There’s no doubt about it: Breitling is one of our favourite watchmakers. These watches are world-class timepieces: they’re chronometer-certified according to COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres), the Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute. Breitling offers discriminating men the classic look they want with updates that make us want even more of an already fantastic thing.
It’s so easy to want more than one!
But, for most of us, the purchase of a fine watch requires thought and some financial planning. Since this is an important purchase, it makes sense to buy from an official stocklist merchant that offers both the Breitling manufacturer’s warranty and presentation packaging (along with all the extras in the official box). Market Cross Jewellers in the UK are an example of a Breitling official stocklist firm.
Real Breitling
Most readers of Unfinished Man know how to spot replica watches. One of the easiest ways to spot a Breitling replica is its second hand—check it for “ticks” associated with less than Breitling quality movements.
Then, check the watch for a non-reflecting, non-scratch crystal. Breitlings are made with a tough sapphire crystal that resists scratches and won’t reflect light.
All Breitlings manufactured since 1999 also have a tiny, engraved Breitling logo at the eleven to twelve point. If a watch doesn’t have this security feature – and it’s offered as a new or recent Breitling – you will want to ask why.
Breitling history
Breitling’s more than century-long craftsmanship is important. Men want to buy a durable time piece that doubles as a classic fashion accessory.
Most buyers like the sense of history that’s attached to owning a Breitling. According to author Benno Richter, (“Breitling: The History of a Great Brand of Watches 1884 to the Present,” 2007) the Navitimer truly launched the Breitling brand around the world. Offered for the first time in 1952, the Navitimer chronograph-and-calculator enabled a captain or pilot to make calculations on the water or in flight. Function, along with elegant form, drove Breitling watch sales.
Buying a Breitling Watch
Let’s face it. Many of us wish we could own a top-of-the-line Breitling watch, but we have no idea how to pay for it.
We say things like, “I don’t really like to wear a watch,” or “Watches get in the way when I use my hands.”
From experience and a drawer full of time pieces that aren’t as valuable as a Breitling, I advise taking the time to select a favourite watch before settling on something that seems “almost as good.” Settling leads to disappointment… and drives the desire to own the watch we wanted in the first place.
In a way, that’s fine. It’s one way to become a watch collector.
Careful selection of the right Breitling watch may involve thoughts about how to buy and enjoy a favourite watch now. Some Breitling stocklist firms offer watches at zero percent interest financing for buyers who qualify.
Considerations
According to “Richard Brown’s Replica Watch Report,” the full presentation box and receipts should be kept on hand if future resale of the watch is contemplated. Of course, keep warranty details on hand in the unlikely event of a Breitling watch’s need for repairs.
