Breitling watches
Discussion
I love Breitlings! They have some proper classics in their range - the Navitimer being one of them, the Aerospace another - and in my opinion they’re up there with Omega. They’re still favoured by pilots and for many it’s their first ‘nice’ watch.
They’ve got good heritage, a link with aviation, make their own movements on the higher end stuff and are solid lumps of metal. All these brands have Chinese made parts in them anyway so I don’t think you can take the high road with any of them - they’re all much of a muchness.
The pricing is a difficult one. They crash in value and can easily be picked up for 50-60% of RRP. At those prices they’re extremely good value but you’d be mad to buy one at RRP. You used to easily be able to get 25% off in an AD but now even 10% is a stretch.
Over the years I’ve had five or six and currently have a Chronomat 44. It’s every bit as nice as the Omegas and Rolexes in my collection.
They’ve got good heritage, a link with aviation, make their own movements on the higher end stuff and are solid lumps of metal. All these brands have Chinese made parts in them anyway so I don’t think you can take the high road with any of them - they’re all much of a muchness.
The pricing is a difficult one. They crash in value and can easily be picked up for 50-60% of RRP. At those prices they’re extremely good value but you’d be mad to buy one at RRP. You used to easily be able to get 25% off in an AD but now even 10% is a stretch.
Over the years I’ve had five or six and currently have a Chronomat 44. It’s every bit as nice as the Omegas and Rolexes in my collection.
Crumpet said:
I love Breitlings! They have some proper classics in their range - the Navitimer being one of them, the Aerospace another - and in my opinion they’re up there with Omega. They’re still favoured by pilots and for many it’s their first ‘nice’ watch.
They’ve got good heritage, a link with aviation, make their own movements on the higher end stuff and are solid lumps of metal. All these brands have Chinese made parts in them anyway so I don’t think you can take the high road with any of them - they’re all much of a muchness.
The pricing is a difficult one. They crash in value and can easily be picked up for 50-60% of RRP. At those prices they’re extremely good value but you’d be mad to buy one at RRP. You used to easily be able to get 25% off in an AD but now even 10% is a stretch.
Over the years I’ve had five or six and currently have a Chronomat 44. It’s every bit as nice as the Omegas and Rolexes in my collection.
Yes the pre-loved prices can vary and there are good deals too had.They’ve got good heritage, a link with aviation, make their own movements on the higher end stuff and are solid lumps of metal. All these brands have Chinese made parts in them anyway so I don’t think you can take the high road with any of them - they’re all much of a muchness.
The pricing is a difficult one. They crash in value and can easily be picked up for 50-60% of RRP. At those prices they’re extremely good value but you’d be mad to buy one at RRP. You used to easily be able to get 25% off in an AD but now even 10% is a stretch.
Over the years I’ve had five or six and currently have a Chronomat 44. It’s every bit as nice as the Omegas and Rolexes in my collection.
As for Rolex, Omega, Mrs LFC hates my Rolex! I think it's an aesthetics thing.
I've no problem with Breitling, I have been going through a phase of really wanting the Navitimer B01 with the blue face and white sub dials, but that's only in the 46mm case size, which feels a bit much for a 7 inch wrist...
I'm really torn as I think they look lovely on leather / alligator, but then there's just something so Breitling about the preposterously shiny bracelet
I'm really torn as I think they look lovely on leather / alligator, but then there's just something so Breitling about the preposterously shiny bracelet
I tend to buy watches I like rather than worry too much about what other people think.....
I did toy with the idea of a Chronomat like the poster above has, and was happy to put any preconceived ideas about the brand to one side as it was down to do I like the watch or not.
Ultimately I decided against, it just didn't sing to me when I put it on. Lovely piece though.
Just buy what you like, some people hate Rolex, some hate AP, some hate Hublot, some hate Breitling etc - there is no single watch brand that is universally popular.
I did toy with the idea of a Chronomat like the poster above has, and was happy to put any preconceived ideas about the brand to one side as it was down to do I like the watch or not.
Ultimately I decided against, it just didn't sing to me when I put it on. Lovely piece though.
Just buy what you like, some people hate Rolex, some hate AP, some hate Hublot, some hate Breitling etc - there is no single watch brand that is universally popular.
Chicken_Satay said:
You're not missing anything. I think it's just that this forum is frequented more by gentlemen who are on the upper end of middle age. A lot of Breitling models are better suited to the younger, professional, alpha male.
It's a watch. it suits anyone who like it. "Aplha male", hilarious! Where did you get that bulls
t?SturdyHSV said:
I've no problem with Breitling, I have been going through a phase of really wanting the Navitimer B01 with the blue face and white sub dials, but that's only in the 46mm case size, which feels a bit much for a 7 inch wrist...
I'm really torn as I think they look lovely on leather / alligator, but then there's just something so Breitling about the preposterously shiny bracelet
I do like that on the blue alligator strap. I'm really torn as I think they look lovely on leather / alligator, but then there's just something so Breitling about the preposterously shiny bracelet
I have no issue with Breitling as a brand, I happen to like a lot of their lower end sports watches, I say lower end but if we are honest they really aren't because we are still talking a few grand for a watch.
I would probably buy one used if I was going to buy because they don't as a rule hold value well but in the end I buy watches to wear not for investment.
stumpage said:
I must be one of the mad ones. Just bought a new Chronomat 42 after trying loads of different options. Love it.
Photos don’t do Chronomats justice. You need to see them in the flesh. Yours is lovely, though and would look cracking with a brown leather strap. Much better without the funny bracelet they now come with - not too keen on that yet.Gassing Station | Watches | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff