The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I think the bakelite box was a unique and strong brand identifier and like many others here I feel its discontinuation is a backward step. Silly as it may sound, I still enjoy getting my Breitling boxes out and just enjoying them for what they are.

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Breitling B-1 1999
Breitling Chrono Superocean 2004
Casio G Shock
Citizen Eco Drive AT4000-02E (for gardening)
Seiko 5 SNZG15J1
Hamilton X Wind LE

Since I never had a Bakelite box, I can't compare. In Breitling's defense, I will say that the new box is well done for what it is. It seems appropriate for a company that features it's aviation heritage and it is well made. Having said that, here's a box for another watch that sells in about the same price range as a TOC. Just a bit more upscale...

Image "borrowed" via internet:

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David
Je suis désole pour mon mauvais français.

Zenith Pilot Big Date; IWC Vintage Collection Aquatimer; IWC Portuguese 7-day

Now that's an amazing packaging!

Exactly, that's the thing. Bizarre to abandon something that was part of the USP.

You know if your going to abandon the bakelite box at least replace it with some thing that will display the watch in an way as to enhance its appearence. I for one would have liked to see the new outer box look like it was made of aircraft aluminium with rivets . Now that would be a neat look !!

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Veni, vidi, vici

At least its still better than the Omega boxes

I hope you're joking . . .

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Chronomat 01- Sierra Silver/Steel
Navitimer 01- Limited Edition #1337/2000

I have given myself a day to reflect and here is my conclusion - that box is a cheap ass piece of sh@t. A $500 Christopher Ward comes in a box that puts the new Breitling box to shame. Yes, yes, I buy the watch, not the box. Still, if you are spending several thousand on a watch, the presentation ought to match industry standards at the least. Embarrassed is the only feeling I get from that thing. (good thing I waited a day to calm down)


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SHARKMAN

I dont mind the actual carton box with rivets, what pisses me and I think all of us is the lack of bakelite. I agree the Christopher Ward box is way better

as David owns that box my first reaction was rather subdued ....

But frankly, that new box looks like cheap junk. The travel case is low quality leatherette,
that outer box carries no design affinity to anything Breitling stands for, neither in
color nor material. Would look fine as a box for a mid range aftershave, Walmart
house brand. But with a $10,000 luxury watch ?

Hank the Cod FTW !

I read somewhere that the Bakelite box had historical significance for Breitling. Does anyone know what it was?

I also agree that a cardboard box is a big step down.

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Regards,

Peter

BREITLING for Bentley Motors T & Mark VI, Aerospace
ROLEX Submariner Ceramic116610LN
OMEGA Plantet Ocean 8500 42mm Orange arabics
OCEAN7 LM-3

From the card that separates the bakelite box from the manual / warranty / etc in the presentation box (not really history, but....):

"Bakelite is a synthetic resin invented in 1905 by a Belgian named Baekeland. In the Twenties, this novel material gave rise to a wide range of products featuring new shapes and forms - from the most characteristic decorative objects of the era, such as radio sets, to luxury articles such as necklaces, bracelets and cigarette holders. The Breitling presentation case with its unique structure and subtle shades is made of Bakelite reinforced by wood-flour, and is manufactured in France on the same presses which shaped the objects which have now become much sought-after collector's items"

Apparently, none of that means anything to Breitling if they can reduce unit costs by a few cents.

The new packaging is terrible, what were they thinking

I think everyone at Breitling is 'baked'

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

First new models I don't care for, discontinuing the Steelfish - a watch that could have turned into an icon, and now no Bakelite box? All to save a few bucks? Breitling seems to be a rudderless ship heading into a disaster.

Just my opinion.