The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I have stated several times in the past that I think Breitling is cheapening its brand image and in my eyes, it is falling out of "luxury" status. And you really did make my point for me by stating that Breitling is adding different colored bezels on some models to attract new consumers and money. Look at the SuperOcean II for example. A rubber bezel (which makes no sense to me on a "dive" watch) and 5 different colors to choose from on a bezel? None of which are difficult to obtain and all of which can be obtained for at least 20% off the suggested retail price.

Finally, I never said that there aren't a lot of people who need to save for a long time to buy just one Breitling. But I hope we can all agree that Breitling has a much cheaper point of entry to the brand than Rolex or Panerai.

In closing - my BlackBird was my first "nice" watch. I love the watch and I like the history behind the Breitling brand. However, back to the topic at hand, I also think that we shouldn't be surprised when we see increases in prices from time to time. Costs go up and we're not just talking about materials here - we're talking about research and development into different movements (and styles as well). I do not think Breitling can sustain 10% increases YOY for extended periods of time - but the company can (and will) get a double digit increase from time to time.

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PAM359, Omega PO Big Size, 1951 Omega Seamaster, Rolex Sea Dweller

This actually brings up a question I have been curious about....Anybody care to venture a guess at what percent of Breitling's, or any other luxury watch brand's, sales consist of 1st time buyers. These folks are obviously the hardest to get, because you can only get your first once.

On a similar note, sales to WIS and collectors would be an interesting number to disect

I may have been asleep and I apologize if this is well known or has been discussed before, but does the SO II have a rubber bezel?

No, but it would seem you don't think these people should be Breitling customers in first place. Or am I misstating what you said, or taking your words out of context?

Don't see how that makes your case. I would consider $5K+ for a watch a luxury item. A big part of the reason that the new Sykracer Raven has not been well received on BSource is because they took one of their nicer watches and made it into a joke. I still contend that anyone who spends $5K on a watch would do so saying it was as luxury purchase.




Totally agree with you here.




I agree that price increases are unavoidable, but my original point was that I think the consumer would respond better to an increase of 5-7% even if it happened more frequently. Increases of 10-15% just give you the feeling that you are not getting a good deal, and are being taken advantage of. That's all I was saying.

Uhm....yup! A rubber bezel insert, not a rbber bezel per se.

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SHARKMAN

Thanks Sharkman. Wasn't aware. Must have been asleep or something.

"No, but it would seem you don't think these people should be Breitling customers in the first place."

Why on earth would you say that? I have NEVER said who should or shouldn't buy anything. I don't know why it's so hard to fathom that Breitling is offering watches as low as $2,000 to try to get $$$$. Rolex doesn't have an entry-level watch below $5,000 - nor does Panerai and certainly, nor does Patek Philippe.

I may be coming off as snobish, but I believe that my view of "luxury" is different than many members of this forum. When one lives a life of "luxury," one can afford the best without having to "save up" for it.

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PAM359, Omega PO Big Size, 1951 Omega Seamaster, Rolex Sea Dweller

The superocean is a very nice looking watch, I dont think it looks any 'cheaper' than previous versions. The rubber moulded bezel definitely add's to the appeal of the watch and gives it more of a sporty feel.

~One toke over the line sweet Jesus....

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SHARKMAN

It doesn't matter if it "looks any 'cheaper' than previous versions" because it is. You can buy it at a discount from many ADs in my area for less than $2,000 USD. Furthermore, I don't know why you think the bezel adds to the appeal of the watch. If you are using it as a dive watch, a porcelein bezel (or many other materials) will last much longer than the rubber coated bezel. Additionally, the bezel is not luminous...along with a bunch of other things that don't make sense for a "dive" watch. I just picked up an Omega Seamaster for the same price I would have paid for the SuperOcean II and as far as functionality and "sportiness," the Omega blows away the Breitling in almost every aspect as a dive watch.

We can go in circles all day long. I don't know how any "purist" can argue that Breitling isn't cutting corners to cater to the lowest common denominator with some of its models to try to make money and extend its brand. I'm not saying it's wrong if you're in the market to make money.....but you're never going to convince me that it's not cheapening the brand.

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PAM359, Omega PO Big Size, 1951 Omega Seamaster, Rolex Sea Dweller

May???I'm sorry but your comments have become exceedingly arrogant and boorish. The comments seem more in line with an effete impudent snob.

But everyone is entitled to a bad day.

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SHARKMAN

No Sunday night football tonight but this is good entertainment. You need to take your ball and go home!

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

For the 2nd time in this thread.......

There is no place here for name calling.

The sticky topic at the top of the Breitling section includes the following:

"Please respect your fellow posters! Not everyone is the same as you or has the same opinion as you, so please try and be open-minded. Respect other people's opinions and they will respect yours. Name-calling and insults are childish and have no place on this forum."

Everyone is entitled to express their opinions here, and everyone is free to disagree in a courteous manner.

It seems to me telling people they are in the "wrong market" is akin to that, or can certainly be inferred that way. At the very least, it has the potential to come off as an elitist, a-hole point of view* that could ruffle a lot of feathers. Ditto with saying, "If you have to ask how much it costs, you can't afford it." If it's not your intent to piss people off, you might want to rethink how you state your position. A good portion of this thread is from people who were clearly offended by what you said, and the way you said it, such that Roff has had to tell us to refrain from personal attacks on you...twice. While everyone is responsible for his own behavior, this is the kind of reaction your words inspire.

*Just to be clear, I'm not calling you an elitist or an a-hole; I'm just pointing out, in as civilized and courteous a manner as possible, that some people might think you come off that way with what you say.