The Breitling Watch Source Forums

My knee-jerk reaction is "Absolutely! What a gift!" But the more I thought about it the less I'm sure. Is a gift that requires ~$500 maintenance every five years a good gift for a person who wouldn't spend more than $100 on a brand new watch? I was daydreaming about giving my cousin a Breitling when he graduates, but I'm not really sure it's a good gift.

What do you guys think?

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Coral Dial SuperOcean
Black Dial Avenger Skyland
Arctica Dial Bentley G/T Racing

Coral Club Founding Father

I wasn't always a watch person...until one day I received a watch as a present.

Morecowbell,

Its hard to say, but I think your cousin would appreciate it especially knowing that its a graduation gift. In most cases the thought of buying an expensive what is beyond most people but I think the mindset is different if they receive it as gift to commemorate such a special occasion.

I guess it also depends on which graduation we are dealing with.

I wouldnt think so, unless they are specifically interested in watches or mechanical things. A watch might not be bad, but a B might just be wasted on somebody who isnt in the these kinds of things. Maybe get him something like a TAG that costs less but would probably be of similar value to him.

The people I know don't have any interest in watches. They take a look at my Steelfish or Blacksteel, and say that it's a great looking watch, but they really don't have any enthusiasm. It really has nothing to do with whether they can afford a Breitling or not. Some of my friends are in a far better position to buy one than me, but they are perfectly happy with a $100. watch. Some can't afford it, or have no watch, and are always asking me for the time. In short, you either appreciate watches or don't. While I think it's a nice gesture on your part, try finding out what they really want, rather than giving them a Breitling because it's what you want. In the end it will mean a lot more to them.
Cheers,
Carl

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'63 Omega Seamaster, 2014 Omega Speedmaster MarkII

"Those who possess a sense of entitlement are seldom satisfied"

I agree with the majority of the rest of the responses - a Breitling may well be wasted on someone if they aren't remotely a "watch-person". If this guy has never shown even the slightest interest in timepieces, then he just won't get the enjoyment out of it that we do. It may be better to ask what he's into and just float the idea of a watch as an option. If he says "Yeah a nice watch would be good", then a Breitling should obviously be the first choice , but if not then at least you won't waste your cash.

However (and I know we may find this IMPOSSIBLE to believe! ) there are even "watch-people" out there who find Breitlings a bit OTT and actually don't like them. For example, a mate of mine loves Omega but find Breitlings too busy, but then he is an ultra-conservative Brit!

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Most people I come across know about "Rolex" watches and nothing else.

It would depend on how sophisticated the recipient is (or wants to be).

I deliberately chose Breitling because, first and foremost, I love the Navitimer range, and secondly, at the moment I prefer a brand that every man and his dog does NOT instantly recognise - at least at present.

Personally, if I were your cousin, I would be most honoured to receive such a gift. He is very fortunate to have you take such an interest in him and his achievements.

Thanks for all the responses guys...some great thoughts in there. I hadn't thought of another brand that's a great suggestion.

This is college graduation btw, and what got me started down this path was his reaction when I bought my Skyland. He just fell in love with it! I'm sure he has no idea that it doesn't have a battery, however, he is now aware of the brand. I just wanted to get him something nice to wear in the workforce, white collar job for sure. Given that that is my only requirement, I think I can solve that puzzle many different ways.

Of course, that's an even WORSE thing to do to someone...get them hooked at such a young age!

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Coral Dial SuperOcean
Black Dial Avenger Skyland
Arctica Dial Bentley G/T Racing

Coral Club Founding Father

Ah well if he's a big fan of your Skyland, then a Breitling may indeed be the way to go. Lucky guy!!

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Let me start off by saying he is very lucky to have you as a cousin, quite the noble thought on your part. On a totally different subject, should you feel the need for a non-blood spiritual cousin, you know who's your man

On the subject of Breitlings, a friend of mine had gotten a Tuxedo Navitimer as a gift from his parents, as a non-watch person he enjoyed the thought and the brand's history. Wore it for a week then threw it aside somewhere. A year later he told be the story since he noticed I love Breitlings so much, I told him that even though it had some minor scratches and the deployant was loose (he obviousely was a bit too rough on it) I would gladly pay to fix it up and pay him a 1000 USD for it. He flipped and could not believe I would pay that much for it (no box and papers) and he still can't find it. It kills me knowing that such a fine watch was treated so badly and is sitting somewhere with other discarded crap.

If he had gotten a six hundred USD camera or a graphics card he would have enjoyed it much, much more.

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Certified watch nut.

I think if a gift like a Breitling is given to an individual not familiar with luxury watches or the Breitling brand, it's imperative to educate and instill the history and process of building a fine timepiece.

I know once I learn the history, rarity, tradition, or importance of anything from cameras to guns, I have a greater appreciation for it.

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BC

In general I agree with Driver 8 and the rest of the group. However, everyone has a first time !!!--remember Another brand--perhaps-if he needs a watch for all occasions try the Seiko Velatura. Great look , nice watch and not real steep on the bucks

i think mostly everyone here would agree that when an individual looks at your time piece and admires it they do truly like the watch but not the same way us ling fanatics do. i can sit and talk with someone about breitlings all day but the fact of the matter is after about 2 minutes of conversation they get sick of hearing about your love for watches because they themselves do not have the same love.

for example: last night i sold my cousin my navi world. he loves the watch but when i started to explain to him about its complex movement he quickly grew tired of the conversation.

i would go with a tag. its less expensive but still a pretty nice watch. im sure he would enjoy it.


BTW IM GRADUATING THIS SEMESTER AS WELL LOL...

Just a quick word on the maintenance costs - what about a quartz model? £70 every few years for a battery, clean & waterproof test.

I love my Aerospace & although there are some quartz I wouldn't go for there are some lovely watches in the range.

On another note - I was thinking the very same thing for my Daughter who's graduating university this year (should have started saving 5 years ago when she started!). I wouldn't put Her down as a watch person at all - loves her Swatch which I'm presented with on occassion to polish the scratches out of the (plastic) glass! - so am in the same boat. I'd hate to think of it kicking around in a drawer somewhere in a few months time. My kids know about my obsession but still unsure whether ownership would kindle the enthusiasm needed with an item such as a Breitling.

Maybe a nice bracelet instead! Sounds like your cousin might be a bit more interested though.

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Aerospace Titanium & Gold - Grey Face
B-1 on Fighter/Blue Shark - Blue Face
Emergency on Pro - Yellow Face

To complete the collection:
Navi 01 46/Black leather - Black/white
Montbrillant Datora/Navi - White face


LEARNING.......EVERY DAY

There's been a few calls for Tags on this thread here, so I just thought I'd put a stop to such HERETICAL comments! No no no! If you think a Breitling may be too much, then go Omega or something else vaguely classy... but please not a Tag!!

PS - And before you Tag fans lynch me, I've owned two Tags in the past but where I come from they are seen as real "wide-boy" watches! Sorry guys!

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Driver8

Site Moderator