Breitling vs Rolex

[BristolCavendish]

Stopped by the dental office earlier this morning to have a crown trimmed for bite adjustment and noticed that my dentist was sporting a new Breitling. He was apparently aware that I wore a Submariner and cited his purchasing decision based on a belief that contemporary Rolexes are somewhat 'cliché' as well as overhyped by advertising and tiresome media exposure. He equated Rolexes along the same lines as someone buying/driving a BMW/MB (i.e. more for show than anything else) and to some extent, he may have had a point as he drives an F150 4x4 to the office while the other dentists drive Porsches and Benzes.

Which raised a question in my mind. Are Breitlings a 'lower profile' watch (yet equivalent to Rolexes from the standpoint of quality and design)? While I can appreciate the classic lines of a Rolex, they can be somewhat 'cliché-ish' based on their current popularity and immediate visual recognition. While modern high-end, mass-produced mechanical timepieces can hardly be considered financial investments, I would imagine that a Rolex retains its resale value over a Breitling based on name recognition and timeless styling.

[SearChart]

Breitling and low profile are not to be used in the same sentence.

[superdog]

You sure do have a lot of questions...

Personally, I tend to agree with your dentist. Not on the BMW part though, as a lot of people drive them because they are incredible cars. But sure, to some degree many buy for prestige.

Not sure how his choice of driving proves his point. Rather, it illuminates his feelings on the matter.

Are Breitlings lower profile? With their typical shiny bracelet and the large cases, I would say no. My assumption is that they are just as noticeable.

Rolex retains its resale value because there are so many more people that want them. I would call it the marketing machine more than anything else. A lot of detractors for the 6 digit references. I am not sure I personally would define them as timeless.

[Rockrolex]

I happen to love my all black Y series Rolex GMT-II. I also like my Breitling Navitimer Olympus. But would I put them in the same class? I don't think so. I can do anything with my GMT; I'm not sure I would feel the same about my Breitling. I don't baby the Breitling, but I do take better care of it then I do my GMT. Rolex is a lot more rugged than Breitling, IMO.

[joli160]

Breitling in general are loud watches. Your dentist sees it wrong. Rolex imho is more classic and refined. I do think Rolex quality is above Breitling.
Nothing wrong with a Navitimer though, beautiful watch.

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by SearChart

Breitling and low profile are not to be used in the same sentence.

[blufinz52]

I'd find another dentist.

[Kingair]

Wonder why I don't own a Breitling 😂

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[T. Ferguson]

A Rolex may indeed be more identifiable as a Rolex than a Breitling is identified as a Breitling. But Breitling are way more noticeable.

Oh, and Porsche and Mercedes also retain value better than most Fords.

[cajunron]

Breitling watches could never touch Rolex in terms of quality, IMO. And refinement? Rolex watches definitely fly under the radar as opposed to Breitling. I think your dentist is confused.

[Desibaba]

This is my current watch collection. Guess which one gets the least amount of attention and which one gets the most?

[Rackness]

Breitling has the reach being in the heavy weight division but Rolex has the training and dedication to technique. So it is going to be a close one but I am gonna put my money on Rolex in the 3rd round with a rear naked choke.

[BLACKHORSE 6]

Originally Posted by cajunron

Breitling watches could never touch Rolex in terms of quality, IMO. And refinement? Rolex watches definitely fly under the radar as opposed to Breitling. I think your dentist is confused.

This

[Cru Jones]

Breitling, Rolex, it's all good. But what makes you happy.

[gav329]

I think it's up to you what you wear and up to your dentist what he wears tbh. It's great there is so much choice and it's up to every individual to make their own choice. As for BMW yes great drivers cars, sadly a lot of people that buy them are lacking in skill behind the wheel but bursting with aggression and arrogance lol well certainly in my city.

You can't go wrong with Rolex or Breitling both are good I think a lot is to do with size, some Breitling are huge and I wouldn't wear but then again if I had larger wrist and body maybe I would?


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[daveathall]

I have had Breitlings and I have had Rolex, if you gave me two boxes that I couldn't see the contents, one marked Rolex, one marked Breitling I would pick the Rolex box every time.

If you want me, I will be in the shallow end.

[AK797]

I've owned both, quality is fairly similar but Rolex feels more refined, most Breitlings are pretty busy and glitzy.

[Baco Noir]

Apples and oranges. I own both brands and like the models for their differences. My blackbird avenger and Aerospace are subtle, but so is my polar Exp II. If I put all 3 on a table and asked people which is most expensive, they'd likely recognize the Rolex name and select the Exp II.

Resale on most Breitlings suck.

[dimag333]

I know people who have F150s that cost more than my ML and GLC, looks can be deceiving

steve

[armen34]

Breitling more sporty and flashy vs rolex more classic look

[Formulansx]

When I bought my DD I did some looking around at everything I had on my list, both more and less expensive. A B&R to a DD2. I didn't intend on getting a DD to start with honestly. I took a look at a brand new Navitimer and it just didn't strike me as being in the same league as any of the new Rolex's I test drove. I still plan on picking one up eventually but it will be on the used market and not new. It was a classic watch but it just didn't feel the same in terms of build quality.

[swils8610]

I've also owned both. Breitling is def not an under the radar looking watch. However, most people don't know what a Breitling is.


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[RoleyPolly]

Sounds like your Dentist was a bit jealous...

[East Bay Rider]

IMO Rolex over Breitling all day.

[Watch This]

My eyesight and Breitling dials do not get along. Also never liked their Bezels. No interest at all.

[derekstlmo]

I own and like both on a side note the wealthiest people I know where breitlings not rolex or pp or ap

[BristolCavendish]

Originally Posted by swils8610

Breitling is def not an under the radar looking watch. However, most people don't know what a Breitling is

I think this is what Dr. Yankum meant ( on the name). Breitlings are definitely not 'low-profile' in terms of their outward appearances but as a brand, probably less identifiable than a Rolex. There are a lot of lower-priced watch brands that tend to get a bit flashy and maybe the Breitling design slips in quietly amongst them.

On the other hand, it could simply be a matter of not wanting one's patients to see their dentist wearing a Rolex (as they may suspect he is overcharging for dental services). A Breitling? No problema.

[Spartacus]

Originally Posted by swils8610

I've also owned both. Breitling is def not an under the radar looking watch. However, most people don't know what a Breitling is.


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Agreed. I own both brands. Most people know Rolex not Breitling. A lot of non-watch people assume my Breitlings are Rolexes because they only know the brand Rolex.

[East Bay Rider]

I've seen my dentist wear a blue TT Submariner and Rolex Sea Dweller. I never attributed it to him being overpaid, I attributed it to him being successful.

[Formulansx]

Originally Posted by East Bay Rider

I've seen my dentist wear a blue TT Submariner and Rolex Sea Dweller. I never attributed it to him being overpaid, I attributed it to him being successful.

I just put in for a bluesy sub and I can assure you, I'm far from overpaid