The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi guys, I'm looking to get a new/nearly new Ling and have found a candidate for sale on t'interweb. I'd appreciate your advice on some questions to ask to give me a little more reassurance that the seller (and watch) are genuine. The Ling is described as "new" and with papers.

So a couple of things I'd like to get from the seller before buying are:
* good quality photos of watch face, back and papers (with serial number and AD stamp clearly showing)
* some background info, e.g. their reason for sale

What else can I do to check it out - within reason... (oh, and I'm in the UK and the vendor is in the US.)

Many thanks, James

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A collection of one: Breitling Colt automatic (now 10+ years old).
And previously owned (and lost) a lovely Chronomat

Have a good look at the replica identification section. Read every post carefully, although many ebay threads have been closed already.

BG
Thomas

if you want to pm me the details/photos I'd be glad to have a squint for you...however, best post the pics in the replica section and garner comments from all of us....there are many experts on the forum but we do need decent photos of the watch/back/bracelet etc

good luck

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John

Current:- Navi World, Coral SO, Panerai 219, Sea Dweller, Suunto Core etc

CORAL CLUB FOUNDING FATHER

As I'm sure you know, the internet can be a minefield to the unwary. Research, research, research and getting to know your desired purchase is the absolute key.

The information you stated is an excellent start, and once you get some decent quality pics, post them up here and we can have a look at them. (Some of the guys on here are super-observant, and have been known to pick up on tiny giveaways on the very best fakes).

If a seller will give you the serial number you can check it with Breitling although this is of limited use as the database they have doesn't appear to be global. However, it should pick up on any known fake serials, and will also show if it has even been in to them for a service - i.e. if it has any history with them. However, as your potential vendor is in the States then it won't have any history in the UK anyway. It may highlight it was stolen from source, but NOT if it's been stolen from it's owner as it's not an all emcompassing database.

As always "buy the seller" in the first instance. If you are going via eBay, look for the usual things - lots of good feedback on high priced items, and preferably watches, as even someone with great feedback for selling cars for example may know sod all about watches and may be inadvertantly selling a fake.

Rather than buying second hand, another option may be to purchase brand new from an on-line vendor such as interwatches.com, prestigetime.com, etc.

In terms of importing into the UK, if you buy from a private individual, you probably wouldn't get stitched up for import duty and tax as they will probably send it as a gift. (By law they should still quote the exact value, but lots of people don't) If you buy from an on-line vendor, then 9 times out of 10 they WILL quote the exact value and the tax man will then more than likely take VAT in addition to import duty, which can add up to approx 20% in total. Something to factor in.

Hope this helps.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Many thanks for the tips. Unfortunately the sale isn't via eBay which is making me a bit more nervous than normal. I'll start asking the questions/getting photos and see how it goes. Treading carefully

Thanks again, James

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A collection of one: Breitling Colt automatic (now 10+ years old).
And previously owned (and lost) a Chronomat Evo bi-colour

Best of luck with the research/purchase!

Which model is it?

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Collection: http://s540.photobucket.com/albums/gg32 ... mview=grid

It's a Skyracer - grey with pro bracelet. Just what I've been looking for...

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A collection of one: Breitling Colt automatic (now 10+ years old).
And previously owned (and lost) a Chronomat Evo bi-colour

The Skyracer is a beauty!

I would ask for all the pics as you mentioned, and then post them into the replica section and see what people say - that is, if you're comfortable with the seller. Might be nagging here, but always buy the seller before the watch.

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Collection: http://s540.photobucket.com/albums/gg32 ... mview=grid

I emailed the vendor but no reply...

Oh well, the search continues and at least I'm not out of pocket.

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A collection of one: Breitling Colt automatic (now 10+ years old).
And previously owned (and lost) a Chronomat Evo bi-colour