The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi, I'm new to this forum but own a Rolex SubC and PAM 111. I've been eyeing and considering my first Breitling purchase. I had some time between appointments and wandered into an AD just to poke around to see what they had and to my surprise he still had a brand new Navitimer 01 LE with black calf strap and buckle deployment. The guy behind the counter didn't even know what it was until I explained it to him, he only grabbed it from the window when I asked if he had and Navitimers. Anyway, considering the AD location I doubt he is going to be able to move it anytime soon so I told him I would get back to him especially after I noticed they were asking $8,475. Is this a good deal for the Navitimer 01 LE? From what I understood retail should be $7,475 right or was this before the price increase earlier this year? Would the LE 01's hold their resale value more than the standard 01's?

Also, what is the retail for the non LE 01's on SS bracelet? I've heard they have jumped to $9,020 for the SS bracelet and $8,020 for leather but I'm not 100% sure on that. WatchMaxx is offering the SS Navi 01's for $7,035.60 but has anyone bought a Breitling from them before?

http://www.watchmaxx.com/ab012012-bb01ss.html

Side note question: Does anyone wear their Navi with casual attire (SS or Calf) or as the daily beater? My other concern is that the Navitimer is a bit too flashy or dressy for wear out to the bar with casual attire. Anyone able to provide pictures with non dressy attire? I'm might consider holding out for the new SS Rolex DaytonC (Ceramic bezel version) that is supposed to be released next year as the Daytona's are a more sporty in design.

Thanks,
Chris

First, $8475 IS the retail price for the LE on calf strap. I'm quite sure the AD will give you a better price than watchmaxx - an internet gray market dealer with no Breitling warranty.

Second, the non-LE (which I have) is now at $9K on the SS bracelet. The Navi bracelet is the most pricey bracelet Breitling makes. Your price on the non-LE on calf strap looks about right. Figure 20%+ AD discount.

Third, I wear mine on any occasion (and I have a Sub) and with any attire except around WATER. 50m W/R and all. I don't consider a Navi falshy at all- some might disagree, but it is less blingy IMO than a polished ling on a ProII bracelet. Clearly NO flashiness on a strap.

Fourth, do yourself a favor and PM memebrs FEAR and jnelson3097 as they are forum AD reps. You can purchase out of state from an authorized dealer AND save the sales tax.

_________________
SHARKMAN

I highly doubt that a grey market seller actually has a Navitimer LE - no reason for an AD to sell to the grey market when they are selling well and in limited quantities.

Well first off....I want to say if you are looking at your first Ling you are looking in the right spot. The Navi 01 is the top offering from Breitling these days. I am personally partial to the non-LE as i prefer the black date wheel and yellow gold wings logo, but both models with the larger case and in house movement are just the tops for me.

Secondly....as you asked about wearing a Navi in casual settings I have to give a resounding yes. It is certainly not too flashy IMO. Busy yes, but flashy no. I personally thing a SS Daytona with the polished bracelet is way flashier and certainly more noticed. Getting a calf or even better a croc strap really makes the Navitimer the perfect dressy chrono for casual wear.

I wouldn't say the Navi is much of a "beater" as it is a somewhat lightweight case at 80g give or take. However, I wear mine daily at desk and running between client's and have actually preferred the lighter aspects of a non-sport model. Unless you are in a very active profession or lifestyle I would say that the navi will have no problem as a daily wearer.

Good luck on your search. I m hoping to join the Navi 01 sometime soon.

cmon shark you forgot to mention that you have a GMT II C as well and the navi gets as much wrist time as both.

As others have said, great choice for your first Breitling. pricewise it seems like a very good idea to contact the two members representing sponsoring US ADs in this forum, have only heard the best about pricing and customer service about both.

The 01 LE works great with casual & formal attire, it wears and looks best on croc and calf straps of various colors, had a "dress rehearsal" thread here:
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=32410&hilit=dress+rehearsal to discuss the different straps with other members.

I wear the green (surprisingly ) and the gold croc a lot at formal occasions and the tan or brown calf for casual. The nice bracelet is not getting any wrist time at all, so I decided to put it up for sale.

For me the 01 LE works great with casual wear, far from flashy, though you should define what you mean by "daily beater", it definitely is not the right watch for rough environments.