The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Basically, all you need to ask yourself is this: if it didn't say "Rolex" on the dial, would you want to buy or wear that particular watch? I came to the conclusion that most of the Rolex watches were just plain butt ugly (DateJust just to name one)and not worthly of the price , I don't care how good this or that aspect of the watch is. Breitling, among other good brands, make great quality and interestingly designed watches. The bracelets are far better than Rolex and the cases way more beautiful. Obviously, I don't wear Breitling because of the name, which isn't as well known. In fact, I like that fact, as the watch is less pretensious .

Very timely post, as I am in the midst of my first Rolex purchase after a few years of sub-$3k watches like Breitling, Omega, Doxa etc.

So why? I'm interested in the Rolex Divers only, I have no interest in the smaller dressier watches, and in fact their smaller size has always kept me from considering them. But the "new" crop of Rolex's, including the DSSD are larger.

First let me say I love Breitling, owned many, still own many and will own more in the future. But what needs to be considered here is innovation, and manufacture movements. Most Breitlings use modified ETA movements. An Evo uses essentially the same movement as a $500 Accutron or $700 Hamilton. Granted the B'ling's Cal 13 is "modified", it is still at its core, a 7750. Wonderful movement, reliable, but nothing special on the grande scale. Then look at a Rolex movement. In house manufacture design, some of the most reliable ever. Rolex's have been to hell and back throughout history. You can not deny the quality, reliability, and innovation that Rolex has provided over the years. Their styling is conservative mostly, but that hasn't hurt them, as there are many CEO's that appreciate conservative. The Rolex wearer doesn't drive a pearl white Escalade with 24" rims. He drives a 7 series BMW or Rangerover. Value... well who decides what a good value is? If you want good value, buy the aforementioned Hamilton or Accutron 7750. Thats value. If you don't think you are paying for the Breitling name, you are kidding yourself. Breitling spends a boatload of money on marketing, and we pay for it when we buy a 7750 based watch for usd$3500.

The examples about the bracelet on rolex's sucking is true for yesterday's models, but todays Rolex's have one of the most refined clasps money can buy. Look at the DSSD clasp... its a work of functional art. Spin a bezel on a DSSD... it will give you goosebumps, like nothing I've experienced in hundreds of divers. 3900m in a 43mm watch... bloody incredible innovation. Whether you think it is worth $8K is subjective, but you can not deny that Rolex has earned its place in the market, and history.

Like D8's example of the PAM 270, a watch is worth whatever the market is willing to pay for it. What motivates the market to pay a certain price is different for each person... some look for value, some for prestige, some for innovation, some for looks. Who knows, but there is no shortage of people waiting to plunk down $5.5K on the new Rolex GMT II-c, and I can't blame them, it is a handsome, classic watch that will be as desirable and relevant in 30 years as it is today. Look at the resales of a smaller sized Chronomat, you can't give them away, $1200 if you are lucky. Compare that to a 20 year old 40mm Sub, holding their value and even appreciating. Me, I'm buying the DSSD, because I just can't resist it.

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BREITLING EMERGENCY + UTC CORAL DIALS
BREITLING AEROSPACE TITANIUM PROF (SOLD)
ROLEX SUBMARINER BI-COLOR BLUE DIAL
LOUIS VUITTON TAMBOUR DIVERS
PANERAI LUMINOR

Mark, great analysis....and very convincing!


check your inbox

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Rolex DeepSea, GMT Master II TT, Pres 18038, DJ TT 16013
Breitling Chronomat 39mm (bullet+UTC), Starliner SS/MOP (wife)

back with ROLEX

thanks brother

man you have got a point....... we all people forget this while going for rolex... we subconciously go for the name on the watch "rolex"... we blindly forget the design and everythin...

By "we" I hope you are not including me. I didn't buy the Deepsea because it says Rolex, I bought because it "IS" a Rolex. Big difference. The Rolex name brings with it a history, innovation, and legacy that can't be matched. Show me another diver with the features, looks and innovation of the Deepsea, with a different name on the dial, and I'll buy it.

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Mark - when you get it post pictures of it on your wrist. That is the one Rolex i am thinking of getting.

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Dan
Breitling Super Avenger (white/steel)
Breitling Super Avenger Blacksteel
Breitling Navitimer World (siiver/leather)
Breitling SuperOcean Heritage 46 (Blue/OR)
Panerai Luminor 112
Rolex Submariner date
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Squadra Hometime

Due to arrive on Thursday... I'm going mental waiting

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may be you are right....

IMO, many people who buy a Rolex buy it because of the name recognition and status and don't really know a whole hell of a lot about watches. Just generalizing of course, but I feel many people who buy Breitling's are more concerned about a quality timepiece than impressing their friends. Many of my friends have Rolexes and know nothing about their watch and I love telling them about the functionality and quality of my BlackBird and then get crickets about their Rolexes.

I think what you are describing is not a difference between Rolex and Breitling, it is a difference between a watch enthusiast and the rest of the world. Lets face it, 95% of the people buying Rolex and Breitling watches buy them because a) they want a watch with perceived status that will impress friends, clients or women b) they want a nice looking watch that they enjoy looking at . I don't think that this differs between Rolex or Breitling, only they are in a different price bracket. I only have one friend that gives a flying monkey about my watches, the rest couldn't care less, and all they know is they want a Tag, or Breitling, or Rolex, or whichever brand they can afford, and has touched them through marketing, with little or no horological basis for their decision.

I've personally seen more Breitlings on my clients and associates than Rolex, and I guarantee you that they couldn't tell me what movement is in their watch.

We are the freaks, we are the minority, we are WIS.

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makes sense.....

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BREITLING EMERGENCY + UTC CORAL DIALS
BREITLING AEROSPACE TITANIUM PROF (SOLD)
ROLEX SUBMARINER BI-COLOR BLUE DIAL
LOUIS VUITTON TAMBOUR DIVERS
PANERAI LUMINOR

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