Click to view our Accessibility Statement or contact us with accessibility-related questions
starter
237
Jul 22, 2017
Lot of people worrying about the lack of a Breitling warranty.
When looking at a watch from a reputable grey-market retailer like Massdrop rather than an "AD" (Authorized Dealer), first consider the fact that if something does go wrong with the watch, and you decide to send it to Breitling on your own dime, once the work is completed you will have a warranty. At that point, it would be exactly as if you bought from an AD, albeit with only a year warranty vs 2 or 5, depending on movement. This watch originally came with a 5 year warranty, I believe, as it is the in-house 01 calibre movement.
It boils down to a math equation. If you get a lemon and need it serviced, how much will it cost? Add that figure to the cost of the watch via a grey-market dealer. Now subtract that sum from the cost of buying the watch at an authorized dealer. If it's still a bargain, proceed. If it's not, don't.
Obviously, you can also "weigh the odds" at this point. It's worth noting that the vast majority of high-end watches do not require service during the warranty period. When it comes time for a service, most people are paying out of pocket anyway. Furthermore, there is little reason to suspect a grey market watch will be less reliable than one purchased at an AD. Reputable grey market dealers are buying "NOS" (New Old Stock) merchandise from authorized dealers. It's the same watch you might find in a store, in other words. That said, there is always the risk the watch will break down. So it's a gamble. Make sure the money you're saving supports the risk.
A service from Breitling for this particular watch can run about $1000. It's expensive because it's a chronograph movement. Adding $1000 to $3799.99 leaves you at $4799.99, should something go wrong. Again, that's only if something should go wrong, and after having spent that, you'd be fully covered under a year-long Breitling warranty.
This particular watch was a special edition of 2000 pieces, and has been phased out, so unless you find it NOS from a dealer, you will most likely be buying grey market, without a warranty. When these were in stores, they had a "street price" of around $6k-$8k, while some stores did try and get the $9500 MSRP. As they were being phased out, many ADs dropped the price to the mid $5k region.
As far as grey-market retailers go, the next-lowest price I've seen for this model is from Authentic Watches, who want $4k. They are reputable enough, but not great. Jomashop is somewhat better (in my opinion) but they have their share of horror stories as well. They want $5700. This Massdrop represents just about the best deal I've seen on this watch, and it's from a very reputable source to boot.
If you absolutely want the 5 year warranty, then be prepared to hunt for a NOS watch at dealers, and probably pay somewhere between $5000 to $7000, assuming they will cut deals on older watches. You'd be surprised to learn that some stores offer only small discounts on older models. They are usually the ones with the NOS watch you want. Go figure.
EDIT: A quick word about grey market retailer "warranties", such as those offered by Authentic, Joma, and others. In short, they are not a thing. Ignore them, do not factor them in. The work is farmed out to overworked, usually under talented watchmakers who simply don't care. Don't let them monkey with an expensive watch, they are just as likely to make things worse as fix it. If something goes wrong, pay out of pocket and get it fixed correctly.
starter
237
Jul 22, 2017
Agreed. It's not for me, but it's a smoking deal on a rare smaller Breitling with the 01.
dalethorn
193
Jul 23, 2017
starterWow - look at this. You're working these boards like a Republican troll at a Democrat convention. I am in awe that your victims here haven't caught onto your scam yet. Maybe if people knew who you really were they could even find your used car sales page. Oh BTW, I still buy my own things with my own money, and I still hear better and think better than you. Putz.
starter
237
Jul 23, 2017
dalethornSorry anybody had to read that. Dale trolls multiple people on this site who he feels have slighted him... Usually people he has been rude to, and who have made the mistake of replying directly to him. Massdrop mods: he's been banned from most audiophile forums for this behavior, if you do a search for his comments on here, I'm sure you'll find more of the same... Might be time to send him on his way...
dalethorn
193
Jul 23, 2017
starterStarter says 'troll', but if you have the patience to get past his 10000 posts selling everything from spinners to watches, you will find some of the ugliest attitude (ex: German Maestro 8.35d) on what should have been a civil discussion. 'Starter' is appropriate though, for starting fights. BTW, the few times I was banned, headfi for example, was for informing potential victims about his overselling. He's a very busy 'bot he is. BTW#2: If you got Starter's real name and tracked down all of his 'nyms, you'd find "he" has more bans than I do.
starter
237
Jul 23, 2017
dalethornDon't think I really need to point out that everything this guy says is false, but if anybody's interested, the headphone discussion he's referencing is a great example of the toxicity he's capable of. People ended up just ignoring him there, as I'll be doing now. Guys, I'd appreciate it if everybody could report his posts, bring him to the attention of the mods here a little quicker. Thanks!
dalethorn
193
Jul 23, 2017
starterSays the phony salesman. Pot - kettle - black.
MikeMD
1100
Jul 24, 2017
starterSorry to have to step in, but if we can't keep the conversation about the product, all subsequent posts will be moderated.
dalethorn
193
Aug 16, 2017
MikeMD[moderated]
Taiman
50
Mar 26, 2018
starterGreat write up on AD vs Grey Market.
Erik1
255
Apr 24, 2018
starter"If you absolutely want the 5 year warranty, then be prepared to hunt for a NOS watch at dealers"
Or widen search to other watches. Just because it is relatively cheap doesn't mean you have to buy it. Wait for a watch with a warranty.