The Breitling Watch Source Forums

#1) Breitling doesn't want to raise their prices. They didn't raise the prices in 2009 and they won't in 2010. Adding B01 movement to a current model will raise the price and I'm sure their marketing department is saying the bulk of customers aren't willing to pay that much more for a movement change.

#2) From a marketing prospective it might make the most sense to do a LE B01 in a current model. I suspect a major change like this can't be done at a reasonable price in small quantities so they aren't doing this either.

#3) Breitling doesn't want to dilute current B01 sales after only 1 year. They probably think the enthusiast buyer will buy a Chronomat B01 to get the new movement and then later also buy a second watch with the B01. Putting the B01 in another model would kill Chronomat B01 sales at a time when it's still "fresh" and can bring in "new model" buyers.

#4) Development for the Galactic line probably started before sales results were available for the B01. I suspect the Galactic line is going to come in at a much lower price point, which right now is key to staying in business.

In summary Breitling is making the right moves to stay in business. They are releasing LE pieces that don't cost them a lot to make and suits the LE buyers market and they are diversifying their line a bit and releasing lower price point lines to meet the needs of the shrinking economy. Keep in mind a new line is the only way they can do this because dropping the prices on current models would dilute the brand value.

#1) Breitling doesn't want to raise their prices. They didn't raise the prices in 2009 and they won't in 2010. Adding B01 movement to a current model will raise the price and I'm sure their marketing department is saying the bulk of customers aren't willing to pay that much more for a movement change.

#2) From a marketing prospective it might make the most sense to do a LE B01 in a current model. I suspect a major change like this can't be done at a reasonable price in small quantities so they aren't doing this either.

#3) Breitling doesn't want to dilute current B01 sales after only 1 year. They probably think the enthusiast buyer will buy a Chronomat B01 to get the new movement and then later also buy a second watch with the B01. Putting the B01 in another model would kill Chronomat B01 sales at a time when it's still "fresh" and can bring in "new model" buyers.

#4) Development for the Galactic line probably started before sales results were available for the B01. I suspect the Galactic line is going to come in at a much lower price point, which right now is key to staying in business.

In summary Breitling is making the right moves to stay in business. They are releasing LE pieces that don't cost them a lot to make and suits the LE buyers market and they are diversifying their line a bit and releasing lower price point lines to meet the needs of the shrinking economy. Keep in mind a new line is the only way they can do this because dropping the prices on current models would dilute the brand value.

BTW, i spoke to my guy in basel, he asked specifically about putting the b01 movt in another watch and was told " at this time there are no plans to put that movement in any other case" and that if it did at any point it HAD to be a chronograph. also the other watches that were "LEAKED" he saw like the blacksteel flying b and gmt, so they are coming it looks like

There are always a few smaller announcements later in the show so the blacksteels make sense for that.

The B01 is an integrated movement, not modular so it would need to be a chrono, although it was designed to support 6,9,12 and 3,6,9 layouts.

I think the question that needs to be asked is about additional in house movements (let's not assume that it's the B01).

Not to pick nits or anything, but some prices did go up in 2009, and the Cockpit (which we are all assuming is going Galactic) increased by >10% in some versions.

In terms of LEs at reasonable prices - Breitling LEs are never reasonable prices - well over $50,000 for a Chrono-matic QP in 2009.

I don't understand the logic that says that putting a B01 in another model will kill Chronomat B01 sales - Navitimer buyers tend to be different to Chronomat buyers, and there was certainly comfort in having the Chronomat and Chronomat B01 alongside one another. This year there is clearly comfort in having the B01 and Chrono Galactic alongside one another - a much more likely contender for Chronomat B01 customers.

I'll wait and see where the Galactics come in price wise, but I will be amazed if they are at the lower end.

In summary Breitling is making the right moves to stay in business.

hmmmm have to say im not inspired

galatic range (stupid f*****g name) is a good idea but breitling why oh why have you put a B01 bezel on them, this year you should be changiing the B01 bezel not adding it to more watches.

look we told you the starbust airwolf dial was shit, you chnaged it and its now a winner.

why are you ignoring us!!!

chronospace ...... eh really why? its ok but i dont really get the point??

stop the blacksteels, the best release on that page is sadly the BB BS and the single reason for that is the blackbird is awesome as it was given youve just dunked it in DLC and shoved a rubber strap on a near £6k watch and it can still look good is testiment to the BB design and not the recent job lot dunking of volume discounted DLC syrup you seem to have over purchased.

seriously you could have done 2 things this year and we'd have been happy

1. fix the B01 so it doesnt look shit

2. put an in house movement in something already decent like the BB or Navi world

well that would have made me happy!!

on the plus side the release of new models will certainly save me some breitling cash as they are pants i can buy some of the old ones and maybe some discontiued bits shand

to the new lings i say:

Dear Breitling:

Bite me.

Best,
Altair