The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hello,

I'm still using the search function and learning from other posts, but here's what I'm after:

Note: I'm considering a two-tone Navitimer, but also other watches. No rush to buy.

1. Are there serial numbers that are easily obtainable to find out how new or old a "new" watch is in the store? I know from Rolex you can get an idea of when it was made, and for obvious reasons it is preferable to buy a watch that was made recently rather than made 3 years ago and sat in the display case.

2. Are there any specific reasons to not buy a Navitimer? Any particular problems with the model?

3. Are there any changes to the Navitimer model in recent years that should be taken into consideration? For example, I know with Rolex some models have received a makeover, have solid links rather than hollow, etc. and not many people know about this.

4. As of summer 2009, what is a typical range for discount % when buying new from authorized dealers?


Thanks
Aaron

Hi, answers to your questions in red below -

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Geez you have been touchy about this lately D8!
Would you like me to buy a "stupidsville" discounted watch and ship it to you using our readily insurable post system?
Driver8 BoneDoc

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Chronomat, Steel/Gold, MOP Dial, 2-tone band (2008)
Super Avenger Black Baton Dial (2009)
Bentley B04 GMT Silver Dial (2013)
Avenger Blacksteel Baton Dial (2014)

You beat me to it guys!




Not since the 1970s. However, there is a 4 digit code on the 6 lug which gives month and year so 1609 would mean made in the 16th week of 2009.



Only 30m water resistance so not a good choice if you're a deep sea diver!



Depends what you mean by recent years. The movement changed from the B13 to the B23 about 5 or 6 years ago. Both are modified ETA 7750. Details of the different models in the Navitimer family are here :- http://www.breitlingsource.com/models/navitimer.html



Totally depends where you live and which model you are looking to buy. Some places will not discount. Other places could offer you 20% without asking. Or you could get up to 40% on a less popular model gathering dust on the display stand with a bit of haggling.

Based on what I've read, 20-25% seems to be achievable in the USA whereas you'd be doing well to get 10% in the UK, aka Rip Off Britain! (c) Driver8!

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For more information on identifying Breitling replicas, please visit my web site
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Nice one Boney!!

Yeah I guess it just peeves me 'cause I don't get that over here! Mind you I honestly do think that 35% makes a total mockery of the RRP. I mean, why bother with an RRP at all if AD's can just discount like that at the drop of a hat? And it dumbs down the brand IMO - when all is said and done, exclusivity is all part of prestige watch ownership. If they all cost the same as a Timex, they'll end up with the status of a Timex.

(Yeah I'm a watch snob, but I'm also a "fed up with being ripped off because of where I live" watch snob too!)

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Driver8

Site Moderator

just a quick point on the water resistance as im planning on getting the Breitling Emergency which I think is to 30m - it's my intention that this will be a 'keep on my wrist and dont worry about it watch' Given Driver8 comments about splashproof - should I worry (i'm thinking swimming, showering, snorkelling)

Simon

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Breitling Avenger Hurricane
Rolex Sub non date
Omega Seamaster professional Chronograph
Certina DS
Casio G Shock
GWS Special Lithium edition
Seiko Divers Kinetic
Apple Watch
Garmin Fenix

Yes!!

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Chronomat, Steel/Gold, MOP Dial, 2-tone band (2008)
Super Avenger Black Baton Dial (2009)
Bentley B04 GMT Silver Dial (2013)
Avenger Blacksteel Baton Dial (2014)

Just in general or with regards to the watch? how can they say 30m if I can't keep it on my wrist when I go swimming!

(or are you taking the mick?http://breitlingsource.com/phpBB2/posting.php?mode=reply&f=1&t=11543#)

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_________________
Breitling Avenger Hurricane
Rolex Sub non date
Omega Seamaster professional Chronograph
Certina DS
Casio G Shock
GWS Special Lithium edition
Seiko Divers Kinetic
Apple Watch
Garmin Fenix

I too have noticed your attention/frustration D8 to the discrepancies in dicounting across certain borders Are we sure that the RRP is the same in each country? I too can't fathom a 35%-40% discount either but can easily expect 20% (not including factors such as how many watches bought etc...) The US is also known for being a lot cheaper with certain things due to, amongst other things, their larger population. I took a trip to the states last year and didn't actually think I could save a great deal if I purchased there, exchange rates aside.
Very good point about the importance of consistency and the risks associated with cheapening/lessening the brand. Potential problems there!

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Happines is Good Health and a Bad Memory.
"Ingrid Bergman"

@swalsh1974
You probably can go swimming in a pool for a short while but most people err on the side of caution. There's a good article on water resistance here
http://www.zeno-watch.ch/en/ServiceOverview/WaterResistance/body_waterresistance.html


Just be aware that the rating is for 3ATM pressure which equates to 100 feet. A big wave crashing down on you will probably exert well in excess of 3ATM.

Hope this helps.

_________________

For more information on identifying Breitling replicas, please visit my web site
http://f4buz.com/watches/breitling/fakes/fakes.html

I personally think that not all 30m WR watches are equal. The design of the Emergency is much more likely to be water resistant than the design of the Navitimer IMHO. Bear Grylls regularly swims with his Emergency on in Born Survivor, but I've heard of people having leaking Navis after a very brief immersion in water. The thing with the Navi is the bezel design. It's simply a friction seal, so if a Navi has a tight bezel it will be more water resistant than one with a loose bezel.

Personally I consider to the 30m Emergency to be much more likely to be water resistant than a 30m Navitimer.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Thanks Driver8 - i'll have a chat with the guys at RIAT and make a decision.

Cheers

Simon

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_________________
Breitling Avenger Hurricane
Rolex Sub non date
Omega Seamaster professional Chronograph
Certina DS
Casio G Shock
GWS Special Lithium edition
Seiko Divers Kinetic
Apple Watch
Garmin Fenix