The Breitling Watch Source Forums

So I was looking at a tag watch then saw a breitling chrono 44 blue with black sub dials, very nice watch but twice the price of the tag. I can get it for around 25% off from local AD. Also saw the super avenger very similiar to the chrono, but much cheaper. Also see super avenger used but like new for even less. So used super avenger for like $3500 vs new chrono for about $6500. Buying used super avenger not getting exact color I want but saving 3k. Have not owned a watch in 20 yrs. So i figure I could wear the watch for a while and wait to see if a chrono 44 comes on the market used and then sell the super avenger. Hate to pay $6500 and then sell it and take a huge depreication hit. I would think if i sell the super avenger later on I wont take that much of a hit. So overall is breitling worth the money?

If you're buying used, you're naturally going to take less of a hit since you've paid less. You'd also be settling on a watch that is the color you don't want based on what you said. Breitlings in general don't hold their value that great with the exception of the Super Avenger. One other thing to consider is that if you buy the Chronomat 44 now, you get a 5 year warranty. If you buy a used Super Avenger, you may only get the balance of the factory warranty or maybe the AD offers some sort of warranty as well. I wouldn't buy a watch based on what you think can sell it for if you don't like it, buy the watch because you like 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

In general most expensive watches aren't really worth the money you pay, it's more about exclusivity and looks. Cheaper watches keep time just as well. But when you spend that kind of money, get what you want, shop around.

I buy a watch because I like it, I can afford it and I am happy to have it and this has always been my guiding principle and yes Breitling watches are worth the money. I have tried other luxury watches (Tag, Rolex) but the feeling I get from a Breitling watch is very different, it’s not just about the brand name or status symbol but I truly enjoy wearing them.

But, if the hope is not to get hit with depreciation costs when sold, I would suggest buying the Used SA. By the way, the Chronomat 44 Blue w/ black subdials iteration is stunning.

Exactly.

If you want to preserve your capital then put it in a savings account. If you want a decent watch then definitely buy a Breitling. Keep in mind there are 3 SA's for sale on this forum, a forum full of Breitling lovers, and the lowest is currently listed for $3,350 and not selling.

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Current:
Chronospace Silver, Black Ocean Racer
Navi World Silver, Aero Classic
Chronomatic 1461 Bronze, Bronze DP-1
SA White, Diamonds, Pro 2 Diamonds
SA Black, Bentley Rubber
Navi 1461 LE, Black DP-1
Chronomat GMT Silver, Pilot

"Worth" and "value" are very subjective things. If you are talking about the monetary value in terms of the pure cost of material used to make the watch, then no, ALL high-end watches represent incredibly poor value for money. Even solid gold or platinum watches are priced considerably higher than the materials cost alone.

However if your concept of value is not purely monetary, then there's considerable value to be made from prestige watches. For example, an appreciation of craftmanship and design, what the watch "says" to you, an appreciation of minature mechanics, and yes, for some the preceived status of an exclusive brand (i.e. what the watch says about you) may all be seen as value.

The best way to think of a prestige watch IMO is as a piece of art that you wear. No painting in the world is worth the price if you look at materials cost only. No, what you are paying for is the workmanship, the painter's skill, and what it says to you.

So that's the esoteric stuff out of the way!

As others have said, in monetary terms, watches are kind of like cars - the newer you buy them, the bigger the hit will be if/when you sell them. Depreciation on watches is exponential with the biggest hit coming from new. So if resale value will be a factor for you, always buy used.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Driver8 expressed it very well.

If you are worried about cost and resale value then maybe you aren't yet emotionally engaged enough to buy a watch and should sleep on it for a bit.

Excellent view Driver!

I'm sooo gonna use this when I talk to my wife about my next incoming...

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a few Pams...

And I would love to see the expression on her face when you get to that "what it says to you" bit

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"It is just a matter of time!"

You mean the formation of the knuckles that are heading towards your face?

Yes but remember, all you need to do when you say that to her is add on the words ".... kind of like how you feel about your shoes/handbags/dresses", etc. Suddenly she'll see it in a whole different light!

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Don't even go that way or all you will be seeing is stars and birds flying around your head
However whispering in her ear - "Darling, every time I look at this watch it reminds me of you. So perfect, well proportioned, so precise, only God could create such a masterpiece,..." - might just work

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"It is just a matter of time!"

That'd get me more of a slap than the shoes/handbags comments!

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Driver8

Site Moderator

I see, that reminds me of a story of a marriage counselor comparing a marriage union to a harbor where two ships meet completely by chance after a long journey through open seas. One guy stands up and says - "Man, I must have come across a battleship!".

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"It is just a matter of time!"

Tell your wives that logically buying a watch is infinitely
better than being an unfaithful, alchoholic, drug addicted,
smoking, spousal beating wretch. These rationalizations/
justifications are ways of rewarding yourselves with Breit-
ling "merit badges" for outstanding behaviors in the face
of extreme peril: Wedlock.