NOW OHPF (Off Forum) - thanks to BS for hosting
Gentlemen and others,
Please form an orderly queue...
Up for grabs is a Breitling Colt 44, the SuperQuartz A74387. This is the 500m Depth Rated (2011-2014) version, without the rider tabs, as opposed to the later alternative A74388, which is only rated to 200m. It's heavier than its successor and has a deeper case.
I took this in a trade back in July, and to my shame, it's been sat in the safe and not been worn since - it's got caught in the 'too nice to wear' paradox... It's still got 2.5 months official Breitling Warranty, so I figure it's time to find it a new home (and someone who might actually wear it...).
I know that the previous owner did wear the watch, but very sparingly, so while it's not mint, it's in super condition - see my detailed comments below.
The watch has an anti-reflective treated Sapphire Crystal, which appears immaculate, even under magnification.
It's the 'Stratus Silver' Dial, which can look almost White, or a creamy Ivory depending on the light - it's got a subtle starburst graduating lined finish to the first and third quarter sections. The Breitling logo is in applied steel. The matching Chapter Ring has a minute marker track, with Arabic numerals at the 5 minute increments. The dial markers and oversized Arabic numerals are in applied steel with luminous end sections on the markers. The Hour and Minute hands are large lume-filled steel spears, while the Seconds hand is a steel needle, with a red/white arrowhead pointer and a long counterbalance. There's a framed 'Quickset' Date window at 3 o'clock.
The unidirectional bezel has a nice resistance, and turns smoothly with 120 ratcheted clicks. The brushed-steel insert has the traditional Diver's elapsed time markers (in the cool 'Space Invaders' style font), and a large lumed 'pearl' at 12.
It's mounted on a practically new Diver Pro II Rubber (with the Satin-Brushed tang buckle, which complements the bezel beautifully). The Rubber has been cleaned and sterilised, so DNA free.
As an alternative/extra option, I've got a brand new 22mm Breitling Black Leather strap and a very lightly used Black Croco strap (both tang-buckle types) - drop me a PM if you'd like to add either or both.
It's a 44mm Steel Case - it's got a terrific Satin-Brushed finish to the upper surfaces and bezel, a High-Polish finish to the sides and caseback. With the crown, the watch actually measures around 48mm across, and it's deep too, at 14.2mm, so it is a big beast, and will suit a larger wrist.
It runs on the Breitling Calibre 74 SuperQuartz, COSC Certified (thermocompensated ETA Thermoline 955-652 ebauche), with accuracy to within 10 Seconds Per Year. Fitted with a lithium battery (with an expected 8 year battery life and EOL indicator). As I said, I got this in (mid) July - it's lost one second since then - not bad over 4 months!
The full Breitling Reference for this specification model is: A7438710/G743/131S/A20SS.1 There's some useful specs and extra info here: http://www.breitlingsource.com/watch_de ... t_252.html
It's the full Box & Papers set: 'Rivet' 2 Piece Outer Box; Inner Leather Case and Display Cushion; Black Leather Document Wallet; New Style COSC Certificate; User Manual; Warranty & Maintenance Booklet; Breitling e-Warranty Card (Goldsmiths (GB)) dated 03-02-14; Original numbered Hang-Tag. The top right side of the outer box lid has split, and been repaired with clear tape, and there's a bump to the front edge - everything else is like new.
I normally do a full 'condition report' if selling a used watch - in this case it's easier to mention anything that's not mint:
Under a loupe, I can see a very faint 2mm horizontal 'hairline' scratch on the side of the front right lug; a couple of extremely small micro-scratches on the high-polish case sides. The caseback has negligible signs of use. The brushed-steel bezel insert has a couple of tiny hairline marks (again, not obvious - they really are tiny blemishes, rather than scratches). The (freshly cleaned) Diver Pro II strap has a slight curve from wear, and negligible marks from where the buckle has been fastened. The buckle appears unmarked. To be honest, I'm probably being over-critical - the watch could pass for a couple of weeks week old, as opposed to the 19 months since purchase.
And that's it - it really is in exceptional condition.
The Dial, Hands, Crystal and Anti-Reflective coating, Crown are all immaculate. Lume is terrific. Timekeeping is scarily accurate.
Measurements: Width (without Crown): 44mm (48mm with Crown). Depth: 14.2mm. Lug-to-lug: 52.75mm. Lug Width 22mm. Weight on strap 130 grams.
When discontinued in 2014, your friendly Breitling Authorised Dealer would have been asking for £1,920 for one of these (and the latest incarnation is £2210). Mine is in lovely condition, and has clearly been worn sparingly (with the peace of mind of 2.5 months outstanding Breitling warranty), but it has to go - how does £1199 sound? That's more than a grand less than the current version, which isn't as nice! My price also includes Next Day Special Delivery for TZ-UK Forum members - it's a heavy package (@1.4kg when packed).
If you're overseas, I'm happy to get a specific quote for shipping to your region - as a guide, Europe will be around £18, the rest of the world around £25.
I reckon that's an extremely good deal for someone out there, so the price is firm. I'd prefer a straight sale on this one, but happy to listen to trade offers - Breitling/Omega are my weaknesses...
I've loads of Feedback on here, I'm a 'Top Rated' e-bay seller (3600+ deals, 100%, username 'goonermike'), and I've got plenty of Feedback on TZ-UK (username 'BigBird'), so there are no worries there.
I'd prefer a Bank Transfer for payment. PayPal if absolutely necessary, or for overseas, but I cannot accept PayPal Gifts (my account just won't accept them, and I get charged even on gifts). So if you want to use PayPal, it'll be via the 'official' route, and you'll need to add 3% to contribute towards Fees.
If I've missed anything, you'd like more info or pics, please feel free to PM me.
Cheers!
Mike
Pictures - which will be spread over several posts - starting with your standard head shots:
