Breguet

Hello. I have a question I was hoping someone might be able to help with. What does the serial number mean on a 5817, specifically with the letter? I've seen some with 4-digits and then a letter (R, Z, ect...). What does the letter pertain to? The four digits? Do they have anything to do with the year made, or calibre used?

Thanks in advance.

Regardng my 1st question, I did a search on this site and found a bunch of information regarding the serial number and lettering. This is a great forum!

I have another question. Does the 5817 have the "secret signature" on the dial? Would this be the best way, or least a viable way, of determing authenticity from  a really good fake? Is this visible to the naked eye?

Hello hectoraid,

no answer after a whole week to a rather simple question!

seems to be a rather quiet time here as I observe,

perhaps the financial crisis....nobody seems to be very interested any more in luxury watches after his shares melted away in the sun of our world wide banks'  gambling frenzy

-Marine-models normally don't have secret signatures AFAIK,just Classiques.

-Yes,it is clearly visible to the naked eye,usually twice between the XI-XII and I mark,different with enamel dials.

-today's Chinese fakes don't bother neither with Breguets secret signatures nor with Breguet style at all.

If You encounter modern Breguet fakes, they usually are incredibly clumsy and boring.One glance at the hands usually is sufficient.

-Times of "really good fakes"as You say are gone apparently(in comparison to fine 19th century Breguet replicas or today's "excellent" Rolex fakes)as Breguet no longer is a brand in the centre of fake-producers' interest.That's meant to be value free,be it good or be it -perhaps- a bit deplorable for a brand's reputation in terms of desirability....

we should not discuss these things here per forum-rules,but it's no entirely uninteresting topic

kind regards,

Lutz

Thank you so much for the response (I almost gave up!). I've been a little tardy myself in checking back here, as I've been off getting myself a new Panerai.

This has not got me off of my quest for a 5817, as I am seriously considering. My concern is that there isn't any paperwork, boxes, ect... However, I have seen them in person many times and would like to think I'd recgonize a fake. I've even been in contact with Breguet to discuss. They've given some good advice, but, understandably can not commit via photos, ect... without seeing in person.

So, am I to understand correctly that "real good"  fakes are almost non-existent? And, that one could trust their own "good eye", even if they're not a trained watchmaker, ect...? Are the fakes that might exist that bad that a true "enthusiest" like myself should be able to spot it without too much trouble?

Again, thanks... and I welcome any and all thoughts or input.