Breitling or Rolex?
Hello Everyone!
For my 30th birthday, I would like to add a new watch to my collection. I managed to narrow down my options for two models from two different brands. The battle shall be fought between a Breitling Premier B09 Chronograph “Pistachio” dial and a Rolex Datejust 41 with polished bezel and a blue dial.
All in all, I gravitate towards the Breitling for numerous reasons, but during calm nights I still hear someone whispering “Datejuuuuuuust” into my ear. I know it’s silly, but the name, prestigious image behind the brand and it’s undeniable worldwide recognition finally caught up with me despite my contempt for the brand in the earlier days.
I would like to add, I contacted both AD about availability, Rolex spent 4 days (even in correspondence you need to wait?) answering my e-mail, furthermore their letter lacked useful information of any kind, Breitling on the other hand responded in a few hours with positive and caring attitude. One point already goes to them in terms of customer service.
From a pricing standpoint, basically they are on the same level. Breitling costs 8300 EUR, Rolex costs 8500 EUR.
I made a short Pro-Con list for these two competitors, see my own points below:
Rolex Pros:
· Wearable and comfortable case size (from what I gathered)
· Dressier feeling (goes way better with a blue suit)
· More likely will maintain value (regarding price) over the years
· It’s a Rolex
Rolex Cons:
· Waiting list
· Very minimalistic, simple dial (not much to look at)
· Movement is not a big deal (from a technical standpoint compared to a Chronograph)
· Does not include any kind of interesting complication (date window with a cyclops does not make the jump for me)
· No visible case back
Breitling Pros:
· Beautiful and unique dial
· Open case back
· Applied Arabic Indexes (especially like the cut off at 2-4-8-10)
· A higher end Chronograph (in this price range)
· Available to actually buy
Breitling Cons:
· Thicker case (13 mill is not great, not terrible)
· Shorter service interval (5-6 years, Rolex recommends 8-10)
· Poor resell value on the secondary market (goes around -30-40% compared to retail price)
I’m interested in my fellow watch fan’s thoughts, opinions on the “subject” so to speak. I am about to visit my local Breitling AD next week to try on the Premier B09, unfortunately I can not do the same at Rolex store due to obvious reasons. Looking forward to your comments 😊
Have a nice day,
Laszlo
Breitling looks smoking hot 🔥
Breitling gets my vote. Rolex is a great choice also buy that when you are an older more boring person. I bought my first blue dial Chronomat in 1989 after I sold my Rolex Datejust and a Sub to finance some home appliances. So it is true you can always sell a Rolex, essentially Rollies are portable property.
I have both. Rolex is definitely my first choice
Between the 2, I’d get the Rolex. A pistachio green coloured dial doesn’t appeal to me and would only be usable in quite specific situations.
If you hear someone whispering “Datejuuuuuuust” in your ear at night and it’s not your partner, you’d better get a priest in the do an exorcism or get the Datejust.
It means you still have the Datejust at the back of your mind. Getting a substitute will only mean spending more and going back to get it in the future.
Every time I get alternatives to what I really want, I end up spending more, buying more to fill that void and many a time, I end up buying what I originally wanted.
Breitling all day everyday for me 😉
The Breitling is awesome and a watch that makes a statement, but don’t you want to be treated like a peasant and finally told you are worthy?
Breitling, especially with the pistachio dial 🔥.
The Breitling Premier Pistachio is such an eye-catcher since no other brands really make a watch with that shade of green, so I would pick that alone for its uniqueness
Im torn between the two. I personally would go with the Rolex because it’s more my style. But you sound like you would be able to rock the breitling. And from the text I feel like your head says Rolex and your heart says Breitling, and we all know that the heart should always win. (And there is also a 31st birthday coming where you could get the Rolex 🤓)
Datejust for me. I had, surprisingly, a positive experience with the AD and got mine only 5 weeks after the enquiry! And it's an iconic watch in my opinion.
On the face of it it should be the breitling. It’s more watch and a real looker.
However the more I think the more the roles appeals. The breitling will lose you money right out the gate and it’s a bit of a novelty. Also rather think. Where’s the Rolex is an icon that will work in any situation.
Personally I’d go Rolex. Or if my heart really wanted the Breitling get it second hand..
I think the Breitling is so much more watch for your money. Given you LIKE IT, it's the better choice in my opinion. Plus it looks so nice.
I recently got the chance to get a sub at list, couldn't do it. Went with something else. I wanted a rolex, but I also need it to be loved. Else wise what's the point of buying it?
Edit: if you haven't already, I would suggest you try them on first. Wearing them both may answer your question in half a second.
It’s a tough call for sure. I’m having a hard time picking one. But I think I know how you can. Which one screams at you the most? Either way you’re getting a great watch. Good luck.
I really like my Breitling. The only issue I have with it is the conical shape crown. I’d prefer a more grippy one. Otherwise I’m going to side with Breitling.
Rollie!
Would be better if you make it a poll
As the local Breitling stan, I'm likely not the best person to give advice, but seeing one in person, that pistachio dial really pops. I haven't handled a Datejust yet, but I have had my fingers on the similar Breitling B25 Datora. Fit and finish is excellent and I haven't had a bad experience at any Breitling dealer yet. I was almost offered a job there too.
Breitling is too often slept on and the B09 is one of their ranges with some extra spice that I really love.
I abslolutely love this Pistachio watch, and it’s definitely a hit list consideration.
That said, I enjoy wearing my Rolex because I don’t really have worry about taking it off. They are extremely robust. That datejust will take gardening, playing with your kids and dog, the pool, the beach, hiking, the dishes, etc. It will become a part of you. That breitling is best worn during certain occasions. If you don’t have a Rolex, get the datejust. I particularly like that smooth bezel variant, especially for a young guy like yourself.
Breitling FTW. George Kerns is doing great things with the brand and the minimalist recycled packaging is admirable.
However I would be sure to try the pistachio on wrist. I saw one at the Breitling boutique in Manchester, and to me it is a colour that attracts you to the model rather than the colour you take home.
Depends on what you got?! For a one watch collection. The Rolex any day.. But for a piece in the collection? The Breitling no doubt
When given a choice, always choose Rolex.
Breitling all day for me.
In a Chronograph , Rolex over Breitling even though I love both . In a Dress watch like an OP obviously Rolex , and still a Sub over a Breitling diver . But who wouldn’t want a Toptime or a Pistachio dial 🙂
quien soy yo para decírtelo, solo sigue a tu corazón con el que te atraiga sin llegar al capricho, a la final si compras uno con el tiempo terminaras comprando el otro. porque el vicio de la horología ya te pico. personalmente te diría cómprate un casio, pero quien soy yo para influir en tus gustos y tus pasiones. En ese dilema mismo estoy si compro un homenaje del junhans de max bill llamado loreo o pago la tarjeta de crédito para el mercado del mes.
Get the Rolex.
A Rolex today is like gold jewelry was back in the day. If times ever got tough, you could melt the gold jewelry down and sell it.
Same with a Rolex. Should ever have hard times, God forbid, you can quickly “monetize” the Rolex.
First off, big thanks for all advice on the pros and cons!
Well… as it turned out, neither of the contenders will be my next watch :D Tried both on the wrist a few days ago, now I have a much clearer perspective.
The Breitling did not convince me in person, unfortunately. The dial is nice and all, but in the videos, it looked way more stunning than it actually is (at least from my point of view). Besides that, the strap was unbelievable stiff and could not follow my wrist as it supposed to do. Looked like a potato on my wrist.
On the other hand, I had the chance to try on the Rolex 41 with Jubilee strap, white gold bezel and blue fluted motif dial. It absolutely blew my mind, looked mesmerizing with this combination. I fell in love on an instant, shortly after that, I was pulled back to reality. The reality of the waiting time, which is estimated to be 1.5 years!!! Came kind of a shock to me, because I read on some forums that usual waiting time is between 3-6 months for this model.
Since becoming a grain of sand in the Sahara Desert did not require any kind of commitment or deposit in advance, I put my name on the holy Rolex waiting list. Even though hell knows what may happen in such a long period of time…
Late comer to this post… aesthetically speaking, the Pistachio is the clear winner IMO. I love it’s a manual wind and having tried it on, the fit is perfect on my 6.5” wrist. Hope you found your birthday watch! 🤙🎂
IMO the blue dial Oysterdate is gorgeous
That Pistachio Dial is to die for. Has to be the Breitling. Dare to be different, you won't regret it.
Two great watches however two very different watches. The answer may lie in what type of watch you are looking for as opposed to Brand. Best advice I can offer is try on both and then decide. I have always made my decisions after trying the watch on. If you can't find the exact version of DJ you like try on any DJ or OP 41 just to get a feel. I bought my DJ 36 this way and I'm very happy with my choice.