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Old 1 October 2020, 09:40 PM   #271
David cote
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I love both watches, Have always loved my Navitimer A23322
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Old 27 January 2021, 07:55 AM   #272
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Originally Posted by roadcarver View Post
I'm an equal opportunity watch owner, whatever makes me smile, I will own. That includes a Breitling - and I don't believe it cheapens the brand at all, if its sold at more locations than say Rolex. They just have more distribution, that's all.
Ditto, I liked and bought a SS blue Superocean Heritage II 42 on the mesh bracelet
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Old 27 January 2021, 12:19 PM   #273
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I have owned several Breitling, Omega and Rolex over the years. If I removed the name and just compared the three for what they are currently, I would have to say in general terms the current models are in 3 different categories. Something like this
1) Breitling- best tool watch
2) Rolex - best jewelry watch
3) Omega - a combination of 1 and 2, also the best movement
out of all 3.

If I had to pick one it would be a tool watch, and only one to wear everyday it would be hands down the Breitling superocean 42 or 44. (Not heritage)

Why?, well it's closest rival would be the Rolex sub mariner.

1) Breitling has screwed down bezel, Rolex snaps on. And yes they certainly do pop off.

2)Breitling has DLC bezel insert. It's matte, VERY hard to.
scratch, looks good year after year. Rolex uses ceramic, drop
them they WILL chip and break.

3) water resistance, well there is no comparison. Breitling
wins.

4) crystal: Breitling has one of the clearest crystal's of any
watch. Period., no cyclops (subjective) and AR coated.

5) P3 braclet: very comfortable and more conforming than the
oyster bracelet. Oyster bracelet has better, but larger clasp.

6) accuracy: B17 vs 3135/3235. In general, all the B17.
movements have been +1, 3135 the same, 3235 to be.
determined in the long term.

7) Service: Super ocean factory service for 2021 $490 USD.
Includes replacement of any worn movement parts, gaskets,
timing, hands, water resistance check and.
polishing/brushing. Rolex is the same except no hand
replacement unless they charge you. And around $1000.

8) Durability : they both will last... a long time.

9) Dial (subjective) I like stick markers vs dots. More precise reading
I think., lume last WAY longer on the Breitling.

10) you can get a superocean right now, without prior purchases and no games. Rolex, not so much.

Notice that this is my honest opinion of current models.
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Old 24 February 2021, 02:17 PM   #274
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I own both brands. 4 Breitlings and 2 Rolex. They all get their share of time on my wrist. Rolex is a much better investment and don’t mind paying retail (if you can). I bought all my Breitlings pre-owned. I would never pay retail for Breitling. My preference is for the older 2000-2015 Breitling models.
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Old 25 February 2021, 01:00 AM   #275
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The last 4 years,under the leadership of Georges Kern,breitling is the most interesting and exiting brand !! Imo in the category <10k ( and not only) breitling have the best watches considering the quality,design,history,prices,caliber,concept of the brand and what is represent,boutiques ...everything !
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Old 26 February 2021, 07:05 AM   #276
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Originally Posted by uracowman View Post
Isn't this argument really more of personal choice? Not to offend anyone but are you buying the watch because YOU like it or are you buying it so other people go "wow that guy is wearing a rolex!". I mean...come on....

I currently own a Breitling but am in the market to add a Rolex to my collection so I am not by any means biased towards any brand since I love both. For those who say Breitling has a inferior internal mechanical movement system, or doesn't have the "prestige" of Rolex, I think that is your inner Rolex ego speaking. This is absurd in my opinion. My Breitling is incredibly accurate and the last time I checked, both brands meet and exceed COSC certifications for accuracy. The quality and attention to detail are spectacular as well.

In my opinion (OPINION, don't flame me), people believe Rolex is far superior because of a brilliant advertising campaign they have used over the years and people associate Rolex as symbolizing achievement. In reality, Rolex from a technical perspective probably isn't as good of a watch as say a Panerai but people believe so because the company has done a great job over the years with it's price structure and intelligent advertising.

This brings up the age old trick: Blindfold someone with a $1000 bottle of wine and a $10 bottle of wine and ask which is the $1000 dollar bottle?
+1 my friend.
Save one of your comments, I sold all my Rolex's. Will Never buy another. Some say there the best. I think it's more magic advertising. A illusion if you will. Resale value only matters if you sell it. If you were REQUIRED to keep any watch you obtain and not allowed to sell any watch, would you still think there the best watch VS. what you paid? I would buy Superocean's all day. You could not give me a new Sub. If you did, I would most likely toss it in the trash when compared to a Breitling SO. (being realistic)
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Old 26 February 2021, 09:37 AM   #277
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Argo98 View Post
The last 4 years,under the leadership of Georges Kern,breitling is the most interesting and exiting brand !! Imo in the category <10k ( and not only) breitling have the best watches considering the quality,design,history,prices,caliber,concept of the brand and what is represent,boutiques ...everything !
ABSOLUTELY! George is heading in the right direction!
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Old 27 February 2021, 02:10 AM   #278
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ABSOLUTELY! George is heading in the right direction!
Totally agree !!!!
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Old 27 February 2021, 08:18 PM   #279
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Breitling v Rolex?

I always considered Breitling, Omega, and Rolex as my personal Holy Trinity.

Reality is that I’ll probably never get a Patek Phillipe, Vacheron Constantin, or Audimars Piguet.

I do prefer Rolex over Omega and Omega over Breitling, but they are still my 3 favorite brands.

I prefer Breitling over JLC, IWC, Tudor, Tag Heuer and other brands in the same general price range.


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Old 27 February 2021, 09:29 PM   #280
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I am not sure about movement technology or anything like that but just from kind of a brand awareness or prestige in purely MY OPINION.

Brands that I kind of follow. I know there are a ton of others.

1. Patek by a long shot. Holy grail of all holy grails.
2. Rolex. A distant 2 but none the less. Huge marketing. Even folks that could care less about watches know and think Rolex to be the top dog.
3. Breitling, Omega, Tag and Panerai all together in this category. I own all four brands.
4. All other “fun” watches. A few brands I own in this category are Doxa, Bell & Ross, Seiko.
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Old 1 March 2021, 11:21 PM   #281
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It seems "the best" is calculated on many different scales. I kind of relate watches with cars. It has a lot to do with actually how one would used them I think. If watches were linked to cars I could definitely see a correlation in how we use them. For a example. You may have a fine engineered Bently or a Ferrari , Chevy sedan, F150 or a Yugo. There are things we expect what each can do and where we could take them.

Bently - elegant smooth. show car and comfort = Patek

Ferrari - Fast, High maintenance, Bling jewelry, occasionally driven to
impress others mainly = Rolex

F150 - Carry items, Pull trailers, Drive on or off road and get you back and
forth to work even in severe weather day after day. = Breitling \
Panerai\ Omega

Chevy - Tag, Hamilton, Tissot ETC.

Yugo - trash watches.

So, you would not dare take a trip in the woods with a Bently or Ferrari for fear of damage, scratches and being stranded right? you can't pull you RV with it or bring new furniture home either. It's a over priced car that you can only drive. Not a tool car.

This is how I realistically look at the value of a watch. Not resale value but what they can do day in day out in a rough environment that I work in. No bezels breaking and popping off, Not worried what other people think about it. Didn't have to beg to buy one. No waiting list and No B.S. at the dealer. No scratches because I got near a stick of butter. Just tough, accurate dependable watches.
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Old 19 March 2021, 07:13 AM   #282
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breitling's quality has gone down. ROLEX ALL THE WAY. save up some more money and buy a rolex
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Old 19 March 2021, 10:09 AM   #283
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Originally Posted by toptiertimepieces View Post
breitling's quality has gone down. ROLEX ALL THE WAY. save up some more money and buy a rolex
Have had several, purchased 2 late 2020, sold them and got something I'm happy with .Breitling's
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Old 20 April 2021, 01:01 PM   #284
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How do you think Breitling and Rolex compete at every level?

Rolex no doubt is the winner. Rolex wins in terms of mechanism and brand. oh, re-sale for rolex is very good compare to Breitling.
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Old 21 April 2021, 01:16 AM   #285
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Rolex and Breitling are my two favorite watch brands.

I prefer each of the brands over the other for certain types of watches.

For example, I really like the Breitling Superocean 42 over the Submariner.

But when it comes GMT function watches, the Rolexes are preferred. My EXP 2 is by far my all time favorite watch.
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Old 21 April 2021, 01:47 AM   #286
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Thank you for this honest and informative comparison.

Quote:
Originally Posted by DJ2020 View Post
I have owned several Breitling, Omega and Rolex over the years. If I removed the name and just compared the three for what they are currently, I would have to say in general terms the current models are in 3 different categories. Something like this
1) Breitling- best tool watch
2) Rolex - best jewelry watch
3) Omega - a combination of 1 and 2, also the best movement
out of all 3.

If I had to pick one it would be a tool watch, and only one to wear everyday it would be hands down the Breitling superocean 42 or 44. (Not heritage)

Why?, well it's closest rival would be the Rolex sub mariner.

1) Breitling has screwed down bezel, Rolex snaps on. And yes they certainly do pop off.

2)Breitling has DLC bezel insert. It's matte, VERY hard to.
scratch, looks good year after year. Rolex uses ceramic, drop
them they WILL chip and break.

3) water resistance, well there is no comparison. Breitling
wins.

4) crystal: Breitling has one of the clearest crystal's of any
watch. Period., no cyclops (subjective) and AR coated.

5) P3 braclet: very comfortable and more conforming than the
oyster bracelet. Oyster bracelet has better, but larger clasp.

6) accuracy: B17 vs 3135/3235. In general, all the B17.
movements have been +1, 3135 the same, 3235 to be.
determined in the long term.

7) Service: Super ocean factory service for 2021 $490 USD.
Includes replacement of any worn movement parts, gaskets,
timing, hands, water resistance check and.
polishing/brushing. Rolex is the same except no hand
replacement unless they charge you. And around $1000.

8) Durability : they both will last... a long time.

9) Dial (subjective) I like stick markers vs dots. More precise reading
I think., lume last WAY longer on the Breitling.

10) you can get a superocean right now, without prior purchases and no games. Rolex, not so much.

Notice that this is my honest opinion of current models.
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Old 23 April 2021, 08:13 PM   #287
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Argo98 View Post
The last 4 years,under the leadership of Georges Kern,breitling is the most interesting and exiting brand !! Imo in the category <10k ( and not only) breitling have the best watches considering the quality,design,history,prices,caliber,concept of the brand and what is represent,boutiques ...everything !
Beautiful!! What size is this?
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Old 23 April 2021, 08:18 PM   #288
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Beautiful!! What size is this?
Thank you my friend ! Is 42mm .
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Old 24 April 2021, 06:33 AM   #289
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Originally Posted by Argo98 View Post
Thank you my friend ! Is 42mm .
That Chronomat is just a beauty. No denying that!
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Old 24 April 2021, 06:33 AM   #290
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Quote:
Originally Posted by karwath View Post
rolex and breitling are my two favorite watch brands.

I prefer each of the brands over the other for certain types of watches.

For example, i really like the breitling superocean 42 over the submariner.

But when it comes gmt function watches, the rolexes are preferred. My exp 2 is by far my all time favorite watch.
+1
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Old 26 April 2021, 04:25 AM   #291
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I have a soft spot for Breitling, however I always feel like they really only have 1 watch that matters and its the Navitimer. Sadly I did not manage to get my hands on the AOPA reedition 1959.

If I was to compare Breitling to Rolex, Rolex just has a lot more recognizable models: Submariner, Daytona, GMT Master, Explorer, Explorer 2, Daydate president, Milgauss. Any of these will be instantly recognisable. Not so much with breitling, a colt looks almost like a superocean or an avenger from afar. Only the navitimer looks unique.

Some like to compare watch brands to cars and I would classify it as follows:

- Rolex-> mercedes benz/BMW
- Patek -> Rolls Royce/Bentley
- AP -> Ferrari/Lambo
- Breitling -> Range rover
- Panerai -> Jeep
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Old 29 April 2021, 04:30 AM   #292
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Just got my first Breitling, a Superocean Heritage, and the watch is absolutely on par with my Rolex, which is the same feeling I got when my Omega arrived. The only thing Rolex really has on them is the cyclops and quick adjust, but it’s very hard in my mind rationalizing how that makes a similar quality watch cost double the price or more. The hype machine has kinda of jumped the shark with Rolex. I love my Sub, but I don’t feel any drop in quality/aesthetics when I put on one of my other watches.
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Old 29 May 2021, 11:39 AM   #293
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In some ways they are apples and oranges to me. One thing that annoys me for some reason is the seemingly endless models/variations Breitling offers. I do love my old A30011 chrono cockpit though.
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Old 29 May 2021, 12:48 PM   #294
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Rolex is so overrated. Great watches, but no better or worse than breitling
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Old 3 June 2021, 10:49 AM   #295
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Thomas Carey View Post
I agree Rolex really holds up well typically as an investment. Especially when compared to just about any other brand. But Breitling does give you a lot of value. Especially their entry level models.

That being said I very much agree with the sentiment. That this really is like comparing apples and oranges. I have never thought of the two as catering to the same market really.

Best Regards,

Thomas Carey
I guess it is just me but rolexes are becoming too mass produced. In fact, a good friend of mine told me that the fakes are getting so good with rolex that it almost makes me wonder if my ability to buy a rolex is getting more limited in part to guard against a potential fake.

That being said, I am more of a breitling guy in this case in part due to their partnership with Bentley as Bentley is my favorite automotive brand (yes beats out rolls!) Thankfully the market isn't getting too saturated with Breitling but never know what will happen down the road.
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Old 4 June 2021, 10:43 AM   #296
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Breitling actually tests every movement they make, not just a sampling of them. I find them #3, with Rolex being #2 and Panerai being #1.
I have been wanting to get a Paneria 312 Luminor for quite some time as it is one of the few panerais I find worth the money.
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Old 28 August 2021, 05:14 AM   #297
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Breitling’s model is one of less exclusivity but still maintaining the quality of the product. On top of this they tend to innovate with such plans as watch subscriptions, in my opinion they are a great value brand.
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Old 28 August 2021, 05:16 AM   #298
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Although Rolex is till king in the watch market as everyone demands them, so if you want the king of kings pick Rolex
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Old 28 August 2021, 02:13 PM   #299
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There are models I adore from both brands. Many of the Breitlings have large text/numerals that are a bit much for me. That said I love the navitimers and I own a super ocean heritage chrono (1st gen) that is a tank. I can’t speak for all Breitlings but mine is not at the Rolex quality level. The crown finishing, bezel finishing, and even the case design are a step behind. That said the crystal and dial are better than most Rolex IMO. The mesh bracelet is very comfortable but the clasp is far behind modern Rolex territory.

N
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Old 28 August 2021, 03:56 PM   #300
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DJ2020 View Post
I have owned several Breitling, Omega and Rolex over the years. If I removed the name and just compared the three for what they are currently, I would have to say in general terms the current models are in 3 different categories. Something like this
1) Breitling- best tool watch
2) Rolex - best jewelry watch
3) Omega - a combination of 1 and 2, also the best movement
out of all 3.

If I had to pick one it would be a tool watch, and only one to wear everyday it would be hands down the Breitling superocean 42 or 44. (Not heritage)

Why?, well it's closest rival would be the Rolex sub mariner.

1) Breitling has screwed down bezel, Rolex snaps on. And yes they certainly do pop off.

2)Breitling has DLC bezel insert. It's matte, VERY hard to.
scratch, looks good year after year. Rolex uses ceramic, drop
them they WILL chip and break.

3) water resistance, well there is no comparison. Breitling
wins.

4) crystal: Breitling has one of the clearest crystal's of any
watch. Period., no cyclops (subjective) and AR coated.

5) P3 braclet: very comfortable and more conforming than the
oyster bracelet. Oyster bracelet has better, but larger clasp.

6) accuracy: B17 vs 3135/3235. In general, all the B17.
movements have been +1, 3135 the same, 3235 to be.
determined in the long term.

7) Service: Super ocean factory service for 2021 $490 USD.
Includes replacement of any worn movement parts, gaskets,
timing, hands, water resistance check and.
polishing/brushing. Rolex is the same except no hand
replacement unless they charge you. And around $1000.

8) Durability : they both will last... a long time.

9) Dial (subjective) I like stick markers vs dots. More precise reading
I think., lume last WAY longer on the Breitling.

10) you can get a superocean right now, without prior purchases and no games. Rolex, not so much.

Notice that this is my honest opinion of current models.
Great post! I’m a Submariner owner and I agree with every word of this post.

I also own a Breitling Avenger which I absolutely love and which gets more wrist time than my Rolexes. Still, I can’t say that I prefer one brand over the other. I wear them for different reasons.
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