The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Let me start by saying I am a Breitling fan and not trolling. I was gifted my first nice watch (colt chrono quartz) when I graduated high school, and have picked up one other Breitling since then. I'm now in the process of purchasing a TO Chrono, but during my recent watch search I was surprised to find how many LEs there are for each model. Has it always been this way, or is this a new phenomenon?

From what I've seen LEs don't really appreciate or hold their value any better than the regular runs, so is this a way to test the market before ramping up to major production, or just a way to squeeze a few extra bucks? Do other higher-end brands have so many LEs?

I'm not sure if this is the reason , but many years ago you could order a breitling and option it with whatever you chose dial colour and bezel riders etc
They stopped this practice so I guess now the only way to get a "unique" off the shelf model is to order a limited run watch .

I'm wearing an old blackbird as we speak , and although there is now a blackbird model that takes some of the things that made my watch stand out even in the days if "custom" orders , it is nowhere near what the original was .

I think it's a combination of things:

it's a way to test the market. When Breitling introduces a new model or movement, many prospective purchasers want to play it safe and wait to see if there are any reported kinks in the design. The exclusive features of a LE lure those who might otherwise be trepidatious until enough time passes for the design to be evaluated. See for example that the first 2000 Chronomats and Navitimers (LEs) had the exclusive design feature of having exhibition backs.

LEs can also attract buyers who might want the exclusivity and uniqueness of LE models (like the TO 1915) and/or features exclusive to LEs (as mentioned above).

It also presents an alternative to fans of a model who don't like the current offerings of that model enough to make a purchase. Oftentimes changing a few nuances can make a difference (e.g. the dial configuration on the new black/blue navitimer).

My favorite watch happens to be a LE. When I decided to purchase a Navi 01, I had to find a LE because I had to have the display back. I can also say that my experience with my LE includes a psychological component: the watch seems all the more special by virtue of its limited production. I am conscious of the fact that not everyone can have the white gold logo, white date wheel, numbered engraving, and display back that sets my Navitimer apart from the standard Navitimer.

I'm pretty sure Hublot has as many as Breitling or more. It seems to me like every time I come across a Hublot announcement it's about a new LE.

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Breitling Navitimer 01 LE

Indeed spending more for a new LE doesn't command a higher resale value, and sometimes, even lower. However I still like LEs because you know the maximum production count and the maximum number of people who will have the same watch as you. It might be a sales tactic but I still love the exclusiveness, as long as the LE amount is not more than 5000. Moreover for Breitling they engrave the LE number on the case so it's like you are owning the only watch in the whole world that has that number on it for that model. Will be even better if the LE number is of significance to you(eg, yr year of birth, marriage, etc). I got a Navi 01 46mm because I prefer a black date wheel and of course, sapphire caseback. However if a Navi 01 LE had been available at the time of purchase, I think I might have made a different decision.

Among all the watches I have seen in this forum, I am most impressed by Wessa's Trio and wish I have the same one day. Overall I think LEs are good to own but bad to sell.

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Breitling Chronomat 01 Limited Edition
Breitling Navitimer 01 46mm

I saw an LE transocean chrono in Ernest jones discounted from £6850 to £3999 last month in their sale.....big discount.....only 2200 made.

Can't see the residuals being amazing if they're selling em at that price


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