![[Question] Breitling Watches](https://alien.top/pictrs/image/2c641857-f46f-4eca-869b-89c3f5a495ea.webp){kind=link}
Why are breitling watches so relatively unpopular? Iam new to watches and the Navitimer is subjectively one of the prettiest watches for me. What are the reasons why i should reconsider a purchase? I have heard that these watches are relatively bad when it comes to holding value. But is the build quality inferior to other watches or what happened that makes them so unpopular?
Thanks
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Unpopular is a good thing. In a crowd of identical Submariners I wear my Superocean proudly.
I think it’s mostly a brand problem and not a watch quality problem. They got bought out in the 80s and has struggled to come up with their own identity ever since (similar to TAG Heuer’s trajectory in the 90s). Their big heavy hitter is the Navitimer, but they haven’t had any iconic new releases to capitalize on that heritage. Plus, at that price point it’s overshadowed by the Speedmaster, which is even more iconic than the Navitimer. All the desperate celebrity ambassador partnerships haven’t helped (TBF, Omega does the same thing, but Omega actually has the watch design variety to back the celebrity collabs up).
I find their iconic stuff too busy, and their newer stuff (like the dive watches with the mallet hands) really ugly.
All entirely subjective, YMMV.
I always loved the Navitimer, but it was kind of big for my wrist. Now that there’s a 41mm I need to start saving up. What a gorgeous watch.
Thanks!
Navitimer plays down a mm or so IMO, the way the dial sits vs. lugs is sort of like an optical illusion. This is a 43 mm on my wrist (7.75") for reference. I probably could have gone with a 46, but I think this fits perfect. So long as lugs aren’t slipping off the end (something I see too much on reddit).
It’s funny, because my wrist is 7.5" and my daily driver is an Omega GSotM at 44.25mm, but I tried on a 43mm Navitimer a couple of months ago and it looked waaaay too big for me.
Looks just right on your wrist, though.
Not bad watches although many models are busy and over designed but they are very overpriced new when compared to the competition. They also have struggled to adopt to changing trends namely smaller case sizes and vintage inspired pieces. So much of their output still screams mid aughts.
I’ve always had a lot of respect and admiration for Breitling, even through the John Travolta “I’m a pilot and I wear Breitling” gaudy advertisement years. I think Kern is doing a good job overall, but one thing I just can’t get behind is their insistence on going back to an objectively hideous logo. It just feels like an Invicta logo to me. I love the B, and I love the anchor and wings, but the shield and wings is hideous.
Also, if Sinn can make a Navitimer with 100m water resistance, so can poppa Kern.
They don’t do much to push the envelope, and they rest too much on the Navitimer heritage, IMO.
The new premier line was a hit to me, and I almost bought one, but in the end it was too much polish for me to be comfortable with.
That’s not even the real navitimer ;)
One of the most beautiful watch I own, even my wife can stop herself from stealing it once in a while when we go out
I love my Breitling Superocean, I’ve worn it as my daily watch for 2 years now, it’s solid and heavy and build like a tank. I also got my eyes on the newer Navitimer, it’s gonna be my next purchase.
Love my Navitimer in 46mm. Just a classy watch.
yea, Breitling made that Pistachio dial Chrono and I still think about it. My favorite Breitling is my Tudor Black Bay Chrono Panda.
Breitling is a thinking man’s watch. Technical and busy. I like them but I prefer a sleek aesthetic
I don’t think they are relatively unpopular. Occasionally they pick up some flack but on the whole folks like them from what I can tell. Disclaimer - I’ve got two and love them!
Same here. I have a B-2 and a Super Avenger and I love them both although my B-2 is a bit small for me nowadays.
I fell in love with breitling, really wanted one… Then I tried one on and the moment it was on my wrist it looks totally different to the pictures and what it did under the bright light.
I was incredibly disappointed, I ended up with a omega seamaster 300m instead, and it’s done nothing but increase in value while the breitling has stayed the same price…
Interesting. I tried them back to back and the Omega felt noticeably more fragile than the Superocean.
Maybe it depends on location. But in certain cities like LA or Miami, Breitling is still considered a popular watch particularly among younger people (think young urban professional in 20s, 30s and even early 40s). Whereas a nice brand like Omega is generally seen as an older mature man’s watch. Breitling is kind of the in between of Rolex and Hublot. Flash and pop of Hublot with that hip hop fame, yet still timeless and elegant.
