The Breitling Watch Blog

I’ve been slowly adding to the series of articles on my website on how to make sure you identify those fakes Breitlings out there. There are plenty of folks out there just ready to take your hard-earned cash and replace it with a cheap replica. Be armed with the information you need to make informed choices.

Currently there are three written articles:
General Rules on Spotting Replicas
Spotting a Replica Dial
Spotting a Replica Caseback

And one more video article examining a Fake SuperOcean steelfish which has already been posted here. There will be an article on a fake Chrono Avenger up soon which should be very useful for people.

Also on that page is a series of other articles that can be handy for identifying things about your watch such as date of birth and tutorials on how to properly size your watch for maxium comfort. Keep checking back as this page is also getting new information added to it.

http://www.breitlingsource.com/articles.shtml

I’ve been conversing with a lady named Margaret about a watch that she got from her Father around the 1950’s. I am not a vintage watch expert, so I turn to you, my readers. This is the initial email she sent:

“I am trying to trace history of a Breitling Watch purchased by my Father around 1950
It is a stainless steel watch with stopwatch facility which I believe he purchased for use in his job after the War which involved time study.

The watch has a number 63832 4 with another number of 176 underneath.

I would be very grateful if you could give me information of anyone who might be able to let me have any history or any info at all on watches from this period”

To me it probably means that the movement is a Venus 176 Chrono, but I dont really know what else to tell her. If you can provide any info that would be great… pics have been attached.

Concord is part of the expanding Movado Group… and ever since the Movado Group purchased Ebel in 2003, they have had somewhat of a resurgance in the watch world. The Movado Group consists of Concord, Movado, Ebel, Coach, ESQ and Tommy Hilfiger brands among others. Both Ebel and Concord had been showing their age, but have recently been revived with new models, Ebel with their 1911 BTR’s with the new In-House movements, and Concord with the new C1.

In addition to the C1, Concord does have some nice (albeit overpriced) options in their lineup. The newer Saratoga XL line is a big 44mm Saratoga that overwhelms my wrist with it’s presence. Very nice and noticeable in the 44mm size. When I tried it on at a jeweler’s he tried to convince me that Concord was an even more prestigious brand than Ebel and much more so than Omega or Breitling. Then he told me the Saratoga had a list price of $10K. I beg to differ…

Ebel is Movado Group’s highest end brand I think, and Concord has always been the brand that is offered with the highest discount in any watch store. During sales, Concords always had the extra discount. That turned me off them immediately, however I do admit the Saratoga XL looked pretty sweet… and if it’s any indication of what the C1 Chrono is going to look like.. the C1 when it’s introducted in Winter 2007 will be one hell of a watch.

The Concord C1 Chronograph looks like some sort of hybrid between an Hublot Big Bang, Dewitt Academia and a Concord Saratoga… and that is a good thing, because the Big Band and Academia’s are beautiful watches. I really think that Concord may be onto something with this new watch… It was introduced several months ago and Concord’s website now consists of nothing but a video for this watch.. no current models, no nothing.. just a video with the C1 in it. Must be big. Can’t wait to see it myself… Concord might hold some interest for me after all.

Concord C1:
Diameter: 44mm
Water Resistance: 200m
Movement: ETA Valgranges A07.211
COSC Certified Chronometer

Check it:
http://www.concord.ch/

To go along with the review written a while back I have a video review for your viewing pleasure (or not!). This is still one of my favourite gents watches out there but I am selling to make room for a new Breitling for Bentley Motors. The large dial is beautiful and the loupe that comes with it is testament to that. Hope you enjoy the review. The beautiful Sinn 6100 Manual Wind Regulateur.

In one of my recent videos, I’ve examined a SuperOcean Steelfish X-plus Replica. This watch is very convincingly real, even though it is clearly a fake. Considering the low quality of fakes that many get duped by on ebay, a high quality fake like this might easily make it into someone’s collection posing as real.

I want to make sure everyone out there is aware of the quality of fake Breitlings now. These fakes cost a fair bit of money, selling in the $150-300US market, depending ont he movement you request. They are available with genuine Swiss ETA movements! The rotors and movements are not elaborately decorated as all Breitlings are, but there are many many similarities, and the dials are quite good. Watch the video and see the level of detail these Chinese fakes now have.. its astonishing!