Thoughts on Breitling by Rolex fans

[shalako]

I own 3 x Rolex’s and 2 x Breitling’s, I own a very toolish Chrono Avenger M1 from 2011 and one of the latest Super Chronomat’s. I like my small Rolex collection but get far more enjoyment wearing the Breitling’s to be honest but there are aspects of Breitling which really annoy me currently.
My Breitling Super Chronomat has been back three times now, once as a condition of their 5 x year warranty (read their small print, which is not necessary with Rolex, Tudor or Omega’s 5 year warranty) and twice for time keeping and other issues. I do strongly believe they should spend far less on meaningless celebrity endorsements and a lot more on the quality of their time pieces. My Tudor Black Bay Chrono with essentially the same B01 movement as my Breitling has worked flawlessly for three years at +2 seconds a day and costs half the price of my Super Chronomat which tells you all you need to know.

[GST15]

I purchased both of these watches in 2020. Each came in at just under $3K.
At that price, I think Breitling was a true value. They are workhorse ETA movements and both continue to run at +/-2spd.

At today's prices, I think that there may be better value for the money (thinking of Tudor as an example). Strictly personal opinion, but I like some of the old styles better that the new iterations ie, the SuperOcean.

[ERH]

As far as the Breitling goes, no complaints. I believe that the watch either speaks to you or it doesn't, within the range of choices out there. It's both a price point and a like issue. I have the 42mm Superocean Heritage in blue, on a mesh strap. Wears very well and is very presentable. No regrets. It gets its use, as do the other watches in my collection. It's my go to watches when I cruise.

[Jb1264]

Breitling have responded to feedback on the Endurance Pro by releasing a 38mm version
They should ditch the Compass markings to make it more legible
Align the date at 4.30 so you don’t have to bend your neck to read it
Then I’ll buy one

[returntorolex]

I really enjoy my Breitlings. Better value if purchasing pre-owned.

[johnxyz]

Newbie here,

Could you guys recommend some of the better date ranges and models of the better built Breitings for pre owned consideration -as the general theme here is to buy used.

When did the in-house movements (BO1?) start to appear? Which models have Sellita movements ( so that I can avoid those). I do like the older larger SuperOceans (Steelfish?) and Navitimer, so what to focus on and what to sidestep and avoid for those models. Appreciate any guidance. Thanks.

[Brich436]

Originally Posted by Mystro

Always buy Breitling preowned. Great value for watch after they take a huge hit in depreciation. I had one (Blackbird Chronomat) and it was very nice as it looked good on its oem rubber strap and bracelet. Probably should have kept it as a beater in the mix but I find Omega significantly better in every way and you don’t pay much more to get into an Omega in the pre owned market. Plus Omega’s movements are next level and one of the best out there and reason alone to buy a Omega.

Bottom line:
You can make a very compelling argument, choosing Omega over Rolex or Rolex over Omega, but that can’t be said for Breitling.

What's the Omega beater now? The PO creamsicle?

[cjcarter134]

OP I have 3 Breitling Colt watches. I have an early Colt A17035, a Colt Ocean A17350, and a Colt II A17350. They are great watches and I still wear them in rotation

[HiDive]

I think most makers have at least something that appeals to me as well as probably many that do not. I think my big three favorites are Rolex, Breitling and Omega. These are some of the favorites from my collection.



I have owned several Breitlings over the years from a Seawolf Titanium to a SuperOcean. But this Avenger B01 Chrono is a real favorite that I consider a real keeper.

[Kinnakeet]

Originally Posted by Dave O

My mint green 41mm Navitimer is one of my favorites in my collection. I also own Omega, Tudor and of course Rolex. But this mint green dial with the white sub dials just pops.

A few weeks ago I purchased the same but on the bracelet. Purchased at a Breitling boutique. I really like this watch!!

[sw686blue]

Originally Posted by codecow

I like my B09 chrono, Aerospace is a solid choice, and I’m eyeing the new rainbow Superocean 42.

Yup, looks beautiful!

[MichelleP]

Originally Posted by codecow

I like my B09 chrono, Aerospace is a solid choice, and I’m eyeing the new rainbow Superocean 42.

I traded in my blue Superocean posted above for the new Rainbow. Got the yellow strap. Plan to get the Aquamarine down the road. Straps are only $110

[Exceeder]

Breitlings are sweet. My second favorite brand behind Rolex

[DannyO]

I really like a vintage Top Time from the 1960's or 70's. The limited edition black and white bow tie re issue from 2020-now looks good also.

[CH69]

I would say that they have recently made a lot of changes, launching new designs, in-house movements and upped their marketing. The new designs are a mixed bag for me…and still prefer the old superocean design.

[alphadweller]

I'm a fan. Excellent value, great watches. Been wearing my Seawolf since 2013. I used to have a blue SOH46 on mesh, very nice too but gone eventually.

[HiDive]

I have owned three in the past and currently own one. I only like certain models but that is also true with Rolex and Omega. I think their quality is good and they have a great in-house chrono movement in the B01 which is used by other makers including Tudor.

[nrhiture]

I've had a few vintage Breitling's (2-Navi's) and loved them. I lost interest in the 90's and their designs really didn't speak to me. However, the past several years I have been intrigued by a few reference, the modern Navi, Premier B01, and Super Ocean. I have yet to pull the trigger but when I'm looking to add a new reference at least one of those is on the list but eventually get's pulled off. Hopefully soon though.

[bradu-yyc]

I just bought a Top Time B01 from a grey market dealer at a HUGE discount, it will be my 1st Breitling. I also love the design the Chronomat GMT and the Superocean 42 but the use of off the shelf ETA movements doesn't do it for me at the price point (reminds me of Hublot using cheap movements in expensive watches, no thanks). The Top Time B01 is an actual in house movement and a well respected one at that, and at the price I got it at , grey market or not, it'd be hard to lose too much money on it if I decide to let it go in a few years.

[wjj]

Originally Posted by bradu-yyc

I just bought a Top Time B01 from a grey market dealer at a HUGE discount, it will be my 1st Breitling. I also love the design the Chronomat GMT and the Superocean 42 but the use of off the shelf ETA movements doesn't do it for me at the price point (reminds me of Hublot using cheap movements in expensive watches, no thanks). The Top Time B01 is an actual in house movement and a well respected one at that, and at the price I got it at , grey market or not, it'd be hard to lose too much money on it if I decide to let it go in a few years.

I own several Rolex, Tudor, and Omega watches but never a Breitling. Until I saw the Top Time B01 Mustang. I bought it from a dealer not too long after it came out, but still was able to get a decent discount. Not the kind of discount you can get today, but still decent. I didn’t have a green dial watch and the Top Time Mustang in my opinion is more interesting than green dial watches from other brands. The subtle green vertical stripe down the middle that is only visible at certain angles is very cool. I get more compliments on it than my other watches. Which model did you get?

[bradu-yyc]

Yeah the Mustang was my 2nd choice and the Corvette 3rd. I went with the more classic panda colored dial of the Deus. Just arrived via DHL about 2 hours ago, really digging it right out of the box and the chrono function is awesome, super crisp and positive. I saw them at a local AD a few months ago and they were stuck in my head, and with the discount I saved a little over $4k CAD. Only crappy part was that literally 2 days after the order was shipped I got a call from my Rolex AD for an AirKing, dammit!

Black Friday I'll be getting a cheap/oddball Marthon navigator, and I have a Studio Underd0g Series 2 on order as well. Expensive effing hobby!!

I did sell a GS spring drive to fund the Brietling, beautiful watch, just didn't wear it because of the no micro adjust bracelet/top heaviness. Didn't lose much on that one as I got it at 25% off retail too.

Originally Posted by wjj

I own several Rolex, Tudor, and Omega watches but never a Breitling. Until I saw the Top Time B01 Mustang. I bought it from a dealer not too long after it came out, but still was able to get a decent discount. Not the kind of discount you can get today, but still decent. I didn’t have a green dial watch and the Top Time Mustang in my opinion is more interesting than green dial watches from other brands. The subtle green vertical stripe down the middle that is only visible at certain angles is very cool. I get more compliments on it than my other watches. Which model did you get?

[AAMD11]

Originally Posted by Argo98

breitling is,imho,by far the best company under 10k. It has, perhaps together with iwc, the most complete and beautiful catalog of all the companies. In terms of quality, imo it is above omega and on the same level as rolex, iwc, etc. its only drawback is that it has not yet gained the respect it deserves from the new generation of watch lovers that has been created in recent years by the internet,

I agree with you. Although I’d place Omega just a tad over Breitling. Love your collection. Have the same Navi, cheers

[bradu-yyc]

Love those superocean 42's, especially the rainbow on an orange rubber strap! If/when they put the 3 hand manufacture movement in them I'll be getting one.

Oh, and here's my new Toptime. :)

[Argo98]

Originally Posted by AAMD11

I agree with you. Although I’d place Omega just a tad over Breitling. Love your collection. Have the same Navi, cheers

🙏🙏🙏

Fantastic navitimer!

[bonovox]

I bought an Endurance Pro when they first came out and wear it a lot. It's a good grab and go watch, super light, and crazy accurate. I also like that it's low profile in Summer.

[Yobber76]

I was in the same boat you are in. I had A Rolex Sub ND and wanted more color, pizazz, without spending a ton.
I bought the Superocean Heritage with blue dial/bezel in 44mm with the mesh bracelet.
Of all of the watches I've owned it gets the most compliments. Its in the 5k price range new.
It comes in 42mm and 46mm also. Runs great, it is thick, so be sure to try it on.

[siliconblue]

I love Breitling. Iconic and fun designs, excellent quality, accessible, and a rare independent brand these days. They're not for everyone, but no brand should be.

[WatchmeTimepiece]

The superoceans with a few years on them have a great weight on them and beautiful steel bracelet.

[opawlows]

Currently Breitlingless but hoping to change that in 2025. I like where they have been heading with their new releases. Have a soft spot for them as I began my luxury watch hobby with them about 20 years ago.

[omar10213245]

I've owned a handful of breitlings over the years, both new and vintage. And I have to say, I much prefer vintage, particularly their late 90's - early 2000's models. The Breitling catalogue of today is very pretty to look at, but, there's just something missing when you pick the watch up and hold it in your hands. I had that mint-green dial modern 41mm Navitimer, bought it last year, had it for about 6 months, but as much as I loved that dial, it just didn't do it for me, so I sold it. Then I noticed the 43mm copper version, and I liked that one even more, so I bought it. Had it until September of this year, then sold it, because there was another watch (a Rolex, surprise, surprise) that I really wanted, but I had to move off of something in my collection, and it was an easy choice for me to move off the copper-dialed Navi.

Currently, I have my 1999 blue-dial Superocean and a white-dial (panda) Colt Chronograph from 2001, and I love both of those pieces, they'll never leave my collection. Both because I adore them, and also because they'd be almost impossible to sell for any reasonable price, lol. I previously had the 2011-14 generation chronomat44 black-eye blue dial, and I sold it, but I miss that watch and I regret letting it go, and I'm now seriously considering re-acquiring that piece, but in the 41mm size, not 44. I also owned the modern Chronomat with the Rouleaux bracelet and while it was neat for awhile, I lost interest in it pretty quickly and sold it lol.

But yeah, modern Breitling doesn't really do much for me. Once I get my hands on a previous gen chronomat 41mm, that's probably going to do it for me, as far as Breitling is concerned. Unless I stumble upon some other vintage piece that gets me all hot and bothered.