Rolex or Breitling (quality)

[Rockrolex]

I have this Navitimer Olympus:



in addition to 4 Rolexes and a bunch of other brands. The Breitling (which I've had for 8-9 years) just went in for a major service. The Rolexes, the newest of which is about 10-12 years old, have never needed a service. They all keep excellent time. I would therefore have to give the nod to Rolex as being the better (more reliable) watch.

[vintage navitimer]

oops, forgot to mention clarity of the crystals in both . . . advantage Breitling.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by vintage navitimer

oops, forgot to mention clarity of the crystals in both . . . advantage Breitling.

Yeah when I see them side by side I do wish Rolex would AR their models.

[jjnd08]

Originally Posted by Rockrolex

I have this Navitimer Olympus:



in addition to 4 Rolexes and a bunch of other brands. The Breitling (which I've had for 8-9 years) just went in for a major service. The Rolexes, the newest of which is about 10-12 years old, have never needed a service. They all keep excellent time. I would therefore have to give the nod to Rolex as being the better (more reliable) watch.

While I would definitely give the nod to Rolex in all aspects, one thing to consider in your instance is that this Breitling probably has more complications than any of your Rolex watches. Gives a higher chance for something to go wrong.

[dr.ahmeduddin]

The quality of the Chronomat 44 GMT vs the quality of the Explorer II has to weigh in favor of the Chronomat! Their is more play in the hands of the Explorer II when changing the date through the use of the hour hand! As far as accuracy of the time I would give the Rolex Explorer the edge!

[chevybm]

I got a few Rolexes and a about a year old Navitimer World, I love it the dial is just stunning to look at and the alligator bracelet is of an superb quality, however I think that it gets scratches more easier than a Rolex. I don't know what kind of steel Breitling uses and when the whole watch case is polished it gets scratched more. But it is an amazing watch! Would like to have a vintage Navitimer 806 too.

[sapingo]

Originally Posted by sakebomb

I've owned my bentley 8 years now and recently got the sub c. Quality of both is fantastic. The white dial in the bentley is spectacular! Aside from the hit you take when you sell, Breitling makes fantastic watches.

got me a Brietling yesterday! im impressed!

[mitchellb2005]

Originally Posted by AF_Rob

I own both brands and I would have to say ETA movements aside, the bracelets and dials are better on Breitling. The models I have are all at least 3-4 years old. I cannot speak to the newer models.

The definite thing is that Rolex has been playing catch-up in the bracelet department in recent years. But they have caught up.

I agree with this.

but for watches using precious metals, I think Rolex is the way to go.

[Rockrolex]

Originally Posted by jjnd08

While I would definitely give the nod to Rolex in all aspects, one thing to consider in your instance is that this Breitling probably has more complications than any of your Rolex watches. Gives a higher chance for something to go wrong.

While I agree that the Olympus does have more complications, each of my Rolexes has at least one complication. They have never needed a service (I've had each for between 12 and 15 years) and they keep excellent time.

[locutus49]

I have owned Rolexes since 1974 and find them the most reliable and durable watch on the market. That said, they have become over-priced IMO.

[vukotab]

Well...Rolex will always be "number one" in my book, because its amazing heritage (not that Breitling is short in that department, just the opposite) and its timeless design. And I really appreciate the in-house made movements.

But what about sheer quality?

Let's put it this way - cases, bracelets, fit and overall finish are absolutely on the same level. Breitling sapphire crystals are double AR coated, which is great thing to have. Rolex have the BIG edge when it comes to the movements, although all Breitling ETA's are COSC certified.

Again, I'm 100% Rolex guy, but really - Rolex, Omega, Breitling...are all producing high quality watches and if there are some advantages of one brand or another - they are not in the quality department.
For me, it all comes to personal taste and maybe the prestige factor.
While I sold my Explorer II, I currently own Tudor Prince Date (with Oyster case and jubilee bracelet, similar to Datejust) , Omega Seamaster and Breitling Superocean and the quality of all three is amazing, while ETA 2824 in Breitling is superior when it comes to accuracy - a fantastic +1 second per day!

[GolfPunk]

My Breitling Chonomat GMT 47mm Limited Edition. The complications are very impressive. It has an in house B04 movement and in 2 weeks it's gained just 1 second. It's a chronograph, has a date, a GMT function with bi-directional bezel and a sapphire case back. it's brushed so not in your face with bling and the quality and weight is outstanding.

[steveclocks]

I own 3 Breitlings and 4 Rolexes, don't have any problems with both

[beshannon]

The SuperOcean is 7 years old and is a fantastic value for the money, runs within COSC spec and is my go to watch for rugged activity, swimming, diving etc. I have a bracelet, canvas strap and rubber strap all from Breitling that work beautifully.

[Sal_UKSheffield]

Originally Posted by GolfPunk

My Breitling Chonomat GMT 47mm Limited Edition. The complications are very impressive. It has an in house B04 movement and in 2 weeks it's gained just 1 second. It's a chronograph, has a date, a GMT function with bi-directional bezel and a sapphire case back. it's brushed so not in your face with bling and the quality and weight is outstanding.

Literally took me 2mins to find the date window lol

Nice watch tho

[Watch Traders Eu]

Breitling are nice but Rolex is more stable and trustable

[Robertus2]

Originally Posted by vintage navitimer

My two cents worth of opinion. Breitling has been making it's own movement for just a few short years (actually they bought a small movement company a number of years back and made it there own). Rolex has been making its own movement since . . . well, forever. Advantage Rolex. As for fit, finish, level of polishing work, absolute attention to detail . . . I think Breitling wins that aspect.

Oh, as for Panerai in house movements. Panerai is part of an ownership watch group that includes JLC (jaeger lecoultre) Plenty of history to JLC movements, that is essentially what you get in a Panerai with an "in house" movement. Top notch stuff!

Regarding to own chronograph movement Rolex has only about 9 years of advantage. They have the more modern escapement but suffer in the missing date feature, the more-than-100-m waterresistance, the better visibility day-and-night, the missing blue dial option (steel models) and the turning bezel. All in all, these points won when I've voted for the Chronomat 41 (blackeye-blue dial). Haven't regretted it. If some time the steel Daytona should have a day-date feature and a Yachtmaster-like bezel in the 40 mm case I'd surely be among the first buyers. But I do not think this will be made in my lifetime... So Breitling should have the day-date (or simple full calender) on their Chronomat 41... this contains more reality :) until that I'll go on wearing my Chronomat 41.
(I've had a few Rolex watches in the past as well - steel Sub, GMTII. and TT Sub blue dial - so nothing against nice Rolex watches of course.)

[Galion]

Breitling seems on par with Rolex in terms of fit, finish and overall quality, Rolex is on another level in terms of brand positioning, recognition and resale value.
I like them both!

[Muzz]

I have had more Breitling fails (mechanical failures) than Rolex. In fact I have never had a movement fail on a Rolex just a case vs water integrity issue on a preceramic SD.

Also had a few design complaints about Breitling. I had an Olympus a few years back and it drove me crazy that the crown position was so low on the case that going into pockets would pull the crown out and stop the watch (they are not screw down on that model.). So I suppose it is a preference issue more than anything.

They offer some attractive watches without a doubt and I think a Navitimer still has a place in every collection but I still prefer Rolex for reliability reasons.

[WJGESQ]

Originally Posted by dchang81

I know a small sample size, but the two breitlings I have had required an abnormally large number of servicings, and same goes for my uncle who has had 4-5 breitlings. He still likes them despite that, but i'm only keeping one since it was a gift. I've written off the brand, especially the service dept. The one I got as a gift i've had for 15 years, been serviced 5 times.

What is causing the service requirements?

[USALV]

I'm wondering the same thing

[USALV]

How good are. The galactic 32 or 36 automatic? Thank you

[Desibaba]

Isnt comparing the quality of these watches similar to comparing Coke to Pepsi? I mean its almost so close you cant really tell the difference without bias. Of course Rolex has the upper hand when it comes to resale value and brand prestige.

[DalePenkala]

Originally Posted by vukotab

Well...Rolex will always be "number one" in my book, because its amazing heritage (not that Breitling is short in that department, just the opposite) and its timeless design. And I really appreciate the in-house made movements.

But what about sheer quality?

Let's put it this way - cases, bracelets, fit and overall finish are absolutely on the same level. Breitling sapphire crystals are double AR coated, which is great thing to have. Rolex have the BIG edge when it comes to the movements, although all Breitling ETA's are COSC certified.

Again, I'm 100% Rolex guy, but really - Rolex, Omega, Breitling...are all producing high quality watches and if there are some advantages of one brand or another - they are not in the quality department.
For me, it all comes to personal taste and maybe the prestige factor.
While I sold my Explorer II, I currently own Tudor Prince Date (with Oyster case and jubilee bracelet, similar to Datejust) , Omega Seamaster and Breitling Superocean and the quality of all three is amazing, while ETA 2824 in Breitling is superior when it comes to accuracy - a fantastic +1 second per day!

I have to agree with pretty much everything. While I don't own a Rolex or Breitling watch yet I think a lot of it is personal taste! I have a Zenith and speedmaster along with my oris and I love them all! Then I have many other brands that are not the high end stuff. I really like the Breitling super ocean and in the Rolex I love the submariner. At some point I WILL have at least 1 of each Rolex and Breitling not to mention many others! I just LOVE watches!

[jrs146]

This is like asking who makes a better car, BMW or Mercedes? I think you could find differences between the two in different categories that would make it hard to determine which one is the "better watch brand"

That being said... When it comes to:

Movements I would give Rolex the win here. Yes Breitling now has some in-house movements, but they don't have the tenure that Rolex does.

Design - I would give them a tie. They make very different looking watches and this is very much a personal preference. If you like bigger watches - Breitling. If you like more traditional sized watches - Rolex

Resale - Rolex wins this category compared to any watch. They are the most liquid and retain value very well.

Service - I have not had enough personal experience with Breitling but I can say that a well maintained Rolex should last a lifetime with just regular services every 5-7 years.

All things considered - I personally would give Rolex the win

[Left wrist]

rolex

[MATCH1969]

Originally Posted by wmoore

I currently have 3 Rolex 1 Tudor and this SOH. I give a slight edge to Rolex, however at 2.5 to 4 times the money for the models I bought rolex should have the edge.
That having been said the mesh bracelet on the SOH is super comfortable and there is definitely room in my rotation for the B
Cheers
Wayne

Very nice watch

[blnrrolex]

I own both brands and they have different merits. The rolex is timeless and you really can't beat the resale on them. The Breitling just feels substantial, and the quality is certainly there. I love the applied logo on the dial as well. I wish Rolex would do something like that. As a professional pilot's watch you can't beat the Breitling.

[GolfPunk]

Originally Posted by blnrrolex

I own both brands and they have different merits. The rolex is timeless and you really can't beat the resale on them. The Breitling just feels substantial, and the quality is certainly there. I love the applied logo on the dial as well. I wish Rolex would do something like that. As a professional pilot's watch you can't beat the Breitling.

The Daytona has an applied logo:

[SC11]

Originally Posted by GolfPunk

The Daytona has an applied logo:

Love the applied logo! Both on Rolex and Breitling the applied logo IMO looks so much better!