@boogiebot It would be impossible...I am not that "old" but if I kept pictures of all the watches, specifically Rolex, that I had since 1993 when I bought my first used L series (1989?) Sub in 1993 for way less than $3k or my T series that had a bit of a "crackle dial" that I was freaked out by so I sold, the 4 yes 4 Daytona's in the late 1990's....they really were not that poplular back then and the multiple white, black, white back to black Explorer II's...man those were "cheap". 4 or 5 Datejusts of varying bezel and bracelet, 2 Yacht Master over the years....7 total Submariners 5513's , 1680, 16800, 16610's - I'd hang myself with 11 watch straps buckled together from a door jam.

Now...I didn't even mention my EARLY 1990's Tudor Sub collection...my God man. I would be insane if I still had photos to look at of those...they were had for A SONG....I'd still be banging my head on a concrete wall.

The money I made "flipping" would be 1000x's if I would have or I mean could have kept them all. But the journey was AMAZING.

If anyone is interested I ended up with 3 until about 6 months ago...a 16610LV, a very new DJ 41mm WG Fluted and one of my original White Dial Explorer II's. Recently I sold my M series Sub that I bought NIB at a Jared Jewelers for $5198 and sold for $13500. I wore that sucker out...talking bracelet stretch and bezel nicks and still made 8k. Since then I have completely divested myself from "The Sub" and I feel fantastic for it! LOL Not to offend the Sub fans....

Ok I'm going to go and cry myself to sleep now.

Lot of spelling and other errors there but you get the drift.

@boogiebot Remember...I'm talking before the real internet...folks just didn't take photos of watches...for what? Nowhere to post but I can assure you some of the best Guinness, Scotch and Bourbon was drank back then at "watch get togethers". So many swaps and sales among friends...I can still remember it and it makes me smile. Not sales via eBay to strangers only flipping for a profit but true friends that you sold of your baby to go live with another family for awhile...and sometimes you'd buy it back 10 months later LOL

Definitely before my time. My watch history is quite brief as I was only able to start purchasing real watches about a decade ago. It would have been cool to be active in the old meetup days. For now I will toast to your memories with a glass of macallan 18 this evening.


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I’m not sure if it’s unpopular. I think it is well respected by watch people, and maybe not know by non-watch people.

Certainly the investors will always trend towards Rolex, as those watches are currently making good money, and they are also the default choice for people who don’t know about watches, but have made a bit of money.

As has been said above, the commercial aspect of Breitling will always mean greater supply (and therefore lower resale) than Rolex who can restrict supply to support resale vals. But I agree that if making money is your only motivation for buying a watch then buy a Rolex.

While I understand that Breitling has to make a profit, my one gripe is the endless release of special editions, which is a little tiring. The latest “special edition to celebrate the Bentley special editions” just typifies it. I think they do so many releases that they undermine the ‘standard’ models and just aren’t needed. Have one or two specials, but not one a month!

However, having owned a Sub and my Montbrillant, I’ve found the Breitling to be more reliable, more comfortable, and prettier. In fact, the Rolex barely got noticed, and when it did, it was often accompanied by the person muttering “tw@t” under their breath. Whereas I’ve had far more people notice the Breitling and comment positively and say how much they like it! It’s a nicer watch to wear.

So I don’t think it’s unpopular, but due to the commercial aspect of the business, for the foreseeable future it’s going to be a brand for people who like watches, as opposed to a status symbol for people who don’t know about watches, or who only want a watch that is going to make them money.

My Jeweler was a Breitling AD , but had to get rid of the line because Breitling dictates how many pieces he had to sell, and at what price. So maybe Breitling is difficult to deal with? Maybe that’s the reason

Just to chime in on this topic, its not that Breitling is "unpopular"... its that the resale has absolutely tanked... back in 2007 I bought a Chronomat Evolution brand new for $4300 and sold it 2+ years later for $4000... right now I am trying to unload a B01 41mm Chronomat on bracelet for $2800 which had an MSRP close to 10 grand and its been for sale for months...

In my opinion the resale on most of Breitling's models has tanked as a result of "over production". Too many watches being produced without the necessary demand. Sure, everyone like the Re-editions, but those are made in limited numbers. By this time next year, the new Chronomats will be available for 50% of MSRP. Breitling has to make a concerted effort to control both production and distribution to the "grey market"! Unfortunately I do not see that happening any time soon