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Breitling for a Rolex ?? What do you think?

  1. blubarb Jun 16, 2017

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    Thinking about trading my 1995 Rolex Explorer 14270 (36mm) for a Breitling Chronomat (1973) Ref 7808 - photos attached. The seller is asking USD4200 for the Chronomat and I assume my Explorer is about the same value. The seller is a top guy and I know the watch is a good, honest piece. No boxes or papers for either. Rolex serviced last year by RSC. Would you do it?
    :thumbsdown:::popcorn::



    Screen Shot 2017-06-16 at 9.50.03 PM.jpg Screen Shot 2017-06-16 at 9.50.18 PM.jpg IMG_5251.jpg

    pros and cons??
     
    Edited Jun 16, 2017
    pstewie likes this.
  2. Mouse_at_Large still immune to Speedmaster attraction Jun 16, 2017

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    No, no, a thousand times no. The Rolex is a object lesson in restrained elegance. As for the Breitling, well, if I wanted that amount of numbering, I'd buy a Sudoku puzzle book ;)
     
    Edward53, larryganz, STANDY and 21 others like this.
  3. blubarb Jun 16, 2017

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    :thumbsup: That's what I need to hear, no equivocation - love it! Tell it as you see it :cool:
     
    SpeedyPhill and tyrantlizardrex like this.
  4. watchknut New watch + Instagram + wife = dumbass Jun 16, 2017

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    Yes, yes, yes...the day after never::bleh::
     
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  5. arcadelt Jun 16, 2017

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    I'm a big fan of Breitling, especially the pre-Schneider era pieces, but there is no way I can see those two watches as a trade for each other, in either direction, unless you were wanting to move your collecting in a whole different direction. I'm not even sure I could have both of them together,in a collection, given one is an understated 36mm classic and the other 41mm of 1970s brashness - I'd suffer way too much size hangover as I moved from one to the other and then back again.
     
  6. Togri v. 2.0 Wow! Custom title... cool Jun 16, 2017

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    Never
     
  7. Jwit Not a doctor, but plays one on ΩF Jun 16, 2017

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    I vote no, that Explorer is just too beautiful. I say if you want the Breitling just buy it and have both :D
     
  8. watchknut New watch + Instagram + wife = dumbass Jun 16, 2017

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    And that coming from a Breitling guy!
     
    Rodmar likes this.
  9. Nathan1967 Jun 16, 2017

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    If this was a really solid 60s 806 Navitimer, then maybe. Most Rolex I could leave, but the Explorer is the jewel in their crown from my pov, a versatile sporty watch that you can wear anywhere, it's a nailed on 100% bonafide classic. Whatever you do.... Don't do it
     
    Foo2rama likes this.
  10. Foo2rama Keeps his worms in a ball instead of a can. Jun 16, 2017

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    This x100

    I know the 806 and that sir is no 806.

    :edit:

    Additional thoughts.

    I also question that valuation on the watch, and in my humble opinion it is the least good looking of the Chronomats.
    http://forums.watchuseek.com/f39/br...istory-part-1-slide-rule-chronomats-9103.html


    I think the 806 Navitimer is a classic; that much info on the watch, still easy to read, and classically good looking. In this execution, I strongly feel that something is lacking, and the harmony has been lost with some funky 70's design cues that work on other watches but not on this one. Too my it looks like a Heuer got drunk in a bar with a Navi, and this appeared 9 months later.

    Its the same problem with the current Navitimer 01's, take a long look at them and you start to realize something is off, then look back at the 806 and realize the watches are barely related and the legibility has been lost. Here is a picture from an article I am writing in regards to the Sinn 903. At a glance they all appear the same but they are not, and the Sinn is the same dial as the 806 as it rightfully and legally should be, while the Breitling 01 cannot have the classic dial.
    all3903.jpg
    Unattractive late 806, Sinn 903, Current Navitimer 01
     
    Edited Jun 16, 2017
  11. Stratlad Jun 16, 2017

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    NO. Don't do it. Nope. It's not the right watch. It's just a knee wobble. In ten years time you'll be glad you didn't.
     
  12. Rumar89 Jun 16, 2017

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    Let me take an opposite tack. While the Rolex is lovely, and possibly the best executed version of its kind, semi-formal sport watches are a dime a dozen. The Navitimer, however, is unique and instantly recognizable. Busy? Sure, but I'm a fan.
     
    Paulomega, Golfjunky, SeanO and 3 others like this.
  13. sjg22 Jun 16, 2017

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    Realistically, no huge downside on you doing it if you want to give the Breitling a try.

    That said, you'd have a much easier time selling the Rolex than the Breitling when it inevitably becomes time to shuffle the collection. Resale on Rollies is steady and there's always a huge market.

    On the flip side, I always think that there's value being exposed to, handling and wearing different brands and watches. Expands your knowledge and helps you become a more focused and proficient collector.
     
  14. Foo2rama Keeps his worms in a ball instead of a can. Jun 16, 2017

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    That is not a Navitimer though, which is part of the problem. This Chronomat differs in a few ways besides the 70's subdial hands.
     
  15. Rumar89 Jun 16, 2017

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    My apologies, I glanced quickly at the pics before typing. The wider spacing, visually, doesn't bother me (although I could see it possibly being more difficult to actuate). And I'd argue the 70's subdial hands give it character. Rather than being something that could have been produced in almost any era, it projects the design influence of a certain time. Not classic, per say, but very cool
     
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  16. Ssunnylee24 Jun 16, 2017

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    Well, enough no's alreay but heres another.
     
  17. TTG Suffers from watch FOMO. Jun 16, 2017

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    The question is would the seller go along with the trade. I would doubt it.
    The 14270 is listing on sale forums in the $3.8ish range, not a big seller.
     
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  18. FREDMAYCOIN Jun 16, 2017

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    Never, the simplicity and elegance of the explore is unmatched. Don't do it.
     
  19. WatchVaultNYC Jun 16, 2017

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    It all goes down to taste. That being said:

    That Explorer I can find every day, all day for sale
    That funky Chronomat, much harder

    If it were me, I'd pick up the Chronomat
     
  20. Uniqez Jun 16, 2017

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    Service chronomat would be expensive I assume, did he get watch serviced lately?