The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Curious what consensus is on this watch. I purchased it from the original owner through a representative and it came with no box or original paperwork. Given to a family member as a gift in 2006, it was unworn according to the narrative and eventually returned to the AD it was purchased from, sent to and serviced by Breitling January of 2011 then, put up for sale with several other unworn watches. Owing to the circumstances of the sale to me, I am reasonably sure it is authentic. There is a document from the AD to that effect as well as the receipt for the service ($808.00). What I am interested to know is (considering my photographic efforts) does it look as if it's been polished or refinished in any way? I can find no evidence it was ever worn. In fact, it was pointed out that some of the original packaging tape is still on the clasp.

its hard to photograph a nice clean watch because getting it clean in the first place is apparently the trick...Starting with a new watch makes it only slightly easier.

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Time after time ~

Looks reasonable. You can usually tell if a watch has been worn and refinished. Really fine scratches will show up in certain lights but may only be noticable with magnification. Buffing can also been seen, as its very difficult without disassembling the watch to get a consistant finish. Look across the watch where any interuption occurs (pushers, etc) and at the margin of those interuptions, there will be a slight difference in finish, if anyone has had a go at it since its frist wear.

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Jim

"You have Control".

Thank you for your reply. The reason for the question is that the watch had been sent for service by the AD and it was astonishing to me to think that it might be refinished to look like new during that service. I looked closely at my SuperOcean Steelfish which had been lightly buffed a couple years ago and sure enough, the difference between factory finish and even a light buffing is actually visible in certain light without a loop but shows clearly under magnification. I re-examined the chronograph and I'm more convinced than ever that this watch has spent its entire life sitting in a box somewhere. The chronograph does have a few very fine scratches. I'm talking about the sort of surface marking I expect to see after the first day of carefully wearing a new watch. I am pleased with it. As a bonus, its been serviced, fits and functions perfectly and is a more traditional Breitling chronograph design which fits stylistically with the other Breitlings in my collection.

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Time after time ~

Yep, I understand completely what you are sayin here. Sometimes it takes a little bit of detective work to see if something has been touched, so good for you in doing an in depth inspection.

You sometimes have to put yourself in the frame of mind of a wearer or, what wear and tear would I expect to see if I wore this watch? Once you do that, you can usually work out if there has been any wear adn any retouching. Watches can sit for a long time before a buyer comes along, so might be one of those rare times that it was in the wrong palce at the right time (or vise verse).

Congratulations.

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Jim

"You have Control".