The Breitling Watch Source Forums

SOLD

This is a UK/EU sale only, apologies to those across the pond.

We've all seen those 'reluctant' sales threads, but this truly is

It has been suggested by my good lady that the money I have tied up in watches could be better used elsewhere, so one tough decision later and it looks like I'm going to lose my Navi.

For sale or trade: In my view, the best Navitimer iteration yet, the current in-house 43mm Breitling AB0120.
(AB012012|BB01|435X|A20BA.1)


Specifications
If you’re familiar with older Navitimers, such as the A23322, prepare for some welcome revisions and something which wears similar, but a real step up in quality throughout. Notice the subtle changes such as the red chrono hand, the black date window background and the 18ct gold applied logo. More noticeable, the vastly improved dial finishing, or most notably, the introduction of the in-house B01 movement. Having owned the previous model, the improvements all add up to the premium product that Breitling's Icon always should have been.

43mm in diameter, 14.25mm thick, 22mm lug width and 81.2 grams in case weight, the Navi is waterproof to 3bar, and the in-house movement has an impressive 70hrs of power reserve. I've often said it about Breitling's in the past, but the AR coating is incredible, made all the better by the highly detailed and crisp dial finishing, it mostly looks as if you can reach in and touch the handset.


What's included?
Everything, it's a full set. Black Breitling presentation box, inner leather watch case and cushion, leather sleeve containing the new style electronic warranty card, manual, warranty/maintenance booklet, COSC certificate and matching hang tag, as well as the dummy cardboard slide rule, complete with slide rule instructions.

I bought this brand new, being the one and only owner. It was UK AD Supplied in September 2014, and with only being 9months old, 4yrs and 3months remain of the warranty until September 2019.


Condition
People who have dealt with me in the past know I like my watches clean and tidy, so inevitably, nothing really to note here. It is in almost mint condition. To the naked eye, and on the wrist, it looks nothing short of new. It’s highly unlikely the buyer would be disappointed with the condition.

As with all my descriptions though, to satisfy those with watch OCD like me, and to avoid disappointment, I will be extra critical. This is a typically highly polished watch case from Breitling, so under strong lighting, you may find the associated light marks with this kind of finish. I can only best describe any marks as nothing more than 'shirt cuff buff', or from when I've used a soft cloth to remove dust from the watch. No one mark stands out and there are no dinks or scratches to my eye. The OEM black strap shows very little sign of use and is completely clean with no darkening/staining from wear.


Functions
Everything is working as it should, all hands reset to zero, the instantaneous date slots over perfectly at midnight, the bezel action is silky smooth, although firm to avoid accidental use, and the crown has the 01 quirk of providing strong feedback as you hand wind the massive 70hr single barrel.

Timekeeping is running consistently at +0.5 secs over 24hrs, so one of the best mechanicals I've owned.








(7.5inch wrist)




Price/Trades
Here I have really struggled.

It's a very difficult thing to price, especially as my usual reference of typical forum prices is non applicable due to the lack of Navi 01's offered. I bought it brand new from my favourite AD. They offered me 20% off the £5760 RRP but I wasn't happy so pushed them for more. They politely refused, and explained that as it was such a popular model, they simply couldn't offer any more.

Rare to buy preowned in the usual places, they simply don't come up on UK forums, and rarely on eBay UK. Last time I looked, watchfinder had a similar one at £5150, and Blowers with an older example at £4150. I see you can buy a grey market one from Iconic for £4140, and while I've never used it, Chrono24 - the cheapest one in the UK is £4046.

Taking in to account all the above, condition, and young age, I would like £3750 inclusive of UK postage, over £2k off RRP. SOLD

Of course, a face-to-face is always welcomed for any fellow highlanders or reluctant travellers.
__________


I have references here, and my H&V Hero feedback speaks for itself over on TZ-UK thanks to many great deals, feel free to have a look.

Looking forward to your PM's.

Cheers, Ross.

Lovely Navitimer!!