The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Just like everybody else, I just fell in love with Breitling the moment I laid my eyes on a Navitimer for the first time earlier this year. Lucky for me, I'm Korean and recently engaged which means that I get to pick out my 1st Breitling as a gift. I've been OBSESSED with Breitling watches ever since and have been reading and viewing everything on this website. I've definitely learned a lot and feel better equipped to go tackle negotiations. BUT, I can't decide on which model! I have the following issues:

1. Price: I feel bad enough being gifted such an extravagant gift, I don't want to gouge my future in-laws, especially in this economy. So, I'm estimating anywhere in the $2500-3500 range. Am I nuts?

2. Sentimentality: This is going to be an heirloom that I hope to pass onto my son in the future and thus, want it to be classy. And the Navitimer series definitely don't lack any of that.

3. Style vs Functionality: I loved the intricate detail and craftsmanship of the Navitimer collection when I first tried it on. I truly understood that it was not only a status symbol in some ways, but a beautiful piece of art. Something I never felt when trying on a Rolex or Omega. But I was a little worried after reading recent posts regarding a somewhat less than perfect performance history for such a pricey item. I definitely want to treat my baby with TLC, but don't plan on hiding it away in a winder for most of it's life.

All in all, I want a watch that is durable and functional without losing it's aesthetic flair. So, I feel as if I'm left with the following choices:

1. Navitimer Chronomatic 49: Seems a little sturdier and user-friendly than it's brothers and sisters without losing out on any style points. But does it have too much flair? Can I wear it to the hospital on a daily basis?
2. Super Avenger > Avenger Skyland > Chrono Avenger: Definitely a lot more "rugged" and wearable on a daily basis, but that ruggedness makes it a lot chunkier in relation to the Chronomatic.

Anyways, I know my first post is long-winded, but I'd appreciate if anybody might want to chirp in with their 2cents.

Firtsly congrats on your engagement.

Hmmm, lots of questions!

I think the key is to try them on at an AD - that is the only way to determine what works for you. It's amazing how a watch can look a certain way on a website or in the Chronolog only to look totally different on the wrist. Try before you commit to ANYTHING!

In terms of your questions -

1. Price - Some people may think you're nuts to spend that much on a watch, but as you're on a Breitling forum, no-one here will! You have to be comfortable with the expenditure, or rather in this case YOU have to be sure that your future in-laws are comfortable with it! These are purely luxury goods at the end of the day, so they are not worth getting into serious debt over. Maybe your fiancé can give you some idea of price range?

2. Sentimentality - Any watch can be precious as an heirloom in terms of the sentimentality attached to it. If you are talking monetary value, then you will be best not to expect a huge appreciation with any watch (except perhaps a very limited edition Patek or something). ALL watches depreciate to a varying degree. A Navitimer style watch has more heritage, but remember, the SA (and the like) may become tomorrow's future classics as well.

3. Style vs Functionality - The Aeromarine models are probably more durable on a daily basis as they are designed with water resistance in mind. However, if you are careful-ish (i.e. don't go mixing concrete with one on!) any Breitling is wearable on a daily basis IMHO.

I think that kind of addresses your CM49 or SA question too..... BUT at the end of all this, YOU have to be happy with your choice. Hope this helps.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

and happy choosing your first Ling.

Welcome aboard, and congratulations on the engagement.

I personally would choose the CM49, but it's not me that is buying this. Driver8 gave you great advice on the pros and cons of each choice, but as he also said - try them on, you'll know which one just 'feels' right.

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Breitling Super Avenger White, Steel
Breitling Superocean Heritage 46 Black, Ocean Racer
Rolex Submariner Bi-Metal, Yellow Gold/Blue
Panerai 112, Black Leather (Soon Hopefully!)

Both for the short term and as an heirloom, I would recommend the Navitimer. Other Breitlings may be excellent watches but there is only one iconic model.

I thank everybody for their great advice. Frotunately for me, I have 2 more months before taking the plunge (purchasing my first ling, not my wedding). But if the past couple months of indecision are any indicator, it's gonna be a long haul. First things first, going to listen to Driver8 and go back to the store and try those bad boys on again. I'm just scared of falling in love again! I'm sure you'll be hearing more of my inner turmoil in the next couple of weeks. Happy Holidays and may all your stockings be stuffed with lings.....or at least your dreams!

Welcome and congrats!

I too vote by way of the Navitimer

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I've finally decided!!! After countless trips to different ADs, I've decided to go with the Super Avenger with white dial. I tried on all the Navitimers, but except for the Montbrillant Legende, they all looked a lot smaller than what I had originally imagined. I truly enjoyed the Chronomatic 49, but it'll have to be a purchase for a later date. Overall, the Super Avenger just fit my style and personality. It felt and looked awesome on my wrist, but that sucker is one thick monster! But like others have mentioned before, it seems to weight less than it appears with the new professional bracelet.

My fiance also decided that she wants the Cartier Women's Santos Demoiselle Pink Dial Watch. So now it's down to the nitty-gritty of negotiating a price. I've taken heed to everybody in this forum and am definitely going to purchase from an AD. I checked out my local brick and mortar AD and the following are the prices that he gave me:

SA $4550
Cartier $3900

He's offering me no sales tax and 25% off both if I do an all-cash purchase. This ends up being pretty comparable to the pricing off internet retailers such as Joma and AuthenticWatches online. What does everybody think, best deal I'm gonna get or should I keep shopping a little more. I also got a recommendation for GovBerg in Philly and just e-mailed them. But I'm still curious about this whole "group buy" deal on the forum. Anybody have any info on that? Anyways, that's my latest update!

Congrats on the decision!

Govberg will give you a very good idea of what kind of deal can be got, and I'm sure Mario will send you details on the Group Buy.

However, in case he forgets to mention it, you should be aware that the store he uses has had a number of contractual issues with Breitling and is no longer listed as an AD on Breitling's website

Govberg is also a Cartier AD and I'm sure you can work a good deal if you pick up both.

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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

Welcome!

Nice choice, and congratulations!

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Collection: http://s540.photobucket.com/albums/gg32 ... mview=grid

I'm afraid you are mis-informed once again. The AD we were using for the group buy had some issues with Breitling which had us shift over to another AD (there are several). The last member they helped out was back in early September.

Please don't make statements like that without checking with me first, I'd be glad to bring you up to speed.

Mario

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The name them. Feldmar has been kicked out, why do we need all the secrecy?

We all know who jnelson3097's contact is - Govberg, everyone knows I use La Swiss - why do yours have to be big secrets?

I have nowhere near enough information to do that.

What I do know:

You only revealed that you were getting kickbacks of swag from the deal because Nelson asked you to.

You only clarified the statement because Nelson asked you to again.

You refuse to reveal publicly who the ADs are that you deal with - I'm not asking you to reveal percentages - just name the ADs so people can be educated.




I don't know you, and I don't know jnelson3097. But there is only one arrangement out of the two of you that I would ever recommend