The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I know fine watches can be an investment, but I was wondering if anyone around here has actually flipped a Breitling specifically to make a profit? Not something I'm interested in doing myself, mostly just curious.

OK Scott,

Good question.

Excuse me if I sound last century, but I assume flipping means to sell for a profit. Is that correct? Or does it just mean selling when you don't want to and taking the best price at the time?

Never thought of this before, but I guess as some have remarked on this forum, it would be nice to invest in a maker that would achieve getting your money back on selling, at least. With the way some watches are traded on, seems not everyone gets back the amount they put in. Like may luxury vehicles, depreciation sets in and the market is probably fickle too.

For me, just owning a few Breitlings is enough enjoyment and if I lose on the way out, then so be it. I have never contemplated what to expect if I sell any, but your right; it would be nice to get back a good proportion, especially if the watch is in as good a condition as a new one.

Thoughtful question really.

Jim

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Jim

"You have Control".

If you get it for a great price (40 - 50% off) then you may be able to flip it for a profit. Othewise not a chance I am afraid. That holds true for most watch brands.

I've sold at a profit but never bought a watch in order to sell it. I sold when I couldn't warm to a watch.

Jim, yes sorry I should have clarified. "Flip" is a term often used in real estate to indicate you purchased a property with the intention of selling it at a profit. After extensive research of the watch I just purchased (which I ave no intention of selling!) it occurred to me that maybe some folks out there might know their watches enough to spot under-priced pieces and then turn around and sell them.

Ive sold a few for what I paid, maybe a tiny bit more. Never made any real money off of one before though. Ive made money off of some other brands though. Mostly opportunistic purchases that I knew I wouldnt get stuck on.

The funny thing is that even when you absolutely cant lose in theory, you always end up just trying to break even.

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-RJ

IMO there are better and safer investments. If you like sticking with jewelry, precious metals are a far better bet IMHO.

Now there is one way buying watches to flip (or hold) could be valuable...but that would be under the circumstance that the watch's value as a watch degrades below the point of what the watch is worth for scarp materials (ex: gold/platinum/etc.). Then you could buy low, sell high, and if you can't sell you can scrap it without taking a hit. Otherwise, if you can't sell high then you either have to sell low or not sell at all. One major failure there could cost thousands of dollars without a back-plan.

I think most of the 'flipping' with Breitlings happens in 2 categories:
1. Those that buy new at a big discount from the grey market and then sell as 'new' on ebay for a profit to unsuspecting buyers
2. Those that buy vintage watches and sell them for more as people are less aware of their value. Sometimes in good states, or other times they buy in poor states, have some touch up done and then sell for a profit (this last one isn't so much 'flipping' as doing the work for others)

All of my 'keepers' are paid for in this way.

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Al

“Quis custodiet ipsos custodes"

The only watch I have ever seen purchased and then resold for high profit is the original Dreadnought from Eddie at Timefactors. But it seems to me that flipping for profit is a huge exception. Possibly some of the vintage Breitlings may fall into this category, but I do not follow them too closely.

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Breitling Old Navitimer II
Breitling Emergency
Breitling Superocean Steelfish

All of my watch transactions were lost money on my side.
Guess I'm not a good salesman.

Highly unlikely to buy new and sell for profit - when I bought my Avenger Skyland Blacksteel one sold on eBay on the same day that I bought from an AD for almost $1,000 more than I paid, but those are temporary blips and very much exceptions.

If you buy used then you can avoid loss or maybe make a small profit, and with vintage there is a little more potential if you buy project watches and have them restored before sale - but there is also risk in that situation.

The only consistent way to make a profit is as a dealer where the price that you buy used for is significantly less than private sale prices or to go through trading to slowly trade up. Only regular exceptions would be high end rare pieces from the very high end manufacturers - PP et al.

I'm just happy if I don't lose a ton. I tend to buy used so it's easier to come closer to at least breaking even on a watch, but I never count on making a profit.

I am wondering the same thing when I came across this listing. http://www.ebay.com/itm/261147541402?ss ... 1423.l2649
It seems like a new gray market price is $8200 and AD near $10K but with no factory warranty it seems like I better leave the buying and selling to the pros!

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Breitling Chronomat 44 Evolution C13356 Rose Gold/SS
Breitling Chronomat 44 B01 LE Black Pearl Rose Gold/SS
Breitling Chronomat 44 B01 White Pearl Rose Gold/SS
Rolex Daytona TT White Face

I've never sold a Breitling but have taken a bath on Omega. Even when getting 25% off from an AD it's tough to break even on most brands. I would think Panerai and Rolex are safer if you buy them right.