Help buying a second hand Breitling

[Moose.]

I've been looking at a 2004 Breitling B-1 for sale on watches.co.uk but there's a couple of things putting me off.

Firstly, shouldn't the strap have a Breitling logo on the clasp? And secondly, although they state original papers and box, upon further enquiry I'm told it doesn't have the original sales receipt, chronometer certificate or practice E6B card. The latter doesn't bother me too much but combined these things are detracting me from going ahead with a purchase. It does however have the warranty card and user manual.

What say the wise folk of PH

Edited by Moose. on Wednesday 26th January 17:03

[PaulHogan]

Walk away. Something - anything - you buy must be 100% what you want before you part with your cash. If you have mixed feelings now they'll only deepen if you part with your wonga.

[amnesia V6]

That said, good B-1s don't come along very often.

I would ask when it was last serviced (after 5-6 years it would be due a refresh at ~ £350 for a quartz model IIRC). Negotiate a discount if there is no evidence of servicing.

I know of someone at work who has bought several watches from that website - I am sure they are honest and genuine. If you're near London then you can make arrangements to view the item before purchasing.

I believe this model will be the non-superquartz version due to year of manufacture.


Your choice -although I would get a black-face one ;-)

[Animal]

Can you post pics or provide a link?

My B1 has both the Breitling 'B' logo and the 'Breitling 1884' logo on the bracelet clasp.

[amnesia V6]

NeMiSiS said:

I would be tripping over myself to buy this one.

http://www.tz-uk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t...

OH YESSSSS !!!

Do it !

[greggy50]

Don't know a lot but this seems nearly the same to me and is £500 cheaper than one above
http://www.tz-uk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t...

[Moose.]

amnesia V6 said:

That said, good B-1s don't come along very often.

Indeed and I prefer it to the Aerospace which is my backup choice. I've always promised myself a Breitling, ever since getting my current job. It's taken 1.5 years before I'm finally in a position to get one, so want to make sure it's perfect

This is the watch here:

http://www.watches.co.uk/watch/10361s/breitling-b1...

I believe this is a SuperQuartz version though (model A78362). They said there's no service history, so don't know when it was last serviced. They mentioned it'll come with a 1 year warranty which will cover a battery replacement or service if necessary. However, I'm only in the UK for another couple of weeks, so that won't be of much use if it needs a new battery whilst I'm in the wilds of Papua

That other one on T-Z is lovely but I'm after a blue faced one. I do notice that one has the Breitling logo on the clasp, until the blue one though.

I'll give them a ring tomorrow to talk about it, as they rang me earlier today but I was out.

Edited by Moose. on Wednesday 26th January 19:15

[apotek]

Hi Moose I have bought and sold through these guys,and have visited their office.Their set up was as far as I saw very legit and they were decent people to deal with.The Frank Muller I had from them was 6 years old but as new,and they got decent sale or return prices on a cartier and a harder to sell Roger Dubuis

Edited by apotek on Wednesday 26th January 20:00

[Moose.]

Animal said:

My B1 has both the Breitling 'B' logo and the 'Breitling 1884' logo on the bracelet clasp.

Upon more careful examination of the photo (and some tweaking in photoshop) I can see it does actually have the flying B logo on the clasp. It's just the angle of the photo not making it so clear.

Cheers for that Apotek. I've done a bit of research on the company and they certainly seem legit, so I suspect the watch is too. Just a shame it doesn't have ALL the original paperwork to verify service history.

O/T I assume you know Apotek is Indonesian for pharmacy?

[Moose.]

Arrggg! Just got off the phone and have pretty much been talked out of buying it! The chap I spoke to explained that the B-1 really isn't suitable for the type of work I do (ironic, considering my profession). It won't take kindly to the humidity and rain it'll probably get subjected to and hence they'd rather not sell it to me. They will if I really want it but have advised against it. They reckon even an Aerospace might be a bad choice as well. My Seiko Monster is more suited he reckoned

Crazy! I've had my heart set on a Breitling for years but never realised they're not suitable for pilots (unless you drive an Airbus/Boeing I guess). What to do....

[Biggles111]

Odd - I work with a number of people with Breitlings from Breitling Emergency to Breitling Colt, who work in 3rd world countries, outdoors, in fairly extreme conditions. They get them serviced but no more than that, the watches wear pretty well. Is the B1 especially fragile?

[chris.mapey]

Ive been wearing my B1 since late 2000 on a daily basis with no issues.

Been on my wrist whilst swimming, snorkelling, sauna, steam room, showerig, etc - no problems.

Hope that helps

Chris

[Miguel Alvarez]

Bit late to the party but wanted to add that I've bought from watches.co.uk after visiting their offices and was impressed with the service and set up.