Going in to try it on is basically the only reason ADs are still in business. It is encouraged to get a hands on.

Dont be afraid to haggle or ask if they price match.

 

See what the Colt sells for on the grey market then toddle off to the AD and try one on. If you don’t like it then no problem but if you do then you at least have a price for the AD to aim for. It probably won’t be as good as the grey price but you can decide how much the ADs TLC is worth to you.

 

Thanks to whomever moved this, the Breitling forum is a bit more targeted for my second question 🙂

I’m looking to buy it brand new from a trustworthy reseller that has the proper Breitling warranty activated just a few months back. So I suppose I can go in with that number to see what they can do, they’ll probably laugh in my face as I’d be asking for over $1,000 off.

 

I have never supported the notion of going into a store to try something on and buying it elsewhere. Most locations work on a turn based system and you walking in with no intention of buying just hurts a persons chance at making their numbers for your benefit because the next person who comes in after you might be buying a watch and that person is out of luck.

Saving money is always nice but if they can discount a bit and meet you somewhere half way, why not just pay a little bit more and get a brand new piece for yourself. In this case you will also have a local friend who can take care of you Incase anything happens.

Buying a watch is more enjoyable when you’re sitting with a person building a bond and make it fun. You can always visit the store without feeling awkward and if you ever want stuff they will go the extra mile to make it happen for you.

 

I have never supported the notion of going into a store to try something on and buying it elsewhere. Most locations work on a turn based system and you walking in with no intention of buying just hurts a persons chance at making their numbers for your benefit because the next person who comes in after you might be buying a watch and that person is out of luck.

As a former watch salesman I disagree with this. To quote Wayne Gretzky, "you miss 100% of the shots you don't take" well you'll never make a sale if people are discouraged to walk in the door and with the internet now, there's really no need to enter a shop unless you want to try something on in the flesh. Once I get you in the door its my job to convince you that building a relationship with an authorized dealer is better than buying grey or used. Its my job to help you feel like if you love it, you shouldn't leave the store without it. Its my job to build a relationship so even if you don't buy now you'll feel compelled to return.

You have to remember as a sales person that most people have to strongly consider whether or not they should spend $200+ on a watch they don't need. Most watch buyers are not collectors. The thought of spending $2k+ is can be a major life decision even if you dreamed of always having one. You have to be ok with that and that if they walk away they'll want to return to buy from you when they're ready.

I do agree with building that relationship. Get to know a salesperson who knows your style, when you might actually be ready to buy in case deals come along.etc.

 

Thanks for the feedback. I do plan on leveling with them to see if they can get close to the price. I don't plan on walking in there knowing I absolutely won't buy from them, we just have to see where everything lands.

 

KWOJ,

I have a Colt 44 Auto Chrono and a new to me 40mm Colt GMT. I have much larger wrists than you, not sure exactly, but its 8"-8.25". I currently have all the links and am on the last fine adjustment notch on the 44mm, so basically, its stock maxed out on size. I don't think the 44 is a good move for you. It's ALOT of watch. And the thing is damn heavy, that's one reason I picked up a smaller watch. I wear button downs daily for work, and the 44 will not fit under a sleeve. I have a 41mm diver, this 40 mm GMT, an old Carrera. The 44 wears bigger, and heavier than all of them. Not to discourage you, but I would DEFINITELY go try it on before you shot in the dark with it. They make 41mm models of the colt, don't write those off either. Pics below:

 

Thank you for your reply! So I do have small wrists, but I’ve owned a couple 44s, that have worn decent.... but I know that’s not the case with every 44mm watch.

I do want to check out the 41. My only struggle there is that when I think of Breitling, I think of a slightly larger watch. I have quite a few 38-41mm, which wear great... but I was hoping to size up a tad (mostly 42-43). 44 can look okay on my wrists, or it can look comedic. Usually I’d just buy it and hope for the best but I can’t really do that with such a large purchase.

 

Thats understandable. I may not know what I am talking about, as this is the only 44mm watch I have owned. But it is quite the presence and very heavy compared to the other Breitling, friends Sub-C, my old Tag's and my Longines 41mm Hydro. TBH, picking up the 40mm almost feels like a ladies watch compared to the other. That being said, its a bit heavier due to the chrono, and I'd be interested to see how the regular 44 feels.

Definitely go check it out at the AD. Let me ask you this, if they were close to grey market and you loved the watch, would you buy it? If yes, then you are shopping, not just using them.

Either way, no matter where you buy it if you ever do, it means one more watch promoting Breitling to the world and more room for more to be sold, overall helping their profitability.

 

If they could come close to the other watch (which wasn't grey market, but technically a "used" but unworn with nearly full AD warranty), I would absolutely consider. Heck, if they had a used Breitling with some AD warranty left, I would entertain it.

I will say, you might have pushed me back to the ehhh maybe 44 IS too big, Breitling or not. You're the second person to tell me the Colt weighs A LOT, and it does look to have a relatively decent heft, even on your wist. Now, I wonder if the chrono's thickness (assuming it's slightly thicker) makes it appear a bit larger as well.

Either way, I'm certainly going to have to entertain the 41, but if I feel it's too small, I'll have to look for a 42/43 Breitling... if it exists at a reasonable price.

 

It's a shop, just a fancy shop - go in, try on, feel no guilt.

At this point in time certain brands are almost encouraging people to shop 'gray', they can't have it both ways.

 

our wrists are the same size and I love my 44mms and actually like a little larger when possible. everyone's wrist and style are different but I don't think 44 is an issue here.




all 44s

 

Here is a pic of my 41mm Colt on my 6.75" wrist. I think it has a great fit and feels very comfortable all day long. One thing to consider is weight. The 44mm version weighs 190 grams on the bracelet and the 41mm version weighs 150 grams with two links removed. Going to a store and looking at size alone doesn't tell the whole story. The weight has a tremendous impact upon the comfort of the watch as you wear it all day. The other thing to consider is the lug length. The 41mm version is 50mm from lug tip to lug tip which gives the watch a little bit more presence on the wrist. The larger watch may look good for a few minutes in the store, but consider the long term impact of the additional size and weight.

 

View attachment 13918947
Here is another pic with a little more perspective. Good luck in your search!

 

Yea. Check the weights on Breitling Source. The chrono's are heavier, and thicker giving it more presence. Mine is 180g without the bracelet...

 

I have to agree with many posters, go into the AD feeling no guilt and try on the watch. Also, don’t be afraid to discuss price.

There is no law that says you have to accept their offer and must now buy the watch.

I does help to build a relationship with the AD and the best way to do that is of course buying watches from the, but the second best is to go on a talk with the reps and after a few visits, but a watch.

Now depending on location and AD with Breitling you can get up to X% discount for cash/card buy. I got a X% discount on My first Breitling I Bought from my AD, but that was my second watch I bought from them. The first watch I bought was a Speedy which I got a X% discount.

So, you may in fact wish to buy at a modest markup to establish that relationship.

In the end it is your money, but at least go in and try the watch. And one more thing, take pictures of the watch on your wrist. A good wrist shoot, not to close and a selfy in the mirror will give you a good idea of how the watch looks to others. Yet, the most important is how does it look and feel to you?

Good hunting.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

When I was in the hunt for my colt, I won't say where, but I was quoted a very nice reduction in price. Think it had something to do with sales volume of the colt at the time, but it was cheaper than current grey market...

 

https://www.watchuseek.com/f15/discounts-grey-market-pricing-authorized-dealers-282447.html

 

Update: So I went to our local Breitling dealer (I'm not sure how acceptable it is to name these places) but I had a VERY good experience. Without getting into too much detail, I tried on a new 44 & 41. She was very upfront and essentially recommended that I look for a used Colt from their inventory as many times they have some that are essentially brand new with AD warranty. I was more than intrigued but when we sat down to go through their system she could only find one and it was a Chronograph. She gave me her contact information and told me to keep checking their site and if one pops up to let her know.

I was very impressed, a price was never even discussed on a new or used one. I honestly wish I could have found a used one there, if the price was right, I would have 100% purchased.

With that being said, I was surprised that the 44 wasn't MASSIVE on my wrist, but it was far from subtle. All in all, I think I'll go with a 41. I plan on wearing this in the office, and a 44 might look a little too ostentatious.
44

41
View attachment 13920145

 

Looks nice! Good look with a purchase

 

my 41 wears very small and slim

 

I personally prefer my watches to be between 43 and 48mm. I believe it's all about what you like and feel comfortable with.

 

Quick update - Picked up a 1 year old Silver Colt Auto - 41 with AD warranty remaining. I'm pretty excited.

That being said, the AD will be the first place I check when I look for my next watch

 

Awesome. Pics...?

 

Sorry, I misspoke, I metaphorically "picked up" the Colt.... It should be here by the end of the week. I'll be sure to post photos

 

Just received it last night. Already in love. I originally wanted blue, but this “silver” (aka cream) was at the right place at the right time at the right price. I think the color works, and I already have a blue faced Longine.