1) Breitling parts are not cheap, if you find cheap and/or readily available parts then they are most likely stolen, fake, or in some way altered/dodgy. Obviously this doesn't include things like straps...
2) It is difficult to get Breitling parts - always know your sources and where they are getting parts from. Some ADs provide parts like bezels etc but things like hands, movements, dials etc are rare.
3) There are often 2-3 different styles of genuine part per watch - breitling will change production methods/styles slightly during a model's. Styles depend on when the watch was made etc. Getting all worked up as the 'pushers are too long' is stupid as a gen will have that too.
4) Not all Breitling movements are only available with high end finish and not all are chronometer rated. Pearlage and CDG is more common on newer movements however.
5) If you buy a genuine dial or part make sure it has not been removed from a watch as when removed they will ALWAYS be marked in some way. Buy NOS or factory new only. Never eBay (e.g. TheDiamondCastle).
6) Broke your gen dial? Marked/scratched it. If you have the right contacts Breitling will swap the dial out for a brand new one (sometimes you can request a different style or colour) for a fee. If you own a Gen an AD will do this for you but if you have a rep.... then you need 'contacts'.
7) Breitling crystals are expensive - stupidly so don't buy them.
8) Breitling boxes, booklets and blank warranty cards are readily available; when buying a second hand watch if it comes with box/papers and they're blank walk away.
9) Breitling has never (yet) taken in a replica watch for servicing thinking it is genuine (well they wouldn't admit to it anyway).
10) Breitling make nice watches - but if buying retail as soon as you've bought a gen you will lose around 40% of the retail price instantly. Aim to buy a gen that is 1-6 months old.
2) It is difficult to get Breitling parts - always know your sources and where they are getting parts from. Some ADs provide parts like bezels etc but things like hands, movements, dials etc are rare.
3) There are often 2-3 different styles of genuine part per watch - breitling will change production methods/styles slightly during a model's. Styles depend on when the watch was made etc. Getting all worked up as the 'pushers are too long' is stupid as a gen will have that too.
4) Not all Breitling movements are only available with high end finish and not all are chronometer rated. Pearlage and CDG is more common on newer movements however.
5) If you buy a genuine dial or part make sure it has not been removed from a watch as when removed they will ALWAYS be marked in some way. Buy NOS or factory new only. Never eBay (e.g. TheDiamondCastle).
6) Broke your gen dial? Marked/scratched it. If you have the right contacts Breitling will swap the dial out for a brand new one (sometimes you can request a different style or colour) for a fee. If you own a Gen an AD will do this for you but if you have a rep.... then you need 'contacts'.
7) Breitling crystals are expensive - stupidly so don't buy them.
8) Breitling boxes, booklets and blank warranty cards are readily available; when buying a second hand watch if it comes with box/papers and they're blank walk away.
9) Breitling has never (yet) taken in a replica watch for servicing thinking it is genuine (well they wouldn't admit to it anyway).
10) Breitling make nice watches - but if buying retail as soon as you've bought a gen you will lose around 40% of the retail price instantly. Aim to buy a gen that is 1-6 months old.