The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hello everyone,

First of all, let me start by saying that I have been lurking for quite some time now and this seems like a wonderful forum. Glad I could become a member!

Long story short, I am 22 years old and I want a Breitling. My mother and a couple of my friends have labeled me as ostentatious for wanting one, but why would I spend money on a marginal watch that I am not happy with when I can buy something beautiful like a Navitimer that I will most likely have for the rest of my life (God willing).

One day, a collegue of mine with a huge gambling problem was in desperate need of money and was selling his Breitling Bentley 6.75 for $3,600 (mint condition). Unfortunately I did not have this kind of cash at the time, and to be quite honest, this was a little out of my price-league. Regardless, this watch was beautiful and from that moment on, I knew I wanted a Breitling. I started looking around and I have come to the conclusion that I want a Navitimer.

Like I said, I am new to watches, and it seems like there are dozens of Navitimers out there. Old, World, Montbrillant, etc. It's all very confusing. Imagine taking your 60 year old mother to a BMW dealership to buy a 5 series and trying to explain the difference between a 525, 530, 550, M5, etc. I'm sure her head would want to explode. Well I'm in the same boat.

My question is, why are some Navitimers cheaper than others? I've been looking at gently used Breitlings and one particular model that has caught my eye is the Snowbirds edition. It has everything I want - leather strap, black face with the white surround, etc. You would think that a limited edition watch like this (only 1,000 made) would command a premium, but I see them selling for under $3,000 all day long, whereas Navitimer Worlds are going for over $4,000. Why is this?

At the $3,000 price point (new or used), what kind of Navitimers should I be looking at?

I have a million other questions, but I've been up since 5am and I'm a little tired right now (haven't had my coffee yet).

Any input/help/advise would be greatly appreciated!

Hello and welcome aboard, both to the forum and the wonderful world of watches (especially Breitlings!).

The difference in cost of the various Navitimer models is due to a number of factors, but broadly speaking the differences are mainly due to age (whether they are new of used), rarity, and the complexity of the movement.

Breitling watches tend not to appreciate in value on the second hand market, so unless a watch is SUPER rare, you can almost always guarantee that a used Breitling will be cheaper than a new one. Something like the Snowbirds edition will command more than a standard Navi of the same age, but it will still be less than a new Navi World.

The Navi World is a little more expensive than the standard Navi as it has a GMT complication, which again puts the cost up a little. The Olympus has a much more complex movement again, and therefore the costs are higher still.

If you are new to watches, you may be best to steer clear of eBay for your first piece as it can be a minefield of fakes and con artists. That said, you can find some serious bargains but you need to know what you are doing. I would recommend using an AD to start off with (although that will be tough if you want a Snowbirds as they are discontinued), or if you are intent on buying on-line then use one of the trusted vendors detailed on here in the feedback section - i.e. Prestigetime, Interwatches, Jomashop, etc.

For $3K you should be able to find an older standard Navi in that price range. (BTW, you do know that Navi's aren't the most practical daily watches as they are not really water-proof and are quite fine in construction? Don't get me wrong, they are great pieces and I own a Navi World myself, but they aren't designed for anything like swimming, so if you buy one just bear that in mind).

Anyway, I hope that's a bit of info to get you started.

_________________
Driver8

Site Moderator

That's a great reply - exactly what I was looking for.

To be quite frank, I'm a jeans and t-shirt kind of guy so the Navitimer would really only be worn at work as I wear a suit and need to play the role of a successful business person.

Regardless, what other models would you suggest I look into if I was trying to stay at that price-point but wanted something for every day wear? The Navitimer just oozes class (in my opinion - especially when worn with a leather strap) and I haven't seen many other watches that match it in that regard.

It has to be a personal decision for you. Go into the store and try several on - see what works best for you. It sounds like this is going to be your staple 'quality' watch for at least a little while so get something that 'speaks' to you.

It gives you a perfect opportunity to practice what we had the PM exchange about.

At your price point you might want to look at the Super Ocean Heritage - it's a different look for Breitling, but a very classy piece in my opinion, more suited to a suit on the bracelet than the strap though.

You've not been telling him about your love of Morris Dancing again have you Roff??

_________________
Driver8

Site Moderator

Ill echo the "go to the store and try them on" sentiment. If youve been lurking a while, im sure youve seen how many people go in for one model, only to fall in love with another. Its a very strange phenomenon.

The navi is great, but as stated before, it cringes at the thought of getting wet. In addition to the Superocean Heritage, you may also like the Chronomat. But there will definitely be no substitute for seeing them in person and trying them on. Many models look completely different in the flesh.

I somehow suspect that most Canadians have very little idea about men with ribbons and bells!!

I agree with the others. Try some on and see what you like. In Vancouver, I think Time & Gold is the place to go. Sent you a PM.
Cheers,
Carl

_________________
'63 Omega Seamaster, 2014 Omega Speedmaster MarkII

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

A *relatively inexpensive* Breitling that is a good for work and play maybe a Superocean on a rubber bracelet. Colt is nice too, but a little smaller. I notice Cal Ripkin wears a Colt, and he can afford any watch.

Whatever you pick... they are all great watches.

Didn't get a chance to stop by the AD but I will be doing so this weekend.

Lately (since yesterday haha) I've been infatuated with the Skyland Avenger. Someone posted pictures of theirs on another forum and I think I'm in love...

Wait til you see it in person. Its even better.

Where I am, the Skyland Avenger and the Super Avenger are the same price... I know that is not making your choice any easier... all the choices are great.

Welcome aboard.

There are many choices, but for everyday use, I would choose something other than the Navitimer unless you want the piece that put Breitling on the timepiece map.

If you're going to spend around $3000, there are several pieces that can be purchased new for online dealers. More bang for the buck online, but if a warranty related issue comes up, it must be returned to the seller so the warranty will be honored.

Good luck with your decision!

~Brian

_________________
Breitling Super Avenger
Fortis Flieger Chronograph
Rolex Submariner Date

Well my new everyday / knockround / beater / whatever-you-want-to-call-it is going to be a Steelfish. Admittedly I didn't pay the full price as I mine was off the Bay, but it's still one of the more affordable models.... and hardy too.

_________________
Driver8

Site Moderator

Cameron, I really wish you a good hunt! I envy you to go to the AD and trying different models before deciding your first...

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