The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I definitely think that this is the direction that Breitling should go with their ambassadors - let's have professionals promoting 'instruments for professionals'. I get that the ambassador has to be well enough known to be aspirational for buyers, but this is definitely the kind of association that makes sense to me.

Its a shame that Ueli Gegenschatz is deceased. Because this guy would have been the perfect candidate for a Breitling Ambassador. The things that this man has done in the sky are absolutely unbelievable.

Here is a link to a youtube video of his. This way you can appreciate this man for the unbelievably amazing feats he has accomplished in his sport.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbUImz0PbLg

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"Don't Touch The Watch." - Patrick Bateman

Did this guy have to pay Breitling to be an ambassador?? Was there anyone less famous to chose from?

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"I don't own any watches, I just lease them"

I'd imagine Breitling pays him.

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[Witty signature here]

, Felix Baumgartner is the other guy who Breitling should grab to as he will soon be attempting to sky dive from the edge of space. That way you could have a guy from the sea and from space. Just a thought !

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YOU CAN'T HAVE A GREAT TIME WITHOUT A GREAT WATCH.........MAKE IT A BREITLING

Cracking video that (and nice to hear a bit of Mr Waldeck on there too).

They should stick this guy in the fish tank at next year's Basel

I think that this is absolutely the correct kind of partner - a complete stand out in their specialty and someone who operates at extreme conditions. What better way to send a message along the lines of 'people that operate at the extremes demand Breitling', especially when time is so critical to the venture as I imagine it must be in this type of diving.

I think Breitling got this one absolutely right - I think that this is a much better link up than John Travolta who Joe Public will always associate with acting, not aviation.

I disagree with Roff on that, as Travoltas passion for flying, jets and his airfields on his backyard is so well documented. there´s been so many interviews and stories where he speaks of his passion that enough of people are aware of the link. Ofcourse beeing a famous actor doesn´t hurt either. But I think both ambassadors together reinforce Breitlings message of "Instruments for professionals".

I for one hope to see more of this kind of direction.

And someone who less than 0.00000001% of the world knows. Omega hires Michael Phelps, Breitling hires Who??? I think it's pretty comical actually and to read your defense is even more comical. Thanks for the laughs!

How about Danika Patrick as an ambassador for the Breitling for Bentley line. Now that will get some attention rather than an unknown extreme sport diver.

Or how about Captain Sully Sullenberg, the pilot who landed his plane in the Hudson River and saved nearly 200 lives....That's an ambassador!!

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"I don't own any watches, I just lease them"

Not that its a big deal but after checking on the Felix Baumgartner it shows him wearing a yellow Breitling Emergency.

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YOU CAN'T HAVE A GREAT TIME WITHOUT A GREAT WATCH.........MAKE IT A BREITLING

<Sigh>

I am merely offering my opinion - that's what forums are for. I'm not defending Breitling (wasn't I in trouble from you a couple of weeks ago for trying to further my own agenda by criticising Breitling?

It is hardly surprising that you disagree with me, and as I believe that I have mentioned more than a few times - that's OK.

No need for the snide personal comments.




In terms of John Travolta, you may be right, I was aware of his flight connection, but not sure if that's because of Breitling or not.

I guess we can always disagree on specific names, but the approach that Breitling seem to be taking is to go for the big names to the people who are familiar with that discipline - no matter how specialised the niche. Kobold take a similar approach, and I think that it does work, although of course that's personal opinion only - it's offered for free which may be its true value.

No, what works is having big name, recognizable icon, as the spokespeople for your product. Chosing someone that specializes in a specific niche who very very few people know is fiscally irresponsible and a huge missed opportunity. Eventhough his talent is superhuman and quite remarkable that doesn't make him the right spokesperson. Is he going to bring more new watch buyers to the brand and increase Breitlings marketshare? Absolutely NOT!

If that's the direction Kobold went then they did a poor job as well because unless your a watch geek you'd have no idea who their ambassador is. I'm not a big Tag fan but they know how to promote and advertise their product. The average Joe knows what Tag Heuer is; ask them what Breitling is and they'll look at your cross-eyed. I happen to like the fact that the average Joe doesn't know what's on my wrist, but if you want to grow your brand and increase profits in order build the high end complications that you so badly desire, then you need to make better marketing decisions!

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"I don't own any watches, I just lease them"

Emphasis added. You don't have enough data to make that determination.

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[Witty signature here]

Personally I like the idea of a real professional being an ambassador for Breitling, even if they are a little on the unknown side. I'd infinitely rather have that than just another random actor or sportsman, like most brands tend to gravitate towards. (Yes I know Breitling have Johnny T as an abassador as well but he is an absolute aviation nut as well as an actor, so again he's a great guy to have on board IMO).

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Driver8

Site Moderator

The problem with the big names is the big money that goes with it - I have no idea what kind of bang for the buck you get for a small financial deal for a niche professional vs. big money for a 'celebrity' that doesn't necessarily meet the brand aspirations - the sponsorships / ambassadors that Brietling do have are all tied to their themes - Travolta, Reno, Red Bull for Aviation and now this guy for diving. I have to assume that's a conscious association with the professions rather than just a big name.

Richard Mille have just signed Rafael Nadal, so they clearly are going the big name route. I can't see an obvious connection between Richard Mille and Tennis, so assume that the name recognition was the key. No idea how much money they are paying him to wear the watch, but they have given him a $500k+ tourbillon to wear.