Both are great brands, but which one is best for you?
Which is better, a Rolex or a Breitling?
We hear "What is a better watch, Breitling or Rolex?" More frequently than we realize, and it can be replied in a variety of ways depending on the situation." Let's answer them all, shall we?
We're here to answer some of the key questions you're probably asking yourself when comparing Rolex VS Breitling. Is Breitling better than Rolex? These two luxury brands are both very popular and are frequently considered when looking for a luxury watch from a well-known Swiss watchmaker. You may be considering a purchase and want to know what is a better watch, Breitling or Rolex.
Comparison between Rolex and Breitling
Rolex is the most identifiable Swiss watch brand, with nearly 100% brand awareness worldwide, and is actually the third most recognized Swiss brand in the world, with only Nescafe and Nestle ahead of them in first and second place.
Breitling is the world's 15th most recognizable Swiss watch brand. Is Breitling a well-known watch brand? Yes! Although significant, most people recall the Rolex brand more than the Breitling brand.
In terms of how many remarks you'd get if you wore each watch, odds are you'd hear "Hey, Nice Rolex!" more frequently" because a larger percentage of people (many of whom aren't "watch people") will recall Rolex over Breitling.
Rolex vs Breitling Pricing
Is Rolex more pricey than Breitling?
Rolex prices begin at twice as low as the cheapest Breitling. The Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39mm men's watch, which starts at $6,000, is currently the most affordable new Rolex, followed by the Rolex Datejust 31mm ladies' watch, which costs only about $200 more. They all have COSC certification and use automated calibers, which are purely mechanical movements. They also bear the Superlative Chronometer label. Rolex also produces a more affordable brand named Tudor, which offers entry-level costs that are comparable to those of Breitling's most basic watches.
Breitling prices start at less than half of what a Rolex costs. With less expensive watches like the men's 45mm Breitling Colt Skyracer, which is powered by a COSC-certified Breitling SuperQuartzTM Caliber.
But let's compare apples to apples. Rolex does not manufacture quartz watches. They take pleasure in solely producing mechanical timepieces, which are regarded as more respectable by watch enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. Yes, quartz Rolexes existed in the past. The Rolex Oysterquartz was last shown in their catalog in 2001, but they have since abandoned the concept in favor of developing solely high-end and high-precision mechanical calibers for their watches.
So, given the foregoing, what factors define the worth of the cheapest Rolex caliber against the cheapest Breitling quartz movement?
This brings us to the next question.
Which Is More Valuable, a Breitling or a Rolex?
Is Breitling a good brand of the watch? Yes. A fantastic watch. However, there is a direct relationship between the value of a brand, brand recognition, and resale value. While certain watches have high resale value for other reasons, such as rarity or iconic significance, as a general rule, the better the brand, the more you'll get back when selling it. This is true for the majority of products, not just watches.
When it comes to the street value of Rolex watches, there is no such thing as a broad brush. However, in terms of the percentage of what you spent for a Rolex or Breitling against what you can sell it for, you will normally get a higher percentage.
So, why would you want to sell a Rolex or a Breitling watch? It eludes me. However, let's take a look at some of the frequent reasons why people would (or would not) acquire a Breitling or a Rolex watch.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Purchasing Breitling Watches
PROS
- They have a reputation for producing high-quality timepieces, such as the Breitling Navitimer 01, which is meant for aeronauts such as pilots, astronauts, military people, search and rescue missions, and others.
- Breitling also makes smartwatches, such as the Exospace B55 watches, which are developed with particular smart capabilities for pilots and aerospace workers.
- Breitling makes a watch called the Breitling Emergency that has a distress beacon and locator, which is useful in case of an emergency.
- They have a 5-year warranty from the date of purchase.
- They are significantly less expensive than Rolexes.
- There are literally thousands of models to pick from.
- They have a number of special edition and limited edition timepieces.
- Breitling offers a variety of rubber straps.
CONS
- They are a major watch brand, but they are not as well-known as Rolex.
- They rarely have the same resale value as Rolex watches.
- They don't make as many super-expensive blingy models as Rolex (if that's what you want).
- While most watch experts would recognize a Breitling as a wonderful watch and a highly regarded brand that offers both mechanical and quartz watches, some watch connoisseurs who are fascinated by micromechanics have the propensity to shout the praises of brands that only offer mechanical watches. This isn't strictly a disadvantage because many people like quartz watches, but it should be addressed anyway.
As you can see from the above benefits and cons, Breitling watches have positioned themselves in the luxury watch industry as a manufacturer of watches for professionals with its unique product line. Some even have unique characteristics that are targeted to specific scenarios. They feature a large selection of high-quality tool watches that may be customized with various types of bands. They are reasonably priced.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Purchasing Rolex Watches
PROS
- They are the most well-known luxury watch brand in the world.
- They have a higher resale value than other luxury watch brands.
- They have a 5-year warranty from the date of purchase.
- They have a lot of bling versions with diamond bezels, pavé dials (faces paved with diamonds), and precious metals of all kinds...if that's your thing.
- Rolex has many patents, including Parachrom blue, Oysterflex bracelets, Oysterlock, Everose gold (rose gold) alloy, Cerachrom bezel inlays, Triplock locking crown, and others.
- Rolex produces a number of renowned timepieces, including the Rolex Submariner and the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, as well as the Rolex Explorer, Sea-Dweller, and others.
- Their mechanical watches are all Superlative Chronometers, which are mechanical timepieces that are highly accurate and exact.
CONS
- They are typically less expensive than Breitlings.
- You cannot select the precise strap as you can with Breitling.
- They don't have as many limited editions and special edition timepieces.
- More than Rolex, Breitling offers a variety of rubber strap alternatives.
- Rolex does not currently sell smartwatches and has not indicated that it would do so in the future.