I think that the $700 on the service and restoration was well spent. You paid about $1900 in total (plus taxes). You essentially have a new watch. You would not have been able to find another used Breitling in the same post-restoration condition for $1900.
For the amount of work and things replaced, $700 is pretty good. The movement is a hybrid mechanical-quartz, so its service cost should be in between the two. When buying at the lower tier of used watch prices one is always rolling the dice that the watch is due a major overhaul
I bought my Colt Chrono for a relatively low price a few years ago while I was living in the UK and finally got a full service done through my go-to Breitling distributer in Calgary. Paid $800 CDN for the service, and I must say, it was money well spent.
Spot on chief 🙌 Breitling service is so good...especially compared to even some of the horrors I've seen from Rolex and Omega post service, I haven't met anyone with a bad word on them. Worth every cent 😎
When all set and done you have a basically new Breitling for about$2000 . Enjoy it my friend. I purchased a Breitling Navitimer reverse panda through ebay and was disappointed when I received it because it was scratched more then discribed in the listing. Bottom line is I cleaned it up myself and it now looks stunning. Also it is a a23322 from 2005 so it is only 41.5 mm case and I love it with no regrets.
Awesome congrats on the pickup - even if things aren't as good as you expect on arrival with these watches it's nice to know there is good options for bringing them back and when you do they represent such great value for money...cheers for the comments 😎🍻
I'm currently in the process of trying to get my dad's old Breitling from the 90s repaired and it's difficult to know which service to turn to! Yours looks really nice after service
It's not cheap but the service is superb. I've chatted with some other guys here in Canada who've used Breitling omega and Rolex service centers and the only one with glowing reports every time is Breitling - definitely done hesisitate if you can afford to go thorough them 🙂 if you get it done drop me an email would be great to see 😎🍻
I had a similar story with a late-model SuperOcean Chrono (A13340). Sent it in after purchase for a full Breitling service and a new crystal, and it came back good as new!
Your tribulations are exactly why I refrain from buying used watches, but considering the circumstances, you handled it well and things worked out in the end. I’m glad to see you enjoy the watch and will keep it. The only thing worse is spending too much on a “must have” watch, only to realize you dislike it after delivery.
After the movement broke I was so angry I wanted to give up to be honest so more relieved than anything that I found a happy place with it. I do tend to buy new as well for the same reason - I can count on one hand the amount of watches I've purchased that are more than a couple of years old. As for spending too much on a must have watch and not liking it....well....yes too many times 😂 cheers for the comments 😎🍻
I went through a similar experience with a used Speedmaster Reduced I purchased through eBay. At first it ran great, but I ended up needing to send it out for a $900 service. Definitely factor that in when shopping for used watches!
It feels like one of those mistakes you have to make first and then it's firmly in the mind next time around - I trust you got yours back and running great now? 😎
Haha don't be fooled - he had it tough when I was younger and much more of a pain in the arse 😅 ... Thank you for stopping by and appreciate the kind words 🙂👍
Great story and I am glad is worked out so well. It is a watch that you will now keep in the family forever! Who knows, if not for sending it back and restoring the water resistance, some family member may have been tempted to take it swimming only to render it useless so things have a habit of working out in the end. I really enjoy your channel....I bought that Bulova skeleton watch after seeing your review. I got a sweet deal on it and had it shipped from Itlay. Keep the great content coming!
Thank you - yeah I'm very relieved I was so uneasy about sending it to Breitling but afterwards so happy I did, you're spot on it gives me confidence to pass it on and know it can be used like a 'new' watch 🙂 Great to hear - how are you finding the skeleton Bulova in your time so far with it? I still really enjoy mine love 👍
I picked up an older Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 2201 from Watchnian when I actually visited Tokyo, and it was in excellent condition and was running only +3 per day. Paid about $1000 less than if I bought one from Chrono24, and Watchnian did not charge me tax after I provided my US Passport. I think I might get a watch every time we go back to Japan 😂
Ah man that's awesome - I have a dream of going watch shopping in Japan some day soon and filling both wrists 😆 great choice of watch you made. Cheers for the comments 🙂👍
@@mohnnadmercedes8246 They might be a little better than Chrono, but most of those listings factor in shipping costs and you have tax on top of that. If you’re already planning a vacation to Tokyo, it’s a great place to pick something up. Just do your research on the good shops beforehand.
Hi, So glad this worked out in the end and you have a virtually new 20 yr old watch. I can totally relate. I did the same thing. Having a totally gone through watch by Breitling for piece of mind and provenance was the right thing cost be darned. I bought a used Breitling Galactic 41 from Govbrgs and they assured me the AR was intact but when I got the watch the top layer was badly polished off. To their credit they would have taken the watch back but I liked the watch and thought maybe I could deal with it but I couldn't so I sent it to Breitling for a clean slate and service, new crystal and repolish. Cost 900.00 USD and I could have gotten a brand new watch from Joma at the time for the original price plus service cost but its condition was reset, and it was all mine with any future scratches being the ones I put on it. You picked a great looking and wearing Breitling and I wish you much enjoyment and memories with it.
I think that's the vital sentence - condition was reset. It's hard to imagine the value in that before you send it off, you just see your bank balance right and it is painful 😣...but then once it's back all is forgiven and you're spot on, it feels like your own. It's great seeing I'm not the only one - and congrats on your refurbished Galactic... cheers for commenting 😎🍻
I guess at some point I'll dip my toes in again and see if mine was a one off or a common occurrence - I guess it is totally different from one watch to another, depending how hard it's life has been maybe? Let me know if you do end up grabbing one. Thanks for stopping by 🙂🍻
I love Breitling - each to their own. I have watches at all price points on this channel and adore my Hamilton also. There's room for all different brands surely? 👍
Bracelets and finishing are the big ones for me. Bracelets on cheaper watches just feel terrible once you find a really good one from a high end brand.
100% - I don't believe they're a value proposition, I have a lot of other watches that tick that box... but I do think they make great watches and I love the design. Years of collecting has taught me value for money is just one of many considerations, if I buy just on specs per dollar I don't buy why I love and I'm not happy.🙂
@@nextonthewrist I don't think you can say it any better than that. Words of a true watch lover who buys for their own pure enjoyment. Those that buy for other reasons are limiting themselves and their enjoyment.
Not at any point have I blamed anyone else - it's just a fun story to enjoy at my expense 😆...I am delighted with the end result though and like I said genuinely - no regrets now I have the finished watch 😎
I think that the $700 on the service and restoration was well spent. You paid about $1900 in total (plus taxes). You essentially have a new watch. You would not have been able to find another used Breitling in the same post-restoration condition for $1900.
It's a really good way to think of it, I appreciate the comments and cheers for taking the time to watch 🙂🍻
For the amount of work and things replaced, $700 is pretty good. The movement is a hybrid mechanical-quartz, so its service cost should be in between the two. When buying at the lower tier of used watch prices one is always rolling the dice that the watch is due a major overhaul
I bought my Colt Chrono for a relatively low price a few years ago while I was living in the UK and finally got a full service done through my go-to Breitling distributer in Calgary. Paid $800 CDN for the service, and I must say, it was money well spent.
Spot on chief 🙌 Breitling service is so good...especially compared to even some of the horrors I've seen from Rolex and Omega post service, I haven't met anyone with a bad word on them. Worth every cent 😎
When all set and done you have a basically new Breitling for about$2000 . Enjoy it my friend. I purchased a Breitling Navitimer reverse panda through ebay and was disappointed when I received it because it was scratched more then discribed in the listing. Bottom line is I cleaned it up myself and it now looks stunning. Also it is a a23322 from 2005 so it is only 41.5 mm case and I love it with no regrets.
Awesome congrats on the pickup - even if things aren't as good as you expect on arrival with these watches it's nice to know there is good options for bringing them back and when you do they represent such great value for money...cheers for the comments 😎🍻
I'm currently in the process of trying to get my dad's old Breitling from the 90s repaired and it's difficult to know which service to turn to! Yours looks really nice after service
It's not cheap but the service is superb. I've chatted with some other guys here in Canada who've used Breitling omega and Rolex service centers and the only one with glowing reports every time is Breitling - definitely done hesisitate if you can afford to go thorough them 🙂 if you get it done drop me an email would be great to see 😎🍻
I had a similar story with a late-model SuperOcean Chrono (A13340). Sent it in after purchase for a full Breitling service and a new crystal, and it came back good as new!
Nice 😎 they aren't cheap but really they do such a great job 🙌
Your tribulations are exactly why I refrain from buying used watches, but considering the circumstances, you handled it well and things worked out in the end. I’m glad to see you enjoy the watch and will keep it. The only thing worse is spending too much on a “must have” watch, only to realize you dislike it after delivery.
After the movement broke I was so angry I wanted to give up to be honest so more relieved than anything that I found a happy place with it. I do tend to buy new as well for the same reason - I can count on one hand the amount of watches I've purchased that are more than a couple of years old. As for spending too much on a must have watch and not liking it....well....yes too many times 😂 cheers for the comments 😎🍻
I went through a similar experience with a used Speedmaster Reduced I purchased through eBay. At first it ran great, but I ended up needing to send it out for a $900 service. Definitely factor that in when shopping for used watches!
It feels like one of those mistakes you have to make first and then it's firmly in the mind next time around - I trust you got yours back and running great now? 😎
@@nextonthewrist It is back and running perfect now! Will definitely make me think twice about the next "$1000" Omega
I am Glad your father has such a good son. I can imagine how he loves Breitling. God bless you! 🙏🏻🕊️
Haha don't be fooled - he had it tough when I was younger and much more of a pain in the arse 😅 ... Thank you for stopping by and appreciate the kind words 🙂👍
Great story and I am glad is worked out so well. It is a watch that you will now keep in the family forever! Who knows, if not for sending it back and restoring the water resistance, some family member may have been tempted to take it swimming only to render it useless so things have a habit of working out in the end. I really enjoy your channel....I bought that Bulova skeleton watch after seeing your review. I got a sweet deal on it and had it shipped from Itlay. Keep the great content coming!
Thank you - yeah I'm very relieved I was so uneasy about sending it to Breitling but afterwards so happy I did, you're spot on it gives me confidence to pass it on and know it can be used like a 'new' watch 🙂
Great to hear - how are you finding the skeleton Bulova in your time so far with it? I still really enjoy mine love 👍
@nextonthewrist I love the Bulova skeleton. I just wore it yesterday! It gets a decent amount of wrist time, and it's a keeper for sure!
I picked up an older Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 2201 from Watchnian when I actually visited Tokyo, and it was in excellent condition and was running only +3 per day. Paid about $1000 less than if I bought one from Chrono24, and Watchnian did not charge me tax after I provided my US Passport. I think I might get a watch every time we go back to Japan 😂
Ah man that's awesome - I have a dream of going watch shopping in Japan some day soon and filling both wrists 😆 great choice of watch you made. Cheers for the comments 🙂👍
That a huuuge saving! So the watch prices in Japanese dealer shop is ~20% less than chrono ? Which i was thinking good deal 🤯
@@mohnnadmercedes8246 They might be a little better than Chrono, but most of those listings factor in shipping costs and you have tax on top of that. If you’re already planning a vacation to Tokyo, it’s a great place to pick something up. Just do your research on the good shops beforehand.
Can you share the name/location of the shop?
@@GrujicicFamily WATCHNIAN in Shinjuku, pretty close to the train station. There are many however.
Hi, So glad this worked out in the end and you have a virtually new 20 yr old watch. I can totally relate. I did the same thing. Having a totally gone through watch by Breitling for piece of mind and provenance was the right thing cost be darned. I bought a used Breitling Galactic 41 from Govbrgs and they assured me the AR was intact but when I got the watch the top layer was badly polished off. To their credit they would have taken the watch back but I liked the watch and thought maybe I could deal with it but I couldn't so I sent it to Breitling for a clean slate and service, new crystal and repolish. Cost 900.00 USD and I could have gotten a brand new watch from Joma at the time for the original price plus service cost but its condition was reset, and it was all mine with any future scratches being the ones I put on it. You picked a great looking and wearing Breitling and I wish you much enjoyment and memories with it.
I think that's the vital sentence - condition was reset. It's hard to imagine the value in that before you send it off, you just see your bank balance right and it is painful 😣...but then once it's back all is forgiven and you're spot on, it feels like your own. It's great seeing I'm not the only one - and congrats on your refurbished Galactic... cheers for commenting 😎🍻
You definitely went the right route 700 is fine for a full overhaul enjoy your new watch
Great video. Buying used can cost more than expected, but it’s still a great value in most cases. Well done and beautiful watch.
Agreed 👍 and thank you for the comments 🙂🍻
Looks amazing, i also wanted a cheap Breitling but i was afraid of these costly restorations.
But it looks amazing!
I guess at some point I'll dip my toes in again and see if mine was a one off or a common occurrence - I guess it is totally different from one watch to another, depending how hard it's life has been maybe? Let me know if you do end up grabbing one. Thanks for stopping by 🙂🍻
Looks great, well worth sending to breitling mate
Absolutely, despite my initial unease I have no regrets 🙂🙌
Nice.
Thank you! Cheers! 🍻
I did not know Breitling made a quartz watch.
Plenty over the last 30 years - even today the current entry level for the men's line is the endurance pro.... which is a quartz chronograph 🙂
Great video! Well done 😊
Cheers 🙂🍻
Get a Tissot or a Hamilton instead. Or even a Bulova. What's the point of going high end all the time?
I love Breitling - each to their own. I have watches at all price points on this channel and adore my Hamilton also. There's room for all different brands surely? 👍
Bracelets and finishing are the big ones for me. Bracelets on cheaper watches just feel terrible once you find a really good one from a high end brand.
@@nextonthewrist Each to his own indeed, but Breitlings are pretty high priced for what you get.
100% - I don't believe they're a value proposition, I have a lot of other watches that tick that box... but I do think they make great watches and I love the design. Years of collecting has taught me value for money is just one of many considerations, if I buy just on specs per dollar I don't buy why I love and I'm not happy.🙂
@@nextonthewrist I don't think you can say it any better than that. Words of a true watch lover who buys for their own pure enjoyment. Those that buy for other reasons are limiting themselves and their enjoyment.
What was the final cost sorry if i missed it ? Congratulations 👍
In the end (roughly with exchange rates) just over $1950 US, way more than I planned 🫣😅
@Wow nextonthewrist
Pay cheap expect cheap
All worked out lovely in the end 👌
your own freaking fault. Always buying cheap, cheap and at the end .You pay double. Well done
Not at any point have I blamed anyone else - it's just a fun story to enjoy at my expense 😆...I am delighted with the end result though and like I said genuinely - no regrets now I have the finished watch 😎
Wait, you bought a used quartz watch for 100 to repair it in Switzerland for 700 😂
Because the tenth of a second dial died. 🤣
From a purely comedic stand point - then 100% yes 😂