The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I am curious on your thoughts on this.

I have a Rolex Sub right now.....kind of my normal everyday watch. I also had (it got stolen) a Cartier Roadster Chrono XL.....I also had diamonds put onto the bezel.

I don't really want another Rolex because I feel they really all look similar....especially when I already have one. I like the Roadster chronograph....but didn't like the few choices for bands....plus it's a lot more than the Breitling...and I just don't know if I need a $10k watch that is going to be worn once a month.

I started looking at Breitling and like what I see...specifically the Navi....Navi World....Montbrilliant....not a big fan of the Super Avenger...just seems like a Sub to me.

What are your thoughts on Cartier vs Breitling? What holds value longer (although I don't plan to ever sell watch). How about sizes....I believe the Navi World is biggest...followed by Navitimer...followed by Montbriliant? What mm are they? I believe the XL Roadster was a 47x42 MM....but I'm sure it will wear different since it was rectangular versus a round Breitling (in other words....I've heard to try the Breitling models on first to see how they fit).

As a general rule, no expensive watch is an investment per se, and ALL (with a few minor and very expensive exceptions) will depreciate over time. Breitling and Cartier watches are probably on a similar "level" so will depreciate similarly.

In terms of sizes, the Navi World is 46mm in diameter, the current Montbrillant is 40mm and the current Navi 01 is 43mm. However, they wear smaller than their size suggests as a result of the design : they are quite fine watches as opposed to a tank-like diver for example. You may find this link useful as it gives the specs of all the Navis including sizes - http://www.breitlingsource.com/models/navitimer.html

To be honest there's no substitute for trying a watch on as the size may seem like one thing on paper and something else entirely on the wrist, as (as you rightly said) case shape has a huge bearing.

From your initial post it doesn't sound like you are overly bothered by what's inside the watch (i.e. in-house or not), so that puts you in a good position of being able to choose entirely based on aesthetics. Try a few on and see what draws you the most.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

As far as value goes, other than perhaps some Pateks, the Crown is king. Breitling's Chronomat, which is 41-ish-47mm depending on the model, has a similar shape to the Submariner but a distinctly different style. If your wrist isn't big, the SA can look rather silly IMO. The Navi is a very distinctive Breitling and you can't go wrong. If you get a Navi/Mont or Chronomat, the first thing you will appreciate is the bracelet. IMO is is much more comfortable than Rolex. Keep in mind though that the Navi/Mont are not really water watches. They are okay to get wet from splashes but anything from a shower and up they are not designed for as IIRC they are only 3 bar rated (some modes may be more)

i think if you are looking at something classic that will stay timeless. the navi is a great piece to add. especially the new 01 navis. i think they are just awesome. Personally I have not been too much of a Cartier guy. not to say they dont make a nice watch, the design is just something that doesnt jive with me.

have you considered a Rolex daytona. If resale value is of importance to you, NOTHING holds value like a Daytona.