Breitling is older than Rolex and began its impressive history in 1884. They have made luxury watches that have been worn by everyone from James Bond in Thunderball to Miles Davis and John Travolta. So, why are Breitling watches so expensive?
Breitling watches are so expensive because of the self-winding chronograph function and the materials they use. Many Breitling watches contain 18k red gold, platinum, and sapphire watch faces. They often increase in value by 10%-40% if you keep them in good condition, and the cheapest Breitling watch costs $2,000.
Breitling has collaborated with other luxury brands such as Bentley, Triumph, and Ford. Countless watch enthusiasts consider Breitling worth the cost for the exclusivity, luxury, and performance of their watches. Follow along as we explore we Breitling watches are so expensive.
Contents
- What Makes Breitling Watches So Expensive?
- Which Breitling Watches Are Most Expensive?
- Is Breitling as Good as Rolex?
- Are Breitling Watches Considered Luxury?
- Do Breitling Watches Increase in Value?
- Summing It Up
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What Makes Breitling Watches So Expensive?
The style, function, exclusivity, and performance of Breitling watches are why they are so expensive. Breitling makes each watch with high-end materials and cutting-edge chronograph technology. Let’s take a look at the key factors for why Breitling watches are so expensive.
Style
The unmistakable style and distinct look of Breitling watches make them unique. Each of their lines from Outerknown to their Top Time Ford Mustang watches has a distinguished aesthetic. Breitling is known to collaborate with numerous brands such as Bentley, Ford, and Triumph to create watches that reflect the particular company.
For example, the Breitling Deus line is unique for its rugged vibe whereas their Super Chronomat watches exemplify luxury. Breitling even produces sporty watches that display a more practical yet elegant style such as the Endurance Pro. Each model of Breitling watches varies as far as style and color go yet maintain its premium appeal.
Function
Breitling has always offered the best in function since they created the first self-winding chronograph in 1969. The chronograph is the mechanism that tells the time on any watch and Breitling has always been at the forefront of that technology. Both their mechanical and electric watches are accurate, but electric Breitling watches are particularly precise.
Only 5% of Swiss watches are chronometer-certified, and Breitling falls into that group. The maximum average time deviation of an electric Breitling watch is +/- .07 seconds and +/- 4-6 seconds for mechanical models.
Exclusivity
Breitling watches come at a high price point because of the work that is put into them. The cheapest Breitling watch is the Colt Skyracer which costs $2,000. They aren’t mass-produced as widely as a brand such as Fossil which limits how many are on the market.
Brands such as Timex and Bulova produce great watches, but they aren’t hard to find. Breitling produces fewer watches and markets its products to wealthy consumers. The exclusivity of Breitling watches only increased after James Bond wore one in the film Thunderball.
Materials
Gold, titanium, quartz, and stainless steel are among the most sought-after watch materials. Watch enthusiasts flock to Breitling because they utilize such durable and luxurious materials. Each Breitling watch contains sapphire crystals which can bump any watch to the premium category.
Sapphire crystal glass is scratch-resistant and glare-proof. Breitling also produces fine leather and rubber straps for their watches that you can swap out. Each component of Breitling watches from the mechanisms and watch face to the strap exemplifies luxury.
Which Breitling Watches Are Most Expensive?
Breitling produces no shortage of expensive watches, and their cheapest model retails for $2,000. Whether it be the Navitmer 1959 Edition or their luxury Bentley collaboration, their most expensive watches generally cost $30,000-$40,000. Let’s take a look at which Breitling watches are the most expensive.
The Navitmer 1959 Edition is the most expensive Breitling watch. It costs $39,900 before taxes and there are only 59 of them. Breitling’s Navitmer 1959 contains platinum which explains the high price point.
Everything about this watch screams classic Breitling except for the modern water resistance. The blue alligator strap is one of several unique touches that makes the Navitmer 1959 Edition stand out.
Avi 1953 Edition
Breitling’s Avi 1953 Edition also retails for $39,900 and the company only produced 153 of them. The Hesalite crystal watch face can resist any glare and provides the ultimate clarity. Each Avi 1953 Edition comes with an 18k gold white pin buckle to add to the elegance of the piece.
Avi 1953 Edition watches are lightweight and weigh 75 grams. They come with a 70-hour power reserve that ensures it will work when you need it the most.
The Navitmer Chronograph 43 costs $37,500 and comes with a lavish 18k red gold band. Breitling produced the Navitmer Chronograph 43 with an impressive self-winding mechanism. You can substitute the 18k red gold band for an alligator leather strap if you choose.
This new Breitling watch harkens back to the original Navitmer that celebrities such as Miles Davis wore. The sapphire crystal case-back is another example of how Breitling puts artistry at the forefront of their watch designs.
Premier B01 Chronograph 42 Bentley Centenary
This Bentley-Breitling collaboration costs $28,000 and is one of Breitling’s most expensive watches. The Premier B01 Chronograph Bentley watch weighs 180 grams and mimics the seats of a Bentley. Each watch contains a Sapphire crystal case-back and 18k red gold case.
The 42mm diameter is the perfect size for most people and fits comfortably. Premier B01 Chronograph 42 Bentley Centenary watches are water-resistant up to 330 feet. This watch exemplifies the care, innovation, and luxury that Breitling is known for.
Is Breitling as Good as Rolex?
Breitling is as good as Rolex as far as performance, but not as far as recognizability. Rolex is the top recognizable Swiss watch brand whereas Breitling ranks as the 15th most recognizable Swiss watch. The cheapest Rolex watch costs $6,000 whereas the cheapest Breitling costs $2,000.
With that said, Breitling excels when it comes to chronograph technology. There are also more Breitling watches on the market than Rolex watches which slightly cheapens their value. Both brands offer a 5-year warranty which shows confidence in their luxury watches.
Are Breitling Watches Considered Luxury?
Breitling is a prestigious company that fits into the world of luxury watches. The high price, durable materials, and presence in the celebrity world helped solidify their status. Celebrities such as John Travolta and Kelly Slater proudly wear Breitling watches.
Sources such as Merriam-Webster define luxury as “very rich, pleasant, and comfortable surroundings”. Only the wealthy can afford Breitling watches due to the high cost which makes them sought after. Breitling watches make a statement, and that statement is that you can afford something made of the best materials.
Do Breitling Watches Increase in Value?
Breitling watches increase in value and generally re-sell for thousands more than their original value. For example, used models such as the 43mm Breitling Navitimer B01 can sell for $11,390 compared to the original $6,300 cost. Breitling is considered among the top watch brands to increase in value alongside Rolex and Omega.
The average mint-condition used Breitling watch increases by 25% in value. However, they can increase in value by up to 40%, particularly if the watch was produced before the 2000s. Breitling watches generally increase in value, but not quite as much as brands like Rolex.
Summing It Up
Breitling watches are so expensive because of the materials that they are made of. Their watches contain everything from quartz and stainless steel to gold and platinum. The cheapest Breitling watch costs $2,000 and their most expensive watch costs $39,900.
They are notable for putting elaborate chronograph technology in each Breitling watch. Movies like Thunderball helped reaffirm Breitling’s status as a luxury watch brand. Breitling watches can increase in value by 10%-40% depending on the condition and what year it was made.
Models made before the 2,000s are worth the most because of their historical value. However, modern collaborations between Breitling and brands like Ford, Chevy, and Bentley keep them luxurious in today’s age. Breitling watches are made with care and feature the finest materials such as 18k red gold which drive their price up.
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