The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I currently have a Breitling Bentley Motors and Chronomat Evolution Diamond which I both purchased pre-owned at an over 50-60% off MSRP. I typically buy pre-owned since I can get more of my money back on resale. I am debating on the Blackbird Blacksteel for around $4500.

Questions
1) Do you think the Blackbird Blacksteel will keep a $4500 value because of the 2000 limited edition? I know the regular steel Blackbird sells for about 1/2 that.
2) What are your thoughts on this watch? Do you think it is a good addition to my current collection or too similar to what I already have?

There will likely be a small blip when the BS Blackbird sells out, but long term the value will be no more in % terms than any other used watch.

If you like it, buy it, but don't buy it as an investment.

Blackbird and Evolution use similar (if not the same) case but they're totally different watches and very different than your Bentley. Since your Bird will be black steel I think they will each have their own identity.

However, I'm not a big fan of black steel models, I don't get all the hype, maybe one day I'll come around but I'm not into them. As far as them holding their value because they're 'limited editions' I don't think that's going to have a major impact on it holding its value.

Good luck, post some photos when you get one. I've owned two blackbirds, I still own my brushed blackbird and I absolutely love it!!! It fits me better than any of my other watches.

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"I don't own any watches, I just lease them"

Do you think the value of the black steel model is artifically inflated or is there a justification? I see pre owned Blackbirds selling for $2900 in Brushed steel vs. $4500 for Black steel?

I would say the black steel price is inflated, I believe the SA black steel and the Blackbird are the only blacksteels Ling makes. This has just recently gotten popular. I don't think 2000 pieces is rare for the blackbird or 3000 pieces for the sa . The blacksteel looks fantastic which is why it has sold so well, ling will start making more black steel pieces since these models have sold so well. One day I will find a SA blacksteel for a reasonable price, right now the market is nutty for them.

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One Watch At A Time.

I don't know where you are getting your info from, where have you seen used 'new model' blackbirds selling for $2900?? There was one on here this week for 2500 British pounds which is nearly $3900. I think your numbers on the preowned pricing may be wrong or they're for the old version blackbirds.

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"I don't own any watches, I just lease them"

I got the figures from online auction sites. I know the MSRP is much different. I think you are right about prices on black steel getting more competitive if they make new models. Decisions, decisions.

I think you're missing what I'm saying. The only pre-owned blackbirds that I have seen sell for that price are the 'old version' models which were produced prior to 2007. The new version was released in 2007, they were redesigned and look much nicer in my opinion.

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"I don't own any watches, I just lease them"

I don't think the blacksteel blackbird is anything like what you have. The picture you have posted is the blacksteel avenger seawolf though, so make sure you're looking at the right model. I don't think you're going to find a preowned blacksteel BB for the price you're looking to spend. I wouldn't count on the blacksteel models holding the same value you're going to pay for it. Like Roff said, once it sells out at ADs, there may be a slight premium but I wouldn't count on it.

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Justin
Please contact me via PM for the contact details for Govberg Jewelers
Govberg is an AD for over 50 fine Swiss and German watch brands.
Visit them on the web at http://www.govbergwatches.com or call 800-528-8463

heres a shot of the BS-BB. cheers.

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"Don't Touch The Watch." - Patrick Bateman

That's the sweetest blacksteel in my opinion and the only one they ever should have made. It just goes so well with the name of the watch.

Although i must confess i really like the brushed version, Blackbird should have been black in the first place

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Mat

Breitling Navitimer 01
Omega Seamaster 300mc
Omega Speedmaster Pro "Mitsukoshi Mod"
Seiko Prospek Orange Samurai

1. No (see other BS so called LE models)
2. No (it's completely different to your other two although you may want a 'rounded' collection.)

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Al

“Quis custodiet ipsos custodes"

I don't think it's too much like either of your other two watches even though it does share the same case as the Evo, the BS makes it much different. That being said, I'm not too big a fan of BS and I don't think they're worth the $2k or so premium, but if you like it then you should go for it. As for the price of used BB's going for $2900, like mfserge said, that would be the older models which are essentially a brushed Chronomat with a black dial and subs. The new BB's that I've seen on different sites usually go for around $4k more or less. Good luck with whatever you choose.

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"Leave the gun, take the cannoli."

The Blacksteel Blackbird looks absolutely stunning and this watch has been crying out for a Blacksteel version IMHO. I actually think it could prove one of the most popular Blacksteel versions but only time will tell. I think you can get a pretty good idea of future resale values by looking at what the Regular Skyland and Super Avenger Blacksteels sell for.

And the AS, and the Seawolf Chrono, and the Bentley GMT Midnight, and the Flying B Midnight.