The general concensus on Breitling
Discussion
I'm no expert on watches, far far from it. I know nothing other than I've wanted a Breitling Navitimer for years, and I've promised myself one one day. I've even considered downgrading my car so that I can justify the expense.
But, I often read this sub-forum and notice there's relatively little discussion around them, which makes me think nobody likes them or rates them?
What's the story? Are they good, well-made watches? Or do people, the experts, view them as tacky and unnecessarily expensive?
I currently wear an Accurist that was a gift many years ago, and I like it but it's looking tatty.
But, I often read this sub-forum and notice there's relatively little discussion around them, which makes me think nobody likes them or rates them?
What's the story? Are they good, well-made watches? Or do people, the experts, view them as tacky and unnecessarily expensive?
I currently wear an Accurist that was a gift many years ago, and I like it but it's looking tatty.
There seems to be a love / hate thing with Bright blings - as someone once called my Navitimer.
Personally, I like a lot of them. I have a Navitimer and an Aerospace - and I'll not part with either.
Detractors point out they are "just ETA movements in a fancy case" (although Breitling are now doing their own movements), but each to their own.
My advice - buy what YOU like.
ETA piccy.
Personally, I like a lot of them. I have a Navitimer and an Aerospace - and I'll not part with either.
Detractors point out they are "just ETA movements in a fancy case" (although Breitling are now doing their own movements), but each to their own.
My advice - buy what YOU like.
ETA piccy.
Edited by Podie on Monday 3rd October 17:14
I have a vintage Breitling that I love. The Navitimer is something of an icon now and probably the pick of the range. I am not a fan of the shiny Chronomat and Crosswind models but like the brushed Avenger and diver models. The Superocean Heritage is also a great looking watch. As has been said, they are getting pricey but what isn't?
The Navitimer is a fully established all time classic now, they can trade off the back of it from now until the apocolypse.
The rest of the range just doesn't do it for me. Mr A Typical W.I.S. has an unhealthy dose of OCD, and all those bracelets with links at an angle and 'stargate' bezels don't do it for me.
The rest of the range just doesn't do it for me. Mr A Typical W.I.S. has an unhealthy dose of OCD, and all those bracelets with links at an angle and 'stargate' bezels don't do it for me.
I've got a soft spot for Breitlings - even if they are a bit to shiny and use off the shelf movements, both of which mean they are quite marmite in WIS circles. I currently have three, An old Aerospace, a Chronomat Evo, and a Cosmonaute. I'm on the lookout for an older Chronomat too.....anyway.
The only things I'd say would be 1) the current range seem to be well overpriced for what they are 2) if you intend to shift whatever you buy at some point in the future expect it to lose comparatively more value than some other brands, and to take more time to sell. If I go to the usual suspects and ask them about trade ins, I've never had one make me a really stupid price on a Rolex, but on a Breitling I have, and more often than not they have refused even to make me a price at all.
All that said, If you have no intention of moving it on, then buy what you fancy and enjoy it!
The only things I'd say would be 1) the current range seem to be well overpriced for what they are 2) if you intend to shift whatever you buy at some point in the future expect it to lose comparatively more value than some other brands, and to take more time to sell. If I go to the usual suspects and ask them about trade ins, I've never had one make me a really stupid price on a Rolex, but on a Breitling I have, and more often than not they have refused even to make me a price at all.
All that said, If you have no intention of moving it on, then buy what you fancy and enjoy it!
I like them. I have an Old Navitimer and an Evolution chronograph. I did buy the superocean heritage chrono but found it just a bit too big. There was also a problem with the crown not screwing back in so I sent it back. The newer navitimer is stunning and the emergency mission is also an interesting watch.
Buy what you like, it's all a matter of personal taste for me.
Buy what you like, it's all a matter of personal taste for me.
1878 said:
So the general consensus is - that there's no general consensus. Some like, some hate, some are indifferent. If you like it, go ahead and buy it - it's for you, not us.
I appreciate all the responses. See, for me, the watch that Podie posted is stunning and just what I want. I want the leather strap really, but Mrs A insists that if I do get one it has to have a metal strap.
I guess if I had ten replies to this thread all saying "over-priced crap" then I'd forget about them and look at something else, so I'm glad I started it.
With regards to the pricing, I 'spoke' to a chap on here about 18 months ago who apparently was in a position to get them a lot cheaper than retail. So, if I sort myself out and get the money ready then I'll make an enquiry.
Mazdarese said:
I guess if I had ten replies to this thread all saying "over-priced crap" then I'd forget about them and look at something else, so I'm glad I started it.
With regards to the pricing, I 'spoke' to a chap on here about 18 months ago who apparently was in a position to get them a lot cheaper than retail. So, if I sort myself out and get the money ready then I'll make an enquiry.
They're overpriced, but not crap With regards to the pricing, I 'spoke' to a chap on here about 18 months ago who apparently was in a position to get them a lot cheaper than retail. So, if I sort myself out and get the money ready then I'll make an enquiry.
I think leather works better on a Navitimer, bracelets look better on chunky diver's watches with bezels.
Also, was it Dominic Hackett you spoke to? Not heard a bad thing said about him,
My SuperOcean is the only one of my quality watches that has never needed to go back to the manufacturer for repair. Given that it is over 15 years old and was worn daily for 10 of those, I think that speaks volumes.
...given what I paid for it with a healthy exchange rate and a bit of haggling, I'm pretty happy with it.
Whilst I like quite a few in the range, not however fond of the Breitling for Bentley watches.
...given what I paid for it with a healthy exchange rate and a bit of haggling, I'm pretty happy with it.
Whilst I like quite a few in the range, not however fond of the Breitling for Bentley watches.
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