Excellent analysis about Breitling's UG acquisition
Shout out to the "This Watch, That Watch" YouTube channel for his awesome analysis about Breitling's acquisition of Universal Geneve.
There's not much for me to add other than one speculation. Breitling hasn't updated it's B01 movement since 2009. If, however, it has been working on an update over the years, the brand might be reserving it for the new UG watches. So, rather than exorbitantly increasing Breitling prices ($8-$10K) to recoup costs on the movement investment, it's more palatable to put the updated movement in an already marked up UG ($14-$16K).
In short, Breitling already has the movement ready to go and can focus the next two years or so focusing on the design and ensuring the movement fits in these new cases.That's my two cents based on no evidence, anyway.
Another enthusiast trying to collect in this minefield.
This is not surprising at all. In fact, it’s been telegraphed. Why would Breitling and its pe owner go less expensive? From A Blog to Watch:
Universal Geneve, if done right, can be a natural destination for watch collectors who have gained sufficient experience in the $5,000-$10,000 market and have a desire to advance into yet-higher-end watchmaking. They’ll be looking at Jaeger-LeCoultre, and perhaps even Vacheron Constantin, Breguet, or entry-level Patek Philippe watches — but Universal Geneve, starting with more or less a clean sheet, has a good shot at creating a portfolio that is well-equipped to steal some customers away from these established high-end luxury watchmakers.
Watched this today. Excellent post broken down like @Mr.Dee.Bater can!