I Got My First Luxury Watch... It Was FAKE

Today I take you through my experience of buying my first luxury watch.
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[@nedflanders3769]

Sorry to hear some jerk sold you a fake! You have to be careful on the grey market. But Breitling, Tudor and Omega are all great brands.

[@TopTierTicker]

Indeed, the 3 brands I want to try out the most. It's tricky, some grey market sellers are so good and open about things. Then some (like this seller) try to deceive us hoping that we don't open up the watch.

[@tuancuong_vn]

This Breitling model is also been my dream watch from my student life until last year when I finally got it. It is very beautiful and makes me so happy. I wish you could find another gem for your collection. Keep watching you!

[@TopTierTicker]

Good choice! I'll get a good one eventually, no rush, enjoying the journey :)

[@zillsburyy1]

if you know breitling, it looks fake!

[@jazzman5598]

I got a franken watch from my Pals at CHRONO24. Went through an AD (confirmed from Fortis Switzerland) Japanese AD Kamashima Watch & Jewelry who even though C24 KNOWS they sold me crap but guess who is still represented by C24? Yep. I got my $2500.00 back but lost 10% shipping and insuring this crap back to Japan.

[@TopTierTicker]

That's very annoying. I've wanted to import watches from Japan so many times but I've worried about this kind of situation.

[@jazzman5598]

Who would have thought a fake Fortis but it was a grand less than anything else. I will go through an AD next grail….a Speedy?….hmm..Lol, 😂

[@rickjason215]

It could have been a lot worse. I only buy from US dealers, because I don’t want to figure export fees. Japanese sellers are always cheaper for that reason.😊

[@scubaru100]

I have that same Breitling! Maybe we can deal (I will check the movement first 😂)

[@ahha6304]

Man, I just got sc*mmed too (Seamaster) but it was not that expensive so I kinda be able to let it ago

[@luxuryfood3810]

Trusting is Good but not Trusting is better.

[@riveganugratama6477]

What cm your wrist diameter? Because i want to buy a secondhand breitling and the seller said that the extra link not that long and i found the total extra link excatly like yours

[@sabot03196]

Vintage watches can be a bit fraught. I've had a couple of frankens come across my way. Though I lucked out on another. I picked up a Fortis Super Compressor from the 70s. A notoriously faked watch but I'd bought from the seller before and he assured me it was the real deal. It was in immaculate condition which is almost always a warning sign but I figured screw it and handed over a chunk of change. Got the back off at home and yep, it was the correct movement and has since become very collectable so sometimes it does work out as well. Good luck with your search.

[@KevinNiven]

That looks like it went through a war.

[@TopTierTicker]

Yeah, it's from the early 90s so it's likely never had a polish. Nothing a bit of elbow grease can't sort out

[@hellper198]

Your Breitling is a Frankenwatch, good thing you got a refund. What do you consider a luxury brand?

[@threethrushes]

Never say never, but I will never buy a second-hand watch. I've recently got back into watches after a 25 year pause. I can now afford a discretionary purchase every now and then. Good luck with your watch journey.

[@TopTierTicker]

Some of the coolest watches on the planet are vintage pieces. Vintage speedys, datejusts, navitimers.... Pure class. But, I respect your position on that. I would advise maybe trying one out and seeing how you feel. It opens up a whole new world of collecting

[@thomasa.243]

Oh... It was probably nothing intentionally malicious but still 💩. What I suspect is that the movement broke when the original owner had it. The watchmaker told him: "Repair is expensive but I can fit a movement that is 1:1 identical for a fraction and you won't even notice it."

[@TopTierTicker]

Potentially. However when I contacted the seller his responses seemed very suspicious. Didn't cover the exact conversation in this video but it seemed like he knew. That would be a plausible situation where it would happen though

[@thomasa.243]

@@TopTierTicker From the point of the seller, yes, they typically open the watch and inspect it. I was thinking more about how the movement ended there. "Luxury" watches in the 90s/2000s were not the same as they were now, i.e. they were defined differently. And Breitling was not yet "luxury" at that time (unless we are talking solid gold), so the owner did not think twice about a real repair. Anyways, good that it was in the end a soft landing for you

[@TopTierTicker]

Very true, This a17350 was around 2x less around 5 years ago. So I guess from that point of view, it certainly makes sense to just swap it out.

[@electrohoard]

I had the exact same experience. Bought a Breitling Avenger that had a standard ETA movement, the rest was original and was in great shape. It was a full set, docs and papers. Luckly I always open watches that I get to make sure everything is genuine. I still dont get why someone would replace a movement on a watch less than 6 years old and in pristine condition. Contacted the seller and got my money back.

[@TopTierTicker]

Wow, that's crazy. Especially with the watch being such a new model. Somewhat understandable with older models but no excuse with new ones. Glad you got your money back!

[@electrohoard]

@@TopTierTicker yeah. The idea that someone just replaced the movement on a new watch makes me think some people out there are trying to make more money selling used franken watches. They end up selling both a ‘genuine’ watch with fake movement and a genuine breitling movement! I do believe most people do not open watches that look 100% legit and even comes with correct papers and boxes. Or they could be using the original movement on a fake case to end up with two ‘genuine’ watches.

[@TopTierTicker]

That makes sense. Twice as much cash for the same watch... Shame though. In terms of mine, I imagine the seller just sold it on to someone else who has no idea what's inside. I did report it to eBay but unfortunately, there's nothing else we can do.

[@khairyalonto]

Get a Longines conquest non-diver :-) there’s a gmt version too that’s probably around $1000

[@dylvasey]

The whole trusted seller thing is a complete load of .......... Its the kind of thing you hear from the Urban Gentry. In truth you need to research (and research again) the movement you should have arriving and have the tools to open the case properly. There are a lot of Franken watches out there. I service watches and I see at least one or two a week! Then of course there are super clone watches that would absolutely fool the vast amount of collectors that when you open then they look exactly as they should with normally a couple of tell tale mistakes so long as you know what you're looking for. It's great you took the first steps to own your first luxury watch, and even better that you didn't learn a very harsh lesson that an awful lot of people do.

[@ColinLack]

I'd have gotten my money back and then still given them a bad review. They don't deserve their stellar rating. Also this is why I'd only buy brand new or from grey market.

[@shawnlavigne9069]

I never buy used watches, unless I know the seller personally. Too many ethically challenged people out there these days.

[@AwkwardHorology]

Mate that sucks! Sorry to hear … it’s stories like this that make me paranoid. It’s why I buy with box, papers and if possible receipts now on anything over £1,000 second hand. I did a video on buying secondhand as well because it can be a minefield.

[@londonerwatches]

Ahhhh that's a pisstake bro. But, as one of the previous comments said, fair play to you for having the knowledge to check the movement.....I'd say 99% of people definitely wouldn't do that. What a shame tho, looked like a really nice watch as well :(

[@antonylaing2499]

There are fakes of these where the only tell is a Chinese made clone of the ETA 2824-2 and any defects are hard to separate from wear and tear. Reputable dealers have been fooled, but an issue is that most dealers never take the case back off and never have a watch serviced before sale. Swapping out the original movement on a genuine watch though, is likely someone trying to avoid service costs, particularly when the movements used to be cheap to buy. The Swiss brands have supply chains that stretch around the globe as parts are made in many different countries. Both the parts themaelves and knowledge of how to make them can fall into the hands of the counterfeiters.

[@ElderPinto254]

i sold my prx i liked for two days glad its gone ... i am to old for that prx stuff... you got burned just keep collecting your lux watch will come my friend !!!

[@jamesrobert4106]

Unfortunately Breitling is now owned by a consortium. Patrners group purchased the majority holding in late 2022.

[@andreleverettejr3747]

The Tissot you have is a very acceptable appropriate dress watch. Fair play on that one mate. Also you can never go wrong with Yema. I have the Navygraf Marine Nationale (im 3rd generation Marine Nationale) so its fitting and hertiage wise extremely important as my grandpa and dad owned a Yema MN (we arent fans of the Tudor version its just not traditional) anyways great watches well done.

[@butts4653]

this description and title is a little clickbaity, you weren't sold a fake....you were sold a genuine watch who's movement had been replaced. Guessing that at some point the movement needed to be replaced on this genuine watch and instead of spending a buttload of money on the B17 movement (which may not even be available to purchase?), they just slapped the generic version of the same movement in for less money.

[@GearheadDaily]

Where did you end up selling the watches? i can't sell mine too save my life.

[@TopTierTicker]

At the time, I sold them all on ebay. Now I sell them on my official watch store. Patience is key with selling them though.

[@j.vanguard4654]

It is more of a Franken(stein) watch, instead of a fake, since everything else was original Breitling components. 😉

[@vic7939]

Almost bought a vintage Glashutte GUB on a eBay auction. Some things were a bit off and the seller replies were dubious.

[@MrJeremy9835]

😂

[@galhadad341]

Kinda chuckled when you said you got into vintage watches than talked about Christopher Ward 😅 I love CW, but nothing vintage about the brand

[@TopTierTicker]

Haha yes, that particular model is from 2015 so definitely not vintage. I was speaking generally though, that I was searching for vintage/neo-vintage watches :)

[@clark3830]

These are not fake but called Frankenstein. When original parts are mixed with new or rebuild parts they are called Frankenstein. Yes open back images are very helpful. Well done on your video.

[@clark3830]

Just a PS: if he would sell the unit for a very reduced price to you, then you could replace the movement with a rebuilt movement and have a now total great watch.

[@05Rudey]

Shame, as it looks mint.

[@TopTierTicker]

It is a cracking watch, I'll without question be picking up another colt ocean!

[@amszulu]

Buy the seller, not the watch

[@TopTierTicker]

Seller had thousands of positive feedback, 0 negative. Sometimes you just get unlucky.

[@amszulu]

@@TopTierTicker it’s a bit more than just positive feedback. I’ll often do research on them and find them off platform for a better connection and price

[@americanpaisareturns9051]

Bro 99% of people can’t tell it’s a fake watch. Wear it proudly. 😂

[@TopTierTicker]

That is true, but being a watch enthusiast, I just couldn't do that to myself. Also, the watch is worth considerably less with the fake movement. So if I ever come to sell it I would have to take a big hit when selling.

[@thewholecut]

Wow. I’m glad your story ended well. I suppose it just shows you can do the research and follow all the hints and tips but if a seller is dishonest or doesn’t know what they’re selling there isn’t much you can do about that!

[@TopTierTicker]

Indeed, the worst part is, there's nothing I can even do to stop the watch going to someone else who is potentially getting scammed with a non genuine movement.

[@thewholecut]

@@TopTierTicker Yeah that really sucks :(

[@mbell7498]

I bought my first luxury watch, the Omega Aqua Terra Skyfall, from an authorized dealer, and they gave me a 30% discount. Second hand was more expensive...

[@TopTierTicker]

Wow, you got an incredible deal on that one and what an incredible watch that is too. Hope you're enjoying it mate

[@mbell7498]

@@TopTierTicker They had different Omegas with a 30% discount in that store. The Globemaster, the Constellation.. You can find deals even there. i hope you'll find one too!

[@extremejoy]

Your mistake was purchasing Breitling in the first place! 😂 JK! Glad you got refund back. Fakes are out numbered reals at least 10 to 1 so be careful out there!

[@TopTierTicker]

Haha, I love breitling! Don't get me wrong, the 44mm+ watches aren't for me but these 38-40mm watches are little gems! I have certainly been very careful when purchasing second hand, but I will without fail be asking for details of the movement from now on. Thanks for watching AJ, hope to see you on a future video 🤝

[@matthewsmcdill]

I've seen these faked with real ETA inside available from replica sellers. Bad thing is for the price is it's quite tempting if you know it's a fake when you purchase. Real Swiss movement and just a couple hundred bucks.

[@vonyp6018]

ive never considered britling a true luxury watch. theyre trying to compete with omega on pricing these days but they havent really moved on in 10 years. in that bracket, i think id rather have bought a newer christopher ward, longines, farer, BNM, mauruce lacroix or tag heuer. that breitling looked battered and that bracelet was stretched crazy. sorry, just my opinion and in a way.... you dodged a bullet !

[@TopTierTicker]

I respect your opinion. I disagree of course but I appreciate your take. Watch needed a polish. It didn't have any deep scratches or dents, it would've looked great. Bracelet wasn't stretched at all, that's just how they look when they're pulled away from the end links. This can be seen in reviews of the watch in new condition. Not a big fan of the bracelet for this reason. But it's supposed to be like that. Regarding 'dodged a bullet'. I hate people saying this. It's poor taste in my opinion. It's like you're trying to tell someone else what they should like and buy because of your personal taste.

[@jackdaniels8030]

If you are saying Breitling is no real luxury watch I easily can tell you never handled a Breitling by yourself plus you aren’t really into the watchworld. Breitling was in the top 10 of watchbrands with most revenue in 2022. Under Georg Kern the company gained massive success so your statement, that they haven’t really moved on in 10 years is horribly wrong (just look on their latest releases and the B01 is considered one of the top shelf chrono movements). On the other hand if you ever handled a Breitling you would feel the quality. On my opinion Breitling is on par with Rolex, Omega and Cartier (I own all of these mentioned brands including Breitling). I personally have to say the detail work on my Chronomat is outstanding compared to the other brands above. So please educate yourself before posting some opinion.

[@vonyp6018]

@@jackdaniels8030 they use standard 2824 movements for the most part or a valjoux 7750 for chronos. That's off the shelf stuff. That's not to mention the plastic abomination endurance and the aerospace has a standard ana Digi you can get on multiple brands. As an example of how to do it right with ETA movements at the correct price point look at Tissot, sinn , doxa or even Hamilton

[@HellhoundX90]

Appreciate you sharing your story. People make mistakes. Lessons learned.

[@TopTierTicker]

Thanks Chris!

[@mrxman581]

What do you consider a luxury watch, and how much did you almost pay for this watch if you don't mind saying. Thanks.

[@TopTierTicker]

I don't think price determines whether a watch is luxury or not. It's more so the brand and features of the watch. This Breitling cost a little over $1,000.

[@mrxman581]

@@TopTierTicker Interesting. Though, I guess, all those brands you mention only have very expensive watches. A luxury watch is more about price for me. There are so many fakes and homage watches out there that these high end brands don't have the same cache for me anymore. If I see a Rolex or Omega I just assume their fake unless the person is also wearing very expensive clothes. LOL! I guess I'm more of a cynic in my older age.😊 Thanks. I did inherit a 60s watch from my dad that I had restored and the jeweler told me it was a high end watch. It has a very MCM minimalist look with the date complication at the 4 o'clock position. It's super thin and mechanical. It is a beautiful watch. It's my go to dress watch.

[@rikdriscoll2160]

Its a shame because i think you went for what should be a cracking watch. But your research and diligence enabled you to discover the movement wasn't genuine and you got your money back. I think you should be proud that your experience of watches was good enough to pick up on that. Please tell me you didn't sell the Casio Royale!! That's more functional and accurate than any swiss mechanical 😊 👍

[@TopTierTicker]

Nooo, I would never. I sold the Christopher Ward, Spinnaker, Moonswatch, PRX, casio duro and the Seiko 5. I actually made more than I first predicted from them so I'll be able to pick up something new to feature in a video too. I still want the Breitling, it was a cracker! I'll likely go for the white dial next time though.

[@rikdriscoll2160]

@@TopTierTicker Phew!! A good selection to sell there, I've got a Duro, amazing watch for the money. I'm sure you'll be happy when you get the Breitling. Good luck mate 👍

[@TopTierTicker]

Cheers Rik. I did like the Duro, great watch. It was unfortunately just a bit too big for me with the 44m case. It's also going to be incredibly hard to knock my red Kamasu off wrist. I just love it so much. By the way, German Watch brands coming out this weekend, I've included tons of affordable picks too so plenty of brands to take a look at 👌

[@rikdriscoll2160]

@@TopTierTicker Looking forward to that mate! 👍

[@snhusidic]

Early 2000s is vintage? Man feel i old now.

[@TopTierTicker]

Technically they're referred to as neo-vintage. But I'm obviously older than this watch so I suppose I'm vintage now too 😆

[@thomasa.243]

Early 2000s, not yet, but 1998 yes. From the furniture world, everything older than 25 years is considered 'vintage'. This then swapped over to clothes, jewellery and now also music. So, if you are over the age of 25, congratulations, you are vintage 🤣

[@drbobsnightmare2521]

Classic maybe not vintage.

[@69Muscle]

You have a cool collection, some very nice watches, but IMO that Breitling is ugly.