The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hey guys, it's been a couple years since I've bought a new breitling. I was in an ad today to look at purchasing a navitimer. They told me the most they could take off was 15% off the 7900 tag. Is this standard now? Just making sure I don't pay to much. thanks!

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Yes, anecdotally not easy to get much more than that at an AD on a current model.

Thanks!

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Assuming that you are talking about a US AD given your location - BUSA have clamped down on excessive discounting recently and dealer margin has also been reduced in the last couple of years.

I only got a 10% discount off my Navi 01 . . . and that was when it first came out, before all this Breitling price clamping stuff. I'd say 15% at this stage is pretty good.

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

My AD gives me 20%.
I do not work for them, but am happy to give you his number if you want it.
Both me and a co-worker bought from him at different times. Very reputable and a pleasure to work with.

I wouldn't name him publicly here because if you do BUSA will send in secret shoppers and if he offers 20% to them there will be issues.

Discount or not, it a beautiful watch and one I hope you're satisfied with over the years. Congratulations on the purchase and wear it in the very best of health.

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Jim

"You have Control".

Thanks P51.. As soon as I saw it in the display case I knew I had to have it... I'm definitely satisfied with the 15% because of it being local. I'm sure I'll be doing more business with them in the future. I pick up the watch Friday... Can't wait!!!

Well, he may only give that much to me for buying so much from him and referrals from other co-workers...
But that's surprising. If these stores and AD's are given the flexibility and are cutting it off on their end, why would BUSA care. Breitling is still regulated and they're still getting paid.
Not grey market, they just lose more of the profit.
Well, im not trying to get anyone in trouble. Just share good experinece with reputable dealers who gove the best LEGIT price THEY can.
But wouldn't surprise me if their are undercover BUSA in here...

Of course BUSA monitors this site, and of course they clamp down on excessive discounting. Contracts state the maximum that the AD can discount and apart from anything else, exceeding that limit is breach of contract. Breitling want to keep prices at a certain level because otherwise it damages the image that they try to create of a luxury watch worth the price that they are listing them at.

Interesting thanks Roff. Makes me not want to give any info even via PM.

Yes, we all have to play the game (and a game is what it is), but that’s cool. Everyone has their own troubles and I can only imagine that a distributor trying to maintain a retail price level must be like herding cats in the retail sphere!


If your seller can’t offer a good discount because of contractural obligations, then remain pragmatic and do a deal in some other way. Perhaps no cost accessories you have your eye on, and a better bag of free goodies. Judge your % off in real dollars, wait for the offer and if it’s not that great, bargain for a second watch with a better % off or a freebie everyday wearer in a lower price range. I would. Eek out the best deal you can and stand your ground on anything but heavy discounting.

There is always something they can offer. Perhaps a redeemable offer on future servicing (either in part or full), etc. Some asks can be granted, cause it really does not cost the seller anything to do, but might save you bucks later on and clinch the deal for now.

I don’t think any rules are being broken doing that instead of a super discount. After all, we don’t live in a totalitarian world, do we?

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Jim

"You have Control".

Ahh, we don't???
I thought the mighty $ ruled pretty much everything

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"It is just a matter of time!"

Yep, good point wessa. It’s no surprise that in a retail sense, sellers try and make the best of selling to increasingly sophisticated buyers the best way they can. Extras, giveaways, discounts, etc. Everyone knows the advantages of the products for sale (usually) but unless the item is a standout, you are more than likely to want some incentive to buy and not go elsewhere. Such is life, but what does that tell you! Look at that from both sides………

There are rules for most companies on selling, but what you hear very little of in the discussion is commentary on the sometimes novel ways a business will influence its position relative to others in the market place and how that makes consumers feel. I agree with Frunkinator, if it does not hurt a companies bottom line, then why make rules that are hard to comply with and easy to break? Discounting can only go so far anyway, in that it’s the sellers choice by how much he or she decides to miss out on in a sale, as you can’t normally go below your buy price into store. From a Brands point of view, if you are concerned by ‘perceptions on your position’ due to discounting, then don’t allow any discounting at all! Why only moderate discounts, what does that mean? What message does that send? You can’t be half way, but you probably have a good grip on reality about the market. QED.

I am not advocating anyone breaking an understanding or defying the rules here, but where competition is key in such a competitive sector, why would you come up with a means to keep your position and differentiation of your brand that is a nightmare to manage? If you want to retain a higher position (for which you believe discounting sends the wrong message) then it’s easy. Restrict access to your products and don’t discount at all. Of course, no one could live with that.

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Jim

"You have Control".