The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi all,

Newbie here looking for first Breitling. Just wondered if there was a consensus out there on the Navitimer 125th edition watch, in steel with the 'unique' bracelet?

Also, what would be a good price for one of these from a UK Breitling dealer?

Finally, any good for a longer term investment, I.e. 10-15 years?

Sorry for all the questions! Thanks in advance for your advice.

Jonathan

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Rolex Submariner
Navitimer Olympus

Welcome.

The 125th Navi is a nice watch. Keep in mind a few things. The Navitimer line has no real water resistance so you CANNNOT swim, bath or submerge the watch in fast running water. It is designed for pilots, i.e. no water!

For a dealer I would suggest contacting Andrew Micheals.

Finally, luxury watches are a horrible "investment". Almost every brand, depreciates in value over the years, with the exception being the uber high end makers such as Patek, Lange, ect. Also plan on a full service on ANY luxury watch after 6 years or so, as the oils break down adn wear and tear on the parts occur. In the USA, this full service can run $400-700 depending on any major parts that need replaced.

Buy it to enjoy it, not to resell 10 years down the road for a profit.

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Breitling Steelfish(black)
Breitling Steelfish(silver)
Panerai PAM 312
Bell & Ross BR03-92 Phantom
Steinhart BreitlingSource LE #5/15

Also with the bracelet, make sure to try it on properly first. Some love it, while others find it utterly uncomfortable.

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

Bronco and Aleister said it all, although I'd add Banks Lyon to Andrew Michaels as AD's who may be able to offer a good price (banners at the top of the page).

On the bracelet front, aside from the possible comfort factor, I'd say that it's an INCREDIBLY polarising design, and to be honest I'd say that probably 90% of people find it totally hideous (I'm one of them), with only a few really liking it. If resale value is a big deal for you (which as Bronco said, you'd be wise to just forget about IMO and enjoy the watch) then I'd suggest steering clear from anything that may put future buyers off. I'd definitely put that particular bracelet in that category.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Thanks for all that excellent advice.

Spoke with a dealer this afternoon and they have a good price on a new one, minus the controversial bracelet and with a standard navitimer one instead.

Also, they had a beautiful Navitimer Olympus which I really like too at a great price. And then there is the red arrows limited ed for sale that I think is cool as a pre-used watch. Too many decisions! I need to make my mind up.

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Rolex Submariner
Navitimer Olympus

First off...welcome to Breitling Source!!!!

Secondly, I dint get that you were looking to turn a profit, and more just have a viable saleable asset in 10-15 years. In that light, the Navitimer might be one of the watches most likely to still be a current model in that time period. They have been around over 50 years, so they are def timeless. Twenty year old Navis still fetch a pretty penny on the forums.

But as everyone else has said...buy it to enjoy it.



Choosing between a couple of options will seem like nothing when you reach the point where you have an always evolving wish list. And trust me....it will happen.

I was just admiring pics of the 125th Navi the other day...although I might want to change out the bracelet. I was guessing it would be hard to come by. Are they still available? How many pieces were in the series? And, if anybody knows, what are the dimensions?

Edit: when in doubt, look it up. 2009 pieces released in stainless, 125 in rose gold. 43mm case. I couldn't speak to availability, but based on the Navi's general popularity, I would guess these didn't stick around long. But that's just a guess. I'll certainly defer to anyone who knows better.

I have found a couple here in the uk. One brand new and one only worn for a few weeks by a manager in a dealership.

But I am quite taken by the naivitmer Olympus too in white. Can't decide!

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Rolex Submariner
Navitimer Olympus

While I agree with Bronco on this, I believe he is referring to the purchase of a new luxury watch vs. a "Pre-Loved" version being a bad investment. Some folks tastes lean towards wanting to be the first owner and while that is up to the individual, they are the ones that suffer the most on the depreciation side.

On the other hand if you are not a stickler for being the "First" owner, want to save upfront capital, and suffer the least amount of depreciation, then "Pre-Loved" is a great alternative. Depending on the brand, condition, model, accessories, and age, one can keep a "Pre-Loved" piece in their collection for a number of years with little or no loss upon reselling it....and in some cases a little profit. If you choose this route you want to make sure to try and get all the papers, certificates, and original display boxes. This will increase the value upon reselling the piece in a general range of $100-$300, again depending on the brand, available papers, and condition of the boxes. Keeping records of all the service done and being able to provide these to a potential customer is also of benefit for obvious reasons.

In either case Bronco is right, luxury watches are not a good investment as they will not generally increase in value.

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If you go with Pre-Loved, does that mean you get Sloppy Seconds? (We're still talking about watches, right?)

Depends who wore it last.