Breitling is among the most recognizable Swiss watch brands worldwide. Their iconic watches have plunged to the ocean’s depths, soared above the clouds, and even launched into space (worn by astronaut Scott Carpenter).
If you are planning to own a Breitling watch or are fortunate enough to own one already, you may wonder if it holds its value.
Here at EvesWatch, our passion for professional watches has helped us build a thorough understanding of whether a brand holds its value. And we’re here to shed light on Breitling watches so you can use this information to your advantage.
Let’s get started!
So, Do Breitling Watches Hold Their Value?
No. Most Breitling watches don’t hold their value, but there are exceptions to this.
Although Breitling timepieces are one of the world’s most exclusive and luxurious watch brands, most watches tend to lose a massive amount of value over the years. Usually, brands that appreciate or regain value come from the most elite luxury watch brands, such as Patek Philippe or Rolex.
However, for Breitling watches, expect them to depreciate between 25% to 35% in the first few years, then they’ll start to stabilize. The highly sought-after models, vintage watches, or limited editions may be exceptions as these timepieces appreciate a lot of time.
A great example of this would be the Breitling Emergency Orbiter 3. It’s a model that carries exceptional rarity with only 1999 pieces made. This also means higher demand and supply, so you can expect price appreciation over the years.
Still, some Breitling luxury watches appreciate over time or at least hold their value over their competitors.
4 Breitling Watches That Hold Their Value
Breitling Avenger II GMT
The Breitling Avenger II GMT is one of the most demanding collections of Breitling timepieces to wear, given its size (43mm in diameter and a wearable thickness of 12.2mm).
The dial is a deep blue with applied steel hour indices and luminous fills. Its bezel is also what sets it apart from other watches. Breitling used a singular piece of LASER engraved steel that gives the timepiece harmony and unity missing in similar watches that use printed aluminum bezels.
Moreover, the bezel of the Breitling Avenger watch has a solid feel. Plus, the sunburst satin finish exudes an android design that shows the high-end nature of the watch.
Overall, this pilot’s watch is impressive and worth being among the most desirable GMT watches available. You can expect a value drop of only 15 to 20% after wearing it for a long time. That estimate is a very acceptable depreciation.
Breitling Transocean
The classic Breitling watches feature perpetual calendars and moon phases that showcase some of the most innovative complications from the watch brand. Therefore, it offers excellent value for money while enabling the wearer to keep track of their busy lifestyle.
In addition, the Breitling Transocean watch has a retro-inspired design with a built-in house and is equipped with COSC-certified movements. As a result, they make a desirable timepiece to own.
An entry-level Breitling Transocean Chronograph costs around $1,500. If kept in good condition, a Transocean watch depreciates around 15 to 20% of its value over the years.
Breitling Colt
This model is one of the less expensive models from the watch brand. Yet, it became a favorite among watch collectors and enthusiasts because of its sturdiness, readability, and functionality. Plus, there’s a range of automatic and quartz models to choose from – each COSC-certified.
Furthermore, the Breitling Colt watches hold considerable value when reselling because of a higher demand than the actual supply. For instance, a vintage Colt’s value can increase up to $3,000 coming to a purchase price of US$1,000 in the 90s.
Meanwhile, modern Breitling Colt timepieces tend not to depreciate much in value. The value drop over the years is only around 15 to 20%.
Breitling Navitimer
One of Breitling’s most iconic timepieces, this Breitling Navitimer watch was designed for aviators in 1952. The primary purpose for introducing this Breitling model was to help pilots measure flight calculations.
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the largest pilots club worldwide, designated Breitling Navitimer as its official watch a couple of years later. It was the start when the timepiece became an instant classic.
The watch made it to space in 1962 on the wrist of astronaut Malcolm Scot Carpenter, who wore the Cosmonaute on the Aurora 7 space capsule. It was when Breitling added the 24-hour dial to distinguish night and day in a watch.
This timeless Navitimer (used) costs around $6,000 and can hold its value well over the years compared to other Breitling watches.
How Much Do Breitling Watches Hold Value?
After knowing the estimated price of used Breitling watches, we conclude that the average value drop of these timepieces is around 30% after they leave the boutique.
However, take note that it is just an average. After all, specific Breitling models are exceptions to it because they hold their value well.
The brand also has a unique product line in the luxury watch market. Many of their modern watches are for professionals with unique features tailored for specific situations.
3 Factors That Determine The Value Of Your Breitling Watch
1. Model
There have been plenty of Breitling watches made over several decades, and each holds a unique value. Some are valued at about $1,000, while others at hundreds of dollars.
So, check the paperwork with your Breitling watch if you’re unsure of the model. If the papers are unavailable, look at the reference number. It usually consists of five numbers and letters.
Older vintage models utilize a range of serial number configurations. Another option is to bring your watch to a professional who can better interpret the watch’s identification number.
2. Age
Another factor determining your Breitling watch’s value is the year they were made. For most models, they’re more valuable if they’re older. “Vintage is king,” so they say. However, this only applies if the watch is well-cared for.
3. Condition
Any discoloration, dings, damage, or scratches will bring down the value of your Breitling watch. On the whole, they’re incredibly sturdy. Yet, accidents do happen. So if you need to repair your watch, go to a certified dealer.
Unprofessional repairs and using unoriginal parts on your luxury watch may cost you more in the end, as it can depreciate the value of your Breitling.
People Also Ask: FAQs About Breitling Watches
What do I need to know about Breitling watches?
Among the many interesting things you need to know about Breitling watches is that they carry the iconic “B” logo with wings. Such a design is closely related to the aviation world, just like its history.
The brand was established in 1884 by young watchmaker Léon Breitling. Since then, the brand has only had five CEOs, which shows how passionate their leaders are in the company.
Did you also know that Breitling only put its brand on the dials of its watches 40 years after its founding? How cool is that! Their reason was that many Swiss watch brands were not focused on building a brand at that time but on making great watches.
What type of person wears a Breitling watch?
The target market of Breitling is high-income men and women. Traditionally, these watches appeal most to confident men. These include fighter pilots and world-class athletes.
Can my Breitling go in the water?
Yes, all Breitling watches are water resistant to a different degree, described in bars or meters. Like the Avenger Seawolf, Breitling dive watches offer a 10,000 ft. or 3,000-meter water resistance.
Meanwhile, other best Breitling dive watches that can go in water include the Breitling Superocean II 44 Stainless Steel, Breitling Endurance Pro Chronograph B82, Superocean Heritage B20 46, and the Superocean Automatic 48.
Water resistance of ≥30 bars (or 1,000 feet or 300 meters) can handle showering, splashing, water skiing, diving, snorkeling, and water sports.
Can I swim with my Breitling?
If you own an automatic Breitling, you cannot cause damage by overwinding it. Watch winding is essential to prevent your timepiece from malfunctioning and ensure that they stay in good shape over the years.
Breitling watches have a winding limiter, which prevents you from hurting the watch’s internal mechanism in case you do overwind it.
Final Verdict: Should I Invest in Breitling Watches?
Yes, of course. If you have a genuine interest in watches, those from the Breitling brand are worth investing in.
It’s a highly respected luxury watch brand that offers reliable mechanical and quartz watches. They also have automatic or self-winding timepieces. These are mechanical watches with a mainspring that twists through the person’s movement.
Regarding value retention, Breitling watches tend to hold their value poorly compared to other watch brands in the watch industry. They depreciate between 25% and 35% a few years after purchase, except for the highly sought-after models.
Yet, it remains an excellent brand. Their luxury watches are substantially more affordable than Rolex, and they have thousands of models to choose from. They even have quite a few limited and special edition watches.
The “Made by Breitling” label in a watch alone already implies using the finest materials, timeless design, and uncompromising testing.
If you enjoyed this review, you might want to read our other reviews at EvesWatch.com.
Find out more:
- Why Are Breitling Watches So Expensive?
- Breitling Service Cost: How Much Should You Expect To Spend?
- Best Watch Investment Under 5000
My name is Eve Acosta and I’m the person behind this site. Watches are what get me ticking ;).
No, but seriously, I just love watches, I have over 30 myself. It’s an obsession of mine, which is why my husband recommended me to put my hobby into some good use and build this site – so I did.
My passion for timepieces came from the fact that my parents own a small chain of shops selling timepieces. I’ve worked at the shop since I was 11 and fell in love with the merchandise.
