The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi all, first post. Please bear with me here, as this is actually my first Breitling purchase. (but, hopefully not my last!)

The B55 caught my eye because I had the Apple Watch, and hated it. I was not a fan of the style nor the functionality beyond basic notifications. I travel/fly a lot, and this watch has a lot of great features that I'm excited about.

Nevertheless, I had a few questions:

• Being from an engineering background, I was a little concerned about bugs in the software. Does anyone know about the bugginess with this product? I heard the B50 was worse than the B55, but I'm not sure if this one can be updated, etc.
  
• Is the watch hard to source? I heard it didn't really start shipping until January and I'm having trouble finding it locally to see it in person.
  
• Are online resellers generally suspect or self-warrantied? I actually spend most of my time in Tokyo but wasn't sure where a solid place of purchase would be as not all markets carry or stock the model I was looking at. I'm looking for the best value, not necessarily the cheapest option. Currency-tied costs tend to vary, as well. Online is an option, but if I have it shipped to the States from Europe I assume I'd have to pay a duty (equivalent to VAT) on the received package... in addition to the shipping.

I might try to purchase it in Japan, but is there a better option? Much thanks in advance for any thoughts.

I am sure members here can PM you with Breitling AD recommendations willing to sell to customers out of state.

The watch retails for $8900 so from the AD don't expect discounting if much of anything at all. If you buy from the grey market you may save up front but remember that your watch will not be covered by Breitling's 2 year warranty so if you experience any problems, you will have to enforce warranty from the seller (Good luck with that) or pay out of pocket to Breitling directly.

There is another thread here with actual B55 owners experiences but the watch doesn't seem to be well suited to its basic premise of Bluetooth connectivity. It is a very nice watch but too much money for something that doesn't seem to be there yet. Others may disagree.

I prefer the cheaper B50 and for Bluetooth connectivity on the wrist, my $150 Fitbit HR band seems to work fairly well.


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The USD is still strong against the YEN so you may want to do a price comparison with reputable retailers in Tokyo vs what you can get back home in the states.

Also I recommend buying pre-loved so you can realize better savings. Breitlings do not hold their values well making them smart second hand purchases.

The watch should be relatively easy to source by any Breitling dealer but don't expect most of them to have more than 1 piece in the case. $9K Quartz watches are by far and large a very hard sell these days.


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I'm totally OK with "pre-loved" as long as the warranty is transferrable and, of course, everything works. Any suggestion on how to source one of these?

Also, considering the band configuration might not match, do they sell the bands separately or is it best to mix-and-match with something else?

Yes the warranty is transferable as it follows the watch, not the owner(s).

The lug width I believe is 24mm so you will have aftermarket options in terms of straps.

Keep an eye here: www.watchrecon.com


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Japan is unlikely to be a good market - Japanese ADs do not discount, period. You'll also potentially be exposed to import duty and sales tax depending on where in the US you are. Contact jnelson3097 for contact details of Govbergs, highly recommended forum sponsor who may be able to help you out.

You can buy straps separately and of course you can get aftermarket straps.

Good to know, thanks for the tip.

A member here is selling his B55 Night Mission Brand new in-box. Check the Sales forum he is a very good fellow to buy from.

All set. Thanks though!