Breitling is a brand name in itself, but why do their watches cost so much? Well, not only are you paying for quality, but you are paying for a number of things. Some include:
Scientific Research and Watch Development
Breitling watches, like the Breitling Emergency, have some high tech features. Some have over 1,000 feet in water resistance, some help pilots navigate the sky, and some help adventurist and athletes get out of some slick spots.
Someone has to test every feature out to make sure they work, and to make sure they are the best watches your money can buy.
Materials
From glareproofed sapphire crystal cases to 50 plus jewels included in the movement, materials cost a lot of money. Especially when some Breitling watches are even made of Titanium; add it all up and you’ll see why your $30,000 watch cost that much.
The Breitling Watch Brand
This is pretty self explanatory, Breitling has made a name for itself since the early 1800’s. A brand name is everything, especially when technology allows hundreds of companies to attempt at replicating them. An original Breitling watch can be passed down from generation to generation.
Brand Ambassadors
This is one of the most obvious reasons why your Breitling watch is high priced. When celebrities like Gordon Ramsey, Bear Grylls, and John Travolta wear Breitling watches, you know it’s not going to be cheap. You are paying for a brand that is worn by the greatest in the world.
So all in all, research, materials, celebrities, and the Breitling name is the reason why your Breitling watch is worth the money.
Breitling has been a huge sponsor of the MedCup for years. Last year Audi became the premium sponsor and the name changed from TP 52 Breitling MedCup in 2007 to Audi MedCup in 2008.
Audi had a great run in 2008, but something was missing. They must have picked up on it to because this year they will be joining forces with Prada for the MedCup in February 2009. They will also be sponsoring a yacht, “Luna Rossa”, which will join the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series and display the Audi and Prada logos.
The big question? Will they be able to pull it off Breitling style? Here are some highlights from the last Breitling sponsored MedCup in 2007:
Royalty is still alive today and Breitling has a front row seat in the castle. I’m not talking about a video game, I’m talking about France and the second annual Cholmondeley Pageant of Power announced by LORD Cholmondeley to take place on July 18 - 19.
Before you raise an eyebrow think competition, fast boats, Breitling watches, fireworks, Bentley, and jets. Combine them together and you get the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power at the Cholmondeley Castle. This event is packed with some spectacular visuals:
Bentley motors will have a large display area where they will display historic and modern cars. This will include the 2003 Le Mans winning Speed 8. Derek Bell will be piloting the vehicle around the Cholmondeley circuit.
Breitling will be there with the Breitling Jet team performing a close formation display along with other military and civilian helicopters.
Cholmondeley fireworks and a concert will be included for a great family outing as well as marching bands, military hardware, tanks, and much more.
However, everyone is looking forward to the inshore powerboats which will be competing in the Cholmondeley Championships…the winner will get the Breitling Trophy.
Here is a 1 minute highlight of the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power 2008
Sometimes, in this market, sellers have to do a little extra to sell a home, and that’s exactly what George Hajjar of the Hajjar Group decided to do when selling two multi-million dollar homes in Arizona.
The first perk, the Breitling Continental GT (see below), includes a 12-cylinder engine, hand crafted cabin, leather interior, bluetooth telephone system, keyless entry, Infotainment System, intelligent engine management, and a Breitling clock in the dash board.
The second perk, a Breitling for Bentley GT Chronograph Steel watch (see below), includes a Breitling Calibre 18B, 21,600 vibrations per hour, 100 meters of water resistance, screw-locked crown, rotating bezel with variable tachometer, cambered and glareproofed sapphire crystal, and a 44.8 case diameter.
To check out the great perks there is an open house on January 10-11 and January 17-18.
Source: Cartier Watch Blog
Here are three additional famous people who wear Breitling Navitimer watches:
Dave Chapelle
Yes, the controversial yet funny man Dave Chapelle wears a Breitling Watch. Dave Chapelle is the former host and star of Comedy Central’s most popular show, The Dave Chapelle Show, and on most days can be seen wearing a Breitling Navitimer.
John Travolta
I know this isn’t a surprise since John Travolta is known for supporting Breitling. As a certified pilot with over 5,000 flight hours and owning his jumbo jet, aviation is in his blood and he wouldn’t wear any other watch. Mostly seen in the Breitling Navitimer, but he wears just about anything Breitling
Simon Cowell
American Idol bad boy judge and a music producer Simon Cowell wears a Breitling Navitimer. Simon is known for his blunt comments on American Idol and not being afraid to hurt contestant’s feelings…
Stay tuned for Part Four of Famous People Who Wear Breitling Watches.
In Famous People Who Wear Breitling Watches Part 1 we focused on Gordon Ramsey, Bear Grylls, Miles Davis, and Criss Angel. Continuing out exploration of what famous individuals wear Breitling watches, here are four more famous individuals who love the brand.
Buzz Aldrin
Buzz Aldrin, the astronaut and legend, wears a Breitling Emergency Watch like other explorers and adventurers. Even in his younger years his Breitling Emergency watch graced his wrist on many occasions.
Cal Ripken Jr.
Everyone’s favorite Minor League Baseball Hall of Famer wears a Breitling watch. The “Iron Man” played a record 2,632 games in 16 season and is known for the MLB’s ” Most Creative Moment” in history. He usually wears a Breitling Colt. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Nick Lachey
Nick Lachey loves his Breitling watches and is known for wearing a number of models. The singer is most known for his role in 98 Degrees and his marriage to singer Jessica Simpson.
Leonardo DiCaprio
One of my favorite actors and box office super earner wears a Breitling Chrono Avenger.
Stay tuned for Part Three of Famous People Who Wear Breitling Watches.
So exactly how popular is a Breitling watch? You can always tell the popularity of any product by how many celebrities wear them. With the recent buzz about President Barack Obama’s TAG Heuer watch, I thought I would take a look at which celebrities wear Breitling watches faithfully.
1. Gordon Ramsey
My favorite chef and star of Hell’s Kitchen, Kitchen Nightmares, and author of hundreds of books wears either a Breitling Navitimer, Breitling Chronomat Longitude, or a Breitling Chrono Avenger.
2. Bear Grylls
A show I never miss, Man vs. Wild star Bear Grylls wears a Breitling Emergency watch and for good reason. He uses his watch to make sure that if he or his camera men get into some trouble, help is on the way.
3. Miles Davis
The legendary jazz musician Miles Davis wore a Breitling Navitimer until his death in 1991.
4. Criss Angel
Revolutionary Illusionist wears a Breitling Diamond Super Avenger.
5. Tom Cruise
Always smiling and charismatic Tom Cruise wears a Breitling Emergency Mission.
Stay tuned for Part Two of Famous People Who Wear Breitling Watches.
It seems like when you ask a pilot, adventurer, or even a golfer, what is the first thing they purchased, Breitling watches seem to always be on the list. It’s no different for Dustin Johnson who after winning the Turning Stone Resort Championship upped his earnings with 1.8 million dollars… and what did he do? You guessed it…The first thing he started splurging on a GMC Yukon Denali for this uncle, a 24 foot fishing boat, and a Breitling watch.
So, if I was Dustin Johnson I would definitely get the Breitling Flying B Chronograph which includes a Breitling Calibre 44B, COSC certified chronometer, mechanical self winding movement, 28,800 vibrations per hour, curved glareproofed sapphire crystal on both sides, large calendar display, and an array of choices in cases, dials, and straps.
Seems like Dustin has great style, and not just in watches… check out his amazing footage: