, of course, and independently scope out the best price we can each obtain from whichever AD or any resource we may be personally familiar with.This first exercise will help up identify our 'starting point pricing'.

Step 2: We'll then collectively share, by means I am not yet sure of, all the sources and best pricing offered thus far. I suggest perhaps a group email to all members of the group for facts sharing purposes.

Step 3: We then must identify which additional discount each member of the group would require to position a buy.

Step 4. TBD

We need more members to this elite buying group, guys!

Who else wants in? Let's keep promoting this!

Depending on which watch and at what price I'd be interested. They may be more willing to deal on a certain model than others.

Great Colestrong!

You're right, we may have to settle to some degree based on inventory availability,etc.

So, now we are 3:

Darston
Racerdj
Colestrong

This can get really exciting. We need some additional participants.

Who's in?

Hey guys I like your idea! I work for an AD and we've worked with many corporations to ensure them and their employees the best deals and since this is the same general idea. I figured I'd give you guys a shout. If you guys work up a wish list send me a message and I'll do my best to get you the best possible price.

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Breitling Chronomat 44
Breitling Transocean Chrono
Rolex Deep Sea
Pam111
IWC Big Pilot
Breitling SO Steelfish
AP Royal Oak Safari
Victorinox Dive Master
Jaeger Lecoultre Reverso

I am in. However, I do not see how this will work cross-border Darston. I get good deals from Montreal ADs but how about VAT and shipping from US. I know there are ways but not sure ADs will do that.