The Breitling Watch Source Forums

It's all been said on this thread (and quite a few other threads on here on this topic over the last few years), but for me the whole "buy a fake to impress people" idea is completely daft. If I owned a fake I'd probably be even less inclined to show it off just in case someone spotted that it was a fake! If that happens you look like a total prat as opposed to someone who just doesn't own an expensive watch!

Personally I fall in with the Joejag school of thought - if you can't afford the real thing, then you wait until the day you can. It undoubtedly makes the whole event even sweeter if you've had to work for it and besides, wearing a fake, no matter how "good" it is, is no substitute for the real thing. While there's no such thing as a 100% accurate fake, even if their was and it fooled everyone, the only person you wouldn't be fooling is yourself. You'd still know you had a fake piece of junk on your arm..... and if you can't be honest with yourself, who can you be honest with.....

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Driver8

Site Moderator

There are some people who buy replicas in order to gauge their level of interest in the real thing. I've seen people do this especially when it comes to watches with large or unusual cases...B&R for one. I think that's fair as it's not a misrepresentation.

I really don't care what people do or want to wear, but I wouldn't do it and didn't do it when I couldn't afford one.

I used to pick up some fakes in Chinatown, Manhattan every year on my anual pilgramage. Never gave it much thought until I purchased my first "real" watch last year on a cruise. A Rado was the first, followed by the two Bretlings. I would rather do than own, but of the few things I do own, my Naim kit and my watches are up at the top. I made up my mind many years ago that I would not be possesed by my possesions. Some people live by the credo,"Whoever has the most toys when you die, wins" but thats not me. Some music, a nice Cuban, single malt, a good dog and a fine (authentic) timepiece are all that is needed. Did I mention a good wife/partner also?

WOW! What a great topic. I can agree to some extent on all points of view presented. However, I'm still going to re-itterate my own $0.02 because this is a point I have to present to many of my peers and friends. Especially as a "mid-westerner".

Regarding watches, I've always thought timepieces were cool. With an engineering background and just being mechanically minded, dug anything that moves, and can really appreciate technical artistry. A few months ago, I was in Mexico and picked up a fake Rolex, dubbed.. the Faux-lex. It certainly peaked my interest in high-end timepieces, and got me thinking. Also, while in Mexico, I stopped by the Breitling and Cartier AD to drool. I never passed off the Faux-lex as real, and more so wore it as a conversation piece. But, shortly after one of the subdail hands fell off. LOL. I figured it was time for a serious watch. I had seen Breitlings before, and genuinly liked their history, build and history. A few months and a sh*t ton of overtime later, I was able to justify one.

So there's a case of how a replica paved the path to something authentic. So, the ask "why?" I'd say, gauge/peak interest. While not my original intent. I just had wayyy too much tequila and wanted a vacation story. The purchase of a fake led me to getting the real thing.

NOW, to branch off to another tangent. Why would anyone spend $1000 plus on a watch? There are lots of reasons. Status, because you can, to brag/show off/etc., lots of reasons. Personally, because I like nicer things. Watches? I've gotten countless Timex/Casio/Walmart/whatever watches for Christmas presents over the years, just to "have something to open" (thanks mom, but...) I would have traded all of them in for one really nice watch, once, and that be it. Boots? I can't count how many Sketchers, and Doc Martens I've owned. But a few years ago, I bought a good pair of Frye boots, and have had them resoled, and worn them to hell and back and they still serve me. My point is...

Nicer(more expensive) things, generally, are better constructed, can more easily be serviced, better taken care of, more enjoyed, and you'll have them for a much longer time. So, even in the realm of "luxury items", you can take a minimalist approach to life. I loved my last daily watch, given to me by an ex over 10 years ago, it was pricey at the time(highschool), but I probably wore it every day. As far as a return on intestment is concerned, it came down to less than a quarter a day. Now that I'm approaching my 30s, I figure I can make a daily investment if I'm going to have something for that long.

SO, yea, I have a $2500 watch, and I'm gonna love it and wear the heck out of it.

Sorry for the rant.

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Rolex 126600 Sea Dweller 43
Chronomat (Evo)
Avenger Seawolf Chrono
SuperOcean Steelfish

Omega Speedmaster Broad Arrow GMT

G-Shocks
GWF-D1000-1JF Frogman

Prior to my purchasing frenzy (that started after joining this place, I might add) I had always dreamed of one day buying a Rolex. I have an Uncle hwo bought himself one after passing the Bar and getting a job as a lawyer. I thought that it was a sign of success that only the very successful can get. Well I didnt have a large income and still dreamed of getting one. I stumbled upon a few fake sites and for $500 you can get a really accurate Submariner copy and I was thinking about getting one of those, but then I found Breitling and havent bought a Rolex at all.

I guess it all boiled down to that fact that if I was to buy a fake, I was just cheaping myself and not really working towards the reward of a real luxury watch. I feel very fortunate to have the collection I have now, but I am far from wealthy or even "well off" I just started saving and budgeting my "extra" funds until I have enough to go get my first (and second one on the first trip) luxury watch. It was a great feeling knowing that I had accomplished saving enough money to buy them in full. I dont have to make excuses to anyone why I'm wearing a cheap fake and its realy no ones business why and what I spend on watches.

It, at times, seems to have taken on a life of its own and I have doubts every once in a while wether I really need all these watches, but who could choose. I still have plenty of watches on my wish list and will probally have one hell of a collection before I retire! And when it come time to sell them they will actually be worth something, instead of worthless, like a cheap knock-off.

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Breitling Steelfish(black)
Breitling Steelfish(silver)
Panerai PAM 312
Bell & Ross BR03-92 Phantom
Steinhart BreitlingSource LE #5/15

This brings up another thought and possible new thread. How many is enough and where is the line drawn between an owner, an enthusiast, a collector and finally, an (ahemm)eccentric. Can debt be accumulated when amassing a collection? How much? Can I own an infinite amount and still be considered a collector or should I seek help?
An owner may own 1-2, an enthusiast 2-3, a collector 4+, an eccentric (?) 10-50-100? where is that line anyway?

Personally, I buy my watches for me, not to impress anyone or show off. With that said, how should I answer to myself if I buy a fake/replica?. It would bug me every day.

For me is the real deal or no deal at all.

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Collection
GMTIIc
Daytona
Nautilus 5711
Deep Sea D-Blue
Submariner Hulk
Tudor BB - FOR SALE
SOLD
Aerospace
Navitimer World
Bentley GT Racing
Cockpit
Navitimer 01 LE 788/2000

+1

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Omega21

I now wear my Colt auto regularly and love the feel of it on my wrist. It does not seem to attract a huge interest, which is fine by me. As the OP says 'why' would you want to wear anything less.

My Navitimer is coming back to me on Friday, and I will wear it at Rick Steins at the weekend, nestled under a double cuff and revealed when required.

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Another twist to the argument is if you showed a Ling to the uninitiated as " a watch" someone who had never heard of a Breitling then told him you paid £3500 for it they would think you were crazy to do that......to anyone who doesnt know, what have they (or us for that matter got to justify £3500 for "a watch" ?.........it tells the time and date ,it looks ungainly,its made from stainless steel..........so do thousands of other "watches".
Whats the big thing about Breitlings? ....i waited all those years for one without deviating from the model.........why? .............i wish some one would explain one day........but after getting mine it makes ME feel good ......the money was of no consequence in the deal.

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SUPER AVENGER 563
BLUE DIAL
SILVER SUBS
PRO 2 BRACELET
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