The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hey Guys,

I am new to the world of watch collecting and expensive watches in general!

I have recently been looking at the Breitling Blackbird collection in particular the ltd editions. I was originally attracted to the black steel ed but I think I have fallen for the Red Strike with the metal bracelet as opposed to the rubber one offered with the black steel.

I was just wondering how good a buy this is? I have been quoted £5.2K and was wanting to know if this is a fair price and if the watch will hold its value relatively well and possibly increase as the years roll on??

I would never plan on selling the watch anyway, but like I say I am new to this and want to make sure that in spending this much that I get something that is worth spending that amount on.

Your comments are much appreciated

Danny

That price is higher than I have seen here in North America, but I can't speak for the AD costs on your side of the pond.

As for holding/increasing it's value, never think of it as an investment. If you leave it in it's factory box for 10+ years, it might be worth more to someone. Chances are you will wear it, and it will lose resale value regardless.

The famous first words!! I'm a big fan of the Blackbird but I do not like the red hands on the red strike. Doesn't do it for me. The blackbird will be getting A Breitling InHouse movement very soon, if your a big fan of the Blackbird, maybe consider waiting to see the in house model first before buying the red strike? I know that's what I would do.

Good luck either way.

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

Breitlings (or virtually any watch) aren't worth the price that they cost. You won't get the money back, and timekeeping is more accurate on your cell phone - but that's not what they are about.

High end watches are about hown they make you feel and you have to decide whether that is worth it to you. I can't comment on UK pricing, but I'm sure that some of our UK members will give you some insight.

I was under the impression that this watch was already fitted with Breitling's own movement??

Is this not the case.

If it is not I apologise for my ignorance, like I say I am new to the world of high end watches.

It's fitted with a Breitling modified ETA movement - an old design where Breitling buys in kits and adds / replaces / refines parts.

By contrast the B01 movement is a completely in house design so is exclusive to Breitling - some of the parts are still from 3rd party suppliers but the movement is Breitling's.

I also like the B01 chronograph, do you think that is would be a more collectable piece??

I understand that it's an individual preference, however I would hate to think a couple of years down the line that I had bought the wrong watch!

IF your looking for the most "collectable" then the obvious answer is the new Chronomat 01. Display back and #'ed Limited Ed. will give you the "exclusivity" and collectable nature that you are looking for. Plus its a good compromise between the B01 and blackbird anyways!

_________________
Breitling Emergency Mission-- Breitling B01--
Chronomatic 24H-- Skyland Blacksteel-- Navitimer World--
Emergency Ti-- Chronomat Evo-- Airwolf-- Skyracer Raven
Bentley GMT-- Motors Speed

That sounds like a good idea, it's been nice to hear from some people that know what they are talking about.

I think I will see if I can get a quote for the B01 ltd ed, I know the AD that I have been talking to regarding the blackbird also advertise the B01. Do you have any idea what they roughly retail at??

LE, in house, whatever - pick the one you want. They are all collectable watches because they are all exceptional pieces. Pick the one you like the most. None of them will hold appreciably more value than the other.

I must say I disliked the Red Strike based upon the internet pics/renderings, but I really liked it in person. The red touches were much more subtle than the pics suggested.

Unless you are going up a couple orders of magnitude in price, watches aren't going to hold or increase in value(a few exceptions). Be prepared to pay a hefty premium for the new BB that comes out with the in house. Same for the Chronomat 01.

I have several non-Breitling in house and appreciate them, but I haven't a single issue with the heavily modified ETA based movements traditionally in Brietlings. They keep good time and are sturdy and reliable movements. And the BB movement with the big date is very nice.

_________________
SHARKMAN

Thanks for the advice guys!

I think that I will get a price for the B01 Ltd ed and so long as its not a ridiculous amount more try them both and go with the one I just want to take home more!

Look forward to showing you my new watch soon!!

I wouldn't wear the Red Strike if you gave it to me for free.

Now, a B01 LE or BEB brushed Blackbird on the other hand...

_________________
Squadron Member: Breitling Chronomat B01 Blackeye Blue, Brushed Bezel, Pilot Bracelet

Have you seen it? You can give one to me for free- I'll gratefully accept it.

BEB brushed Blackbird - yeah, have one on my wrist right now. And as a preemptive strike to any traditionalists- I don't give a hoot if it is "really" a Blackbird or not - it IS a gorgeous flippin' watch. Call it a Black Eye Bluebird if you wish.

_________________
SHARKMAN

+1 !!!!! (except I still liked it at first sight!)

I picked my BB red strike up today (pics + post coming shortly) and you are absolutely right...
I was a bit worried the red accents would be too tacky or too "much" BUT I was pleasantly surprised when I saw it in the flesh....I am absolutely loving it!


.....now I got some shitty pictures to go take!


-E

_________________
Collection..
2013 Rolex DAY DATE II 18kYG + Champagne Dial.
2009 Breitling CHRONOMAT EVOLUTION - MOP Diamond Dial + Diamond Bezel.
2005 Rolex SUBMARINER 2Tone 18k/SS + Blue Dial.
1984 Rolex DATEJUST 2Tone 18k/SS+Black Sunburst Dial

Well I have paid my deposit.

I am going to pick up the Red Strike tomorrow, they do also have a standard B01 just incase I change my mind at the last minute ha ha.

I am quite excited, I am about to own my first breitling!!!!

Picks to follow, thanks for all of your advice and comments.