Breitling Navtimer

[scooba]

I am looking for some advice , What would you think about a Breitling Navtimer is it a decent watch ? , Financially is it a good place to park some money or is it like every other Breitling I have ever owned a money pit . Dropping 40% in value the moment I walked out the door ? Or should I look for a nice used example ? . Not having bought a Breitling in the last ten years I consider myself a little out of touch

TIA

[Solo118]

If you like it, that is all that matters.

[dibarch]

I have always love that watch. I would definitely look into it used if that is okay with you. Why take the value hit if you love the watch that's all that matters, but buying a great mint used piece will save you $$

[padi56]

Originally Posted by scooba

I am looking for some advice , What would you think about a Breitling Navtimer is it a decent watch ? , Financially is it a good place to park some money or is it like every other Breitling I have ever owned a money pit . Dropping 40% in value the moment I walked out the door ? Or should I look for a nice used example ? . Not having bought a Breitling in the last ten years I consider myself a little out of touch

TIA

Got to ask why post this in the Rolex/Tudor only watch forum.

[scooba]

Originally Posted by padi56

Got to ask why post this in the Rolex/Tudor only watch forum.

Hi Peter

I am asking for a Builder who came round today ,we ended up talking watches and he asked Navtimer ? . I was honest I have no idea but thought you guys would know ,

My only advice was if your keeping it forever, cost is immaterial, If as he suggested he would trade it and upgrade he may want to get some advice as it could be a expensive mistake , I had a few in 08 and it was a expensive mistake

I purchased a Starliner for my wife , list was £5750 after a deal £4500 , three years later I was offered £1000 , Then I took a offer from a friend £1500 , When he had owned it a year or so the ETA movement failed.

[garyk]

Originally Posted by scooba

I am looking for some advice , What would you think about a Breitling Navtimer is it a decent watch ? , Financially is it a good place to park some money or is it like every other Breitling I have ever owned a money pit . Dropping 40% in value the moment I walked out the door ? Or should I look for a nice used example ? . Not having bought a Breitling in the last ten years I consider myself a little out of touch

TIA

Buy a watch, wear the watch, buy what you cant live without...Breitlings are great but I've never known or cared about their value after buying them. I seriously don't get all the talk about value here. Do you not have a broker or financial advisor? I ask my broker about investments and he asks me about watches. Different things...

[CountryRoads]

I bought an Early 2000's Fighters Special Edition with all brushed metal (A13330). It is the 41 MM with the Panda dial. When I bought it, I had a 214270, 16570 Polar, and 116234 White Roman. It fits great in my collection for the purpose of straps. I don't like changing the bracelets on my Rolex's. The Navitimer surprised me at how much of a strap monster it is. I have the black alligator, tan canvas, brushed fine link, brown distressed leather, and several military nato's. It takes every strap extremely well. It also feels a little more vintage/military/rustic than my Rolex's, which feel very subdued/classy. It also has an understated elegance on the alligator strap. In summary, I love the navitimer. It has history, versatility, and is very different than my Rolex's, in a good way.

I hope this helps.

[garyk]

You asked the question, I’ll try to answer the best way I know how. As I previously stated, no idea about Breitlings values I have bought over the years but this one I picked up second hand 25 or more years ago. I think it’s one of the most beautiful watches ever and When I wear it, I can’t stop looking at it. Good luck.




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[214270Explorer]

Originally Posted by padi56

Got to ask why post this in the Rolex/Tudor only watch forum.

TRF needs a Breitling forum.
Oh wait. It DOES!

Couldn't bother posting in the appropriate area; no sign of it there right now.

[flyboyyy]

As a pilot with lots of pilot friends - I see many of these watches on wrists regularly because many of them consider it "the watch" for pilots. That said, if folks are being brutally honest they aren't a particularly useful watch overall. What I mean is, they are a fine watch for telling time, and the chrono is marginally useful (like all of them), but the rest is just window dressing. None of us really uses the E6B functionality all that often.

I find the most useful (and enjoyable) flying watch to be a simple GMT with a date (in my case an 116710 I bought many years ago). I've owned a Navitimer, and just didn't bond with it. They are perfectly nice, perfectly recognizable by many "normal" flying folks, and overall I'd say a fine timepiece.

Lastly, I don't know if I'd consider any watch a safe place or "good bet" place to park money, especially not a Navitimer. There are a few references (very specific ones) that have held their value, but most of them have not. If you get one 2nd hand you might be in better shape, now...compare that to what's happened to GMT's. As they say, "past performance is not guarantee of future results", but I know which one I'd look at (and which one I have).

[Shazbot302]

Beautiful watch and a classIc, but definitely not an investment. Look elsewhere if you’re trying to park some money into an appreciating asset. If you just like the watch, find a good used example.

I have to say, aside from the Navi, I’ve never been a Breitling fan; however, I’m really digging some of their most recent models.

[yesnaya]

I own one. Probably my most beautiful watch. Its a navitimer 01 43mm with a silver dial (called mercury silver) and it was a limited edition. You can buy a brand new navitimer at discount from grey dealers or even places like jomashop. No need to buy anything at full retail unless its just not available otherwise. It wont keep value like a rolex. And even if you buy grey you will take a hit if you want to sell it. Still love it though. Like I said, probably my best looking watch.

[RJRJRJ]

Great watch. Had one, sold it, wish I still had it.

[Jim Smyth]

Originally Posted by RJRJRJ

Great watch. Had one, sold it, wish I still had it.

Me too, always eyeing them up in the for sale section. Compared to Rolex as far as price its a smoking deal. I would also only buy it used since they take a big hit new!

[Gab27]

It's a great watch and extremely unique. If you have been out of the loop for over a decade, the more recent Breitlings I have feature excellent quality, finishing, and detail. Their in-house movements are excellent and their modified ETA movements are also stellar. Like Rolex, they are all about COSC across the board and their in-house movements tend to run extremely accurate and consistent. The pilot bracelet is great although the clasp design was a bit antiquated compared to something like Glidelock or Omega's system (I believe recently they redesigned it.) Also, as you probably know, Breitling uses a double AR on their crystals.

I recommend pricing new but probably buying used. I purchased my Breitlings used and feel I got some outstanding watches for not very significant sums of money at all.

[jb335]

Breitlings are now nothing more than $$$$$€€€€€€

[RJRJRJ]

Originally Posted by jb335

Breitlings are now nothing more than $$$$$€€€€€€

Money thing objects?

[BillA]

Here is mine, a 1985 production...

[airchitect]

One of the most iconic chronos you can buy with 100x more legit cred than a Daytona. It’s true. But buy used or heavily discounted as you will take a bath. And for those who always try to make everyone feel somehow inferior for thinking about value retention when they buy a watch....... Stop. It’s annoying.


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[beshannon]

Originally Posted by scooba

I am looking for some advice , What would you think about a Breitling Navtimer is it a decent watch ? ,

If you are looking for an iconic watch, one that has a special place in the history of horology then the Breitling Navitimer is a great example

https://www.breitling.com/us-en/heritage/navitimer/

The Breitling Navitimer is undoubtedly one of the great classics of watch design remaining relatively unchanged in its basic format since its birth in 1952. The watch we all know for being synonymous with flight and the two-worded answer to the question “what should I buy to celebrate becoming an airline captain?”, the Navitimer is a master class in function over form but with a dash of personality.

https://wristreview.com/a-brief-hist...ing-navitimer/

https://hespokestyle.com/breitling-navitimer-history/

In an industry that’s long had a love affair with pilot watches, the Breitling Navitimer occupies a rare position. This is one of the watches that went to space: a small group that, among a few others, counts the Omega Speedmaster, the Seiko “Pogue” 6139, the Sturmanskie Gagarin, and the Fortis B-42 Cosmonaut in its ranks.

https://www.mantlemagazine.com/index...ing-navitimer/

I have come close to buying a Navitimer several times and would still like to add one to my collection one day. For me it is a size issue and the smaller versions are more my fit.

I have had a Speedmaster and own a Daytona, however neither seems to have the style looks of the Navitimer.

[Chester01]

The navitimer is a fantastic watch and far more historically important than the Rolex Daytona and likely top 2/4 all time with the speedy pro first for historical significance.

[Krash]

One of my favorite all time watches. Only reason I haven't gotten one yet because I have an Omega Speedmaster Sapphire Sandwich on leather strap, and I like that slightly better. I'm not sure it makes sense to have both.

[watchmework]

The Navitimer is a great watch...I used to own the 46mm 01 model but if I had to do it again I’d get the smaller Navitimer 01.

[sleddog]

Originally Posted by padi56

Got to ask why post this in the Rolex/Tudor only watch forum.

In the correct section now Peter.

Originally Posted by 214270Explorer

TRF needs a Breitling forum.
Oh wait. It DOES!

Couldn't bother posting in the appropriate area; no sign of it there right now.

TRF has had a Breitling section for quite some time now...

As for the OP.
The Navitimer is an iconic piece in the Breitling lineup. Probably their best seller, and most recognizable.
My first mechanical watch was a navitimer in fact.
But as an investment, no watch should be looked at as a place for parking money.
A watch should be worn and enjoyed.

[Saoirse32]

Originally Posted by airchitect

One of the most iconic chronos you can buy with 100x more legit cred than a Daytona. It’s true. But buy used or heavily discounted as you will take a bath. And for those who always try to make everyone feel somehow inferior for thinking about value retention when they buy a watch....... Stop. It’s annoying.


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Amen!!


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[MrGoat]

I absolutely love the Navitimer and will probably purchase one as my first full PM watch.


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[briank996]

Originally Posted by scooba

I am looking for some advice , What would you think about a Breitling Navtimer is it a decent watch ? , Financially is it a good place to park some money or is it like every other Breitling I have ever owned a money pit . Dropping 40% in value the moment I walked out the door ? Or should I look for a nice used example ? . Not having bought a Breitling in the last ten years I consider myself a little out of touch

TIA

I personally, with few exceptions, Ithink you'll almost always feel better about the purchase when it's a used watch.

[GB-man]

This is my favorite watch. I highly recommend it. Tell him go grab a 1959 re-edition in clean condition pre owned.

[1William]

Great watch and a lot of fun to own. They are not Rolex or PP when it comes to value or retention of value but if bought right then you should be close on a sale or trade. If you want a feel on where Breitling is selling or trading for just look at DavidSW's web site. He has a nice selection of various models and you can figure he will offer somewhere at 10-20% below wholesale on new pieces and 10-20% below that for worn pieces. My experience with trading with him on Breitlings. If your friend really likes a watch and will keep it for a number of years before selling it he can do OK as long as Breitling continues with price increases. Good luck.

[Zuger]

Find a nice used piece. 43mm would be a great size. Breitling's straps and deployment buckle are fantastic. Get a few different colors and have fun with it.