Breitling Possibly Next In Line To Lose Independent Status, According To Bloomberg

[Paul_I]

Ugh.


https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/br...g-to-bloomberg


https://www.bloomberg.com/news/artic...idering-a-sale

[El-Duderino]

I don't own a Breitling yet, but I always respected the fact that they tried to remain independent. Granted, up until the B01, they did use ETA and Valjoux parts, so they never were completely independent. Because of that history, I'm guessing Swatch will be the most likely suitor.

Consolidation isn't necessarily bad, but I always hate to see a company with a history like Breitling going up for sale.


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[RW16610]

I'm hoping this doesn't actually end up happening. I didn't buy a Breitling yet but also have a great deal of respect for this wonderful brand. I didn't particularly like everything companies like Swatch Group did with the acquired companies. To most out there it'll make no difference, but to a true WIS it's a bit of a shame. This offer seems inevitable though considering the tough time some of these companies are facing.

[HogwldFLTR]

I just saw this as well; sad to be gobbled up by Swatch although better than extinction. Economies of scale I believe. I do love my Breitling. It's a tough time for the industry according to the Hodinkee article.

[1William]

With a lot of the major watch groups suffering with the slowdown it is only a matter of time before the economic reality sets in for a lot of companies. I have never owned a Breitling but have admired some of them. The resale on the watch has always been horrible and the discounting on the front end ensures that if you buy it, you own it. It will be interesting to see which other companies and groups consolidate.

[Cru Jones]

per the article, it's not like breitling is family owned, but it would be cool if it retained its indpendent status.

[Avud Bazmon]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

per the article, it's not like breitling is family owned, but it would be cool if it retained its indpendent status.

Technically, they ARE family owned. by the Schneider Family.

[Spartacus]

I own two modern Breitlings and think the current line up is getting increasingly uninspiring.

I hope they remain independent but they have a lot of soul searching to do.

[jon_jon]

I wonder if they will be bought by one of the big 3 or by a non-Swiss watch group. Frederique Constant was purchased by Citizen earlier this year, so it would not be a first.

[RW16610]

Originally Posted by jon_jon

Frederique Constant was purchased by Citizen earlier this year, so it would not be a first.

I had no idea that happened. Lots of changes going on in the industry.

[JacksonStone]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

It's a tough time for the industry according to the Hodinkee article.

I can't say I'm surprised. I and others predicted this years ago, when the Western hemisphere was in a massive recession, but Swiss watch prices were increasing multiple times a year, due almost entirely to the heedless buying in the Asian market, China's in particular. It was inevitable the good times wouldn't last, and the prices artificially inflated due to Chinese buying power would bite the industry in the butt once that power diminished. Now it's happening. I'm sorry Breitling is caught in the crosshairs, but then again, nobody's forcing them to ask $9k for a damn Chronomat.