The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I was in a SAMs recently and they had a Breitling Chronomat for $5,900. I have seen the same one at a local Breitling dealer for right around $10,000. I called Breitling and they said since SAMs wasn't an authorized dealer the watch would not have any warranty. For the savings I would consider risking it. Breitling also said SAMs most likely got it when they purchased inventory from a business that was closing. Give me your thoughts.

Sams and Costco regularly have them. Grey market just like any other grey market option - no factory warranty, possibly better deal than you get with an AD.

Well 40% off, so i think worth the risk as worst case scenario, spend a little extra when something bad happens, it would take a long time to spend $4000 on servicing

But not 40% off what an AD would work to get you.

Right, depending on your negotiating skills and the willingness of the dealer, the difference may be a lot smaller -- and your answer might become self evident.

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Navitimer 01 (2015)
Chronospace Military (2015)

If it's worth it not having a factory warranty, then get it! Many people purchase gray market for the savings, and if it's a newer piece than it may not need a service anytime soon anyway, but that's not 100%. Personally I have purchased a couple pieces through gray market dealers in my time and never had an issue.


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I'd try talking to my AD before buying from Sams Club.

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Justin
Please contact me via PM for the contact details for Govberg Jewelers
Govberg is an AD for over 50 fine Swiss and German watch brands.
Visit them on the web at http://www.govbergwatches.com or call 800-528-8463

No doubt, see if an AD can do close to that and you'll have your piece of mind.

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ROLEX Sea-Dweller (116600)
ROLEX Submariner (116610LV)
HAMILTON Stanley c. 1932 (19 jewels/grade 401 movement)

I would be shocked if any AD did close to the 40% off that Sam's is doing. In this current climate it appears that 20% is obtainable, maybe a little more depending on the popularity of the watch. However, with the in house movement you are talking about a five year warranty which offers quite a bit of piece of mind! I am not sure where the op lives but in the US you can save sales tax by purchasing from an out of state AD which can save you up to another 8.875%. Plus you would be able to pick out the exact watch that you would like, not just settling on what Sam's or Costco has available at the moment. Just my 2 cents!!

Just a question about the topic: Will Breitling USA service a gray market watch? Not as a warranty piece but at all?
For the in-house movement, I would want to make sure that if there was a problem you would have the option of sending it to BUSA in a worst case situation.
Frank.

As long as the serial is intact (which is almost universally the case these days with grey market) the watch will be serviced. Only time Breitling may refuse service on a serial intact piece is in the event of abusive unauthorised service.

Not the most important point but since Breitling issues an electronic warranty card I'm just guessing what's printed on such a card at a grey-market seller - or the warranty card is not part of the set at all? Just wondering.
BTW I had a warranty issue with my Chronomat 41 regarding date change mechanism which was serviced quickly and professionally - and of course free of charge. Could have been quite an amount without warranty... I've loved my Chronomat 41 (my working-day watch for office wear) ever since...
Best,
Robert

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Chronomat 41 BEB, Steelfish Chrono BEB, 2x Grand Premier, Chrono Cockpit 39 mm, Aerospace Avantage 79362
IWC 3706, 3705, 376706, 371928
Sinn 103 plexy
For sale: Sinn 356 II, Porsche Design Titan Chrono Valjoux
Wanted: Breitling Blackbird 13353 on bracelet

With a grey market watch you will not receive the electronic warranty card or it will state "Warranty not Activated", the only way to activate the card is a machine that has been distributed to all the AD's (speaking only for the US).