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#1 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Europe
Watch: Anything
Posts: 2,564
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Breitling Navtimer
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 |
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#2 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: USA
Watch: Daytona
Posts: 6,069
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If you like it, that is all that matters.
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#3 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: New York
Watch: GMT BLNR
Posts: 131
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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 $$
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#4 | |
"TRF" Life Patron
Join Date: Jun 2005
Real Name: Peter
Location: Llanfairpwllgwyng
Watch: ing you.
Posts: 52,815
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Quote:
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ICom Pro3 All posts are my own opinion and my opinion only. "The clock of life is wound but once, and no man has the power to tell just when the hands will stop. Now is the only time you actually own the time, Place no faith in time, for the clock may soon be still for ever." Good Judgement comes from experience,experience comes from Bad Judgement,.Buy quality, cry once; buy cheap, cry again and again. www.mc0yad.club Second in command CEO and left handed watch winder ![]() |
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#5 | |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Real Name: Gary
Location: USA
Watch: Daytona
Posts: 11,454
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Quote:
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#6 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: West Virginia
Posts: 110
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Love my Navi A13330
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. |
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#7 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Real Name: Gary
Location: USA
Watch: Daytona
Posts: 11,454
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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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#8 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Europe
Watch: Anything
Posts: 2,564
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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. |
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#9 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: United States
Watch: me buy Watches
Posts: 3,955
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TRF needs a Breitling forum.
Oh wait. It DOES! Couldn't bother posting in the appropriate area; no sign of it there right now.
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“The display of actual intelligence terrifies much of mankind” Rolex "some" Tudor "some" Damasko "some" Misc Pieces "some" Marathon "some" GS Spring Drive "some" Hamilton "some" Findeisen "some" |
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#10 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2021
Location: MN
Posts: 293
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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). |
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#11 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: CA
Posts: 351
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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. |
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#12 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: USA
Posts: 387
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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.
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#13 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: USA
Posts: 3,495
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Great watch. Had one, sold it, wish I still had it.
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#14 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2021
Location: MD/NC
Watch: 114060
Posts: 2,591
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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. |
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#15 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: The States
Watch: Cosmograph Daytona
Posts: 7,224
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Breitlings are now nothing more than $$$$$€€€€€€
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#16 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: USA
Posts: 3,495
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#17 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: US
Posts: 3,825
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Here is mine, a 1985 production...
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#18 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: KY
Watch: A few.....
Posts: 3,790
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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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#19 | |||
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Real Name: Brian
Location: Northern Virginia
Watch: One of Not Many
Posts: 17,892
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Quote:
https://www.breitling.com/us-en/heritage/navitimer/ Quote:
https://hespokestyle.com/breitling-navitimer-history/ Quote:
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. ![]()
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#20 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: East Coast
Watch: 16610
Posts: 4,933
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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.
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#21 |
2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Florida
Watch: Sub, DJ41, GMT
Posts: 7,809
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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.
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#22 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: DC
Watch: 126710BLRO, 116600
Posts: 7,869
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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.
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#23 | |
TRF Moderator & 2024 SUBMARINER Patron
Join Date: Jul 2007
Real Name: Rob
Location: Nearby.
Posts: 24,919
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In the correct section now Peter.
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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.
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#24 | |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 1,061
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Quote:
Amen!! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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#25 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jun 2020
Real Name: Goat
Location: Southwest Florida
Watch: 16613
Posts: 5,111
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I absolutely love the Navitimer and will probably purchase one as my first full PM watch.
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#26 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: SF, California
Posts: 15
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Quote:
I personally, with few exceptions, Ithink you'll almost always feel better about the purchase when it's a used watch. |
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#27 |
2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: USA
Watch: addiction issues
Posts: 37,168
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This is my favorite watch. I highly recommend it. Tell him go grab a 1959 re-edition in clean condition pre owned.
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#28 |
Banned
Join Date: Nov 2013
Real Name: Jim Smyth
Location: Florida
Watch: DD
Posts: 1,842
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#29 |
2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: North Carolina
Watch: Rolex/Others
Posts: 46,603
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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.
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#30 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Real Name: Richard
Location: USA
Watch: me set the time
Posts: 2,520
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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.
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