Your definition of a luxury watch may differ from another person’s perspective. It is, however, generally expected that luxury should mean quality and prestige. This understanding brings us to the question.
Is Breitling A Luxury Brand? Yes, Breitling is a luxury brand. Breitling has distinguished its brand in terms of quality materials and innovative designs. Breitling’s influence as a luxury brand also comes from its origins and focus on watches for professionals.
While luxury brands are generally expensive, not all luxury watches are as costly as Breitling. What makes this brand so unique? Let’s discuss some of the reasons why Breitling watches are expensive.
5 Reasons Why Breitling Watches Are So Expensive
Breitling has a reputation for delivering higher quality compared to the price of their wristwatches. There are several reasons to choose Breitling if you can afford it.
We have listed out five out of those reasons below on why Breitling is a worthy buy.
1. Horological Origins
Breitling was founded in 1884 by Leon Breitling. He aimed to create precision chronographs that will beat all the available brands at that age.
The first wristwatch produced with independent chronograph pushers launched in 1923. This watch could be reset to zero and used as a stopwatch.
In 1934, Breitling had produced one of the best chronographs in the world, which is still relevant today. They are one of the few watch brands that produced excellent COSC certified chronographs.
Breitling’s prestige as a chronograph expert qualifies them to price their watches at high rates.
2. Aeronautics Identity
Breitling has identified with the aeronautic field as far back as its inception.
In 1936, they supplied the British Royal Air Force with watches. When the Navitimer (a fashionable Breitling pilot watch) debuted in 1952, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) recommended the watch for pilots.
This relationship has always been so apparent that specific Navitimer models do not have the Breitling logo but rather the AOPA coat of arms.
The Navitimer collections of the Breitling brand is not just a great watch but a representation of the relationship between Breitling and the aviation sector.
This identification makes them a perfect brand for anyone who wants to identify with the aviation sector. The watches also have smart features that are useful for professionals in the aviation sector. One such feature is the circular slide that allows the owner to do some flight-related calculations.
3. Quality Materials
Breitling only makes use of the best of the best materials in their watches.
The watch cases are made of the most durable metals and subject to a considerable amount of pressure to ensure their durability.
Since it is built for professionals who could get exposed to moisture or water, Breitling watches are water-resistant.
Meticulous care and precision are also given to parts like the crown and the push-pieces that will get exposed to a lot of touches. These parts, along with the cases, are built from top-grade materials like the 316L antimagnetic stainless steel alloy.
The dial of Breitling watches made from brass plates is also a study in perfection. Navitimer design is like an instrument panel to ensure easy reading. The materials used (gold or silver in Navitimer) help ensure the dial is easy to read.
4. The Best Chronographs
Breitling is also widely known for their chronographs.
Breitling is one of the best Swiss chronograph manufacturers, maybe even the best. The first chronograph was designed by Leon Breitling, the founder of Breitling.
Breitling is also credited with the creation of the first chronograph worn on the wrist. This early model created in 1915 was the first to look like modern sports watches we have today.
Breitling is still creating innovative chronographs to date.
One example of their innovation is the Exospace B55. This watch is a connected chronograph that uses the wearer’s smartphone to enhance functionality. It also has a lot of other functions like the tachymeter and the Chrono flight.
5. High-end Movements
Breitling makes use of super movements for their watches from their mechanical watches to their quartz watches.
Breitling mostly makes use of ETA/Valjoux movements. However, they modify these movements to meet their super quality requirements.
In 2009, Breitling developed and designed its first chronograph movement. Breitling B01 has a column-wheel chronograph system. The movement has a traditional tricompax layout and a 70-hour power reserve.
First installed in the Chronomat, Breitling has since then introduced other versions of it to the Navitimer 01, Chronomat 44, and Montbrilliant 01. Breitling in-house movements compete favorably with some of the best in-house movements.
You can now see that it is by no mistake that Breitling charges such high prices for their watches as it gives you appropriate value for the price paid. You might, however, wonder if this value increases over time.
Do Breitling Watches Increase In Value?
Breitling watches often increase in value over time. Breitling watches usually have an increase in demand, thereby increasing its value. Besides demand, there are several factors that determine whether a Breitling watch will increase in value over the years.
The increasing value of a luxury watch over the years is determined by factors like heritage, exclusivity, recognition, availability, and demand.
1. Recognition
Breitling is a famous brand in the watch industry, especially among watch enthusiasts.
Any watch lover will recognize Breitling as a great watch. However, Breitling is not the most popular of watches.
Rolex, for instance, is a more recognized brand, both with watch enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts. Therefore, the increase in value that you can get from a Rolex watch cannot be compared to that of a Breitling watch.
2. Heritage
Breitling has a rich heritage, especially among professionals.
The Navitimer holds a lot of prestige with pilots. You can get good value for your money when you buy a Breitling for its heritage. Because the older the watch gets, the more valuable it becomes.
3. Exclusivity and Availability
How scarce and exclusive a watch determines its increase in value over the years.
You will find that limited edition watches that have left the market get more value at resale than ordinary collections that are still on sale.
Breitling has some excellent limited edition watches that have the promise to increase in value over the years.
You can also get other watches by Breitling that are exclusive to professionals. These watches have a high possibility of growth in demand for their features.
4. Demand
Breitling has a constant value among professionals and watch enthusiasts.
You can almost be sure that you will get someone that wants the watch. Breitling watches, therefore, increase their value or, at the very least, hold their value in the market.
So, Is Breitling A Good Investment?
Breitling watches are a great watch brand to invest your money. Because of its high demand, the value of Breitling watches makes it an excellent investment for you. You can be sure that the Breitling watches will retain or increase in value, whether you buy for wear or to resell.
Buy For Resell
You can buy Breitling to resell it later. When you buy for this purpose, ensure you carry out adequate research. It is not all Breitling that has the possibility of increasing in value over the years. With proper research, Breitling is a great brand to buy to sell later.
Buy For Love
Breitling watches can last you for a long time. You get the best quality wrapped up with the most elegant aesthetics. You also get to show that you have great tastes in watches.