Longines VS Breitling: Which is Better for You?

Comprehensive comparative analysis of Longines and Breitling Which is Better for You models: Case finishes, movement precision, dial details and production tolerances are examined in detail with Saat Detective expertise standards.

Today we will compare Breitling VS Longines from different angles and see what kind of picture we encounter:

History | Brand Awareness | Labor & Watchmaking | Price & Retail Value | Warranty | Second Hand Value

Longines VS Breitling

Let's start this comparison with a brief history to better understand where both brands come from and where they are today.

History

Longines

Longines has something unique about it. They have been in this industry since forever, but they have never left their hometown and have been operating from the Swiss town of St-Imier since 1832. Longines was the first watch brand to have an official logo as a registered trademark, and by 1867 they had become more industrialized and began mass producing watches in their first factory.

Over the years, Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart, Kate Winslet and many other famous names adopted the Longines brand. Today, Longines is part of a holding company called Swatch Group.

Breitling

Breitling, also of St-Imier origin, is approximately 52 years younger than Longines and was founded in 1884. Their watches are known for being precise, practical and often innovative, especially for aviators. Breitling used to source its movements from common caliber suppliers such as ETA and Valjoux, but since 2009 it has also been producing excellent mechanical calibers in-house.

The list of celebrities who wear Breitling watches is quite long. This list includes astronaut Buzz Aldrin, actors Bruce Willis, Tom Cruise, Jerry Seinfeld, Harrison Ford, John Travolta, musicians Miles Davis and Usher, NHL ice hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, and MLB baseball icon Cal Ripken Jr., to name just a few. Today, Breitling is part of a private equity firm called CVC Capital Partners.

Brand Awareness

Longines is the 24th most recognized Swiss brand and the 5th most recognized Swiss watch brand in the world. According to a recent study by Interbrand* (a brand valuation agency), the estimated brand value of Longines is around CHF 1,089 Billion (Swiss Francs).

Breitling is the 15th most recognized Swiss watch brand in the world. The estimated brand value is CHF 359 Million*. Is Breitling a big watch brand? Definitely! In fact, it is a very big brand, but most people remember the Longines brand more than Breitling.

Workmanship & Watchmaking

Longines and Breitling differ somewhat when it comes to workmanship. The construction of the average Breitling watch feels more solid and durable than the average Longines. Mechanical Longines watches almost always come with a transparent sapphire case back that allows you to see the machined mechanical movement. Longines introduces Conquest V.H.P. in its Conquest series. It produces some Very High Precision quartz watches known as.

While Longines watches are considered elegant and sophisticated, Breitling watches have a more rugged and sporty look and often come with a closed case back instead of a transparent case back. This is not because the mechanisms are not pleasing to the eye. On the contrary, they are beautifully crafted and aesthetically appealing mechanisms. Longines also has quite a few watches with a very classic and vintage look; If you are looking for such a watch this could be great.

Breitling has innovative movements and distinctive features such as the World Time complication. Breitling has introduced some important innovations to the chronograph complication. They invented the two independent pushers we see on most chronographs today and introduced the first automatic (self-winding) chronograph watch in 1969.

Moreover, Breitling watches are almost always COSC certified chronometers, proving their high precision. Even electronic quartz watches are approximately ten times more accurate than equivalent quartz watches and are COSC certified. It is a higher level; That's why they call them Superquartz.

Although both Longines and Breitling produce sporty and classic watches, Breitling tends to focus on tool watches produced specifically for professionals in the aviation industry. Longines, on the other hand, focuses on more classic models. Many watch enthusiasts do not hesitate to say that Breitling is one or two steps ahead of Longines. Breitling may be a slightly less well-known brand to the average consumer; However, Breitling watches are on average considered a higher-end brand and are in higher demand. They are often compared to brands like Omega in terms of quality and workmanship.

Price and Retail Value

Longines is definitely the more affordable brand. When you want to buy an entry-level Longines watch, you can purchase a men's Longines Conquest Quartz watch for less than XXX at the full list price. Breitling, on the other hand, is much more expensive and you should expect to pay over XXX for the cheapest Breitling watch at full retail value.

Of course, there will be a difference in the type of watch you get at this level. The cheapest Longines watch is a quartz model (i.e. battery-powered). The cheapest Breitling watch is a mechanicalwatch known as Chronomat Colt Automatic, a self-winding model powered by gears and springs. Watch enthusiasts often turn to mechanical watches; because there is a kind of mysterious, esoteric appeal to the way these clocks work.

At the other end of the price range you find some of the most expensive Breitling watches, such as the Breitling Bentley Flying B priced above XXX, selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars. These are usually produced in very limited numbers; such as the watch with model number J28362, which is limited to only 50 pieces worldwide. Many extremely high-end Breitling models like this are included in the Breitling for Bentley collection.

Even the most expensive Longines watches have price tags in the low 5 figures; This is still an expensive watch for the average person. However, it still doesn't even come close to the price level of the most expensive Breitling watches.

You can find discounts on both Longines and Breitling watches online by shopping at sites like PrestigeTime.com. Some models may even be available at 50% or more off retail price.

Longines Breitling

Warranty

Longines watches have a 2-year warranty covering any manufacturing defects and/or battery replacement. However, damage caused by situations such as exposing the watch to underwater conditions exceeding the waterproof limit, physical impact, damage to the glass or normal wear and tear are not covered by the manufacturer's warranty. In short, be sure to take proper care of all your precious watches.

Breitling, on the other hand, offers a 5-year warranty with the same coverage as above. Breitling has extended its warranty to 5 years, about a year after Rolex started offering a 5-year warranty period on its watches. Recently, more and more luxury watch manufacturers are offering extended warranty periods. However, the average warranty for most watch manufacturers is still around 2 years.

Second Hand Value

People generally do not buy a product with the intention of selling it. However, we are often asked questions such as: "Do Longines watches retain their value?" and “Do Breitling watches retain their value?” So there are some people who are very forward-thinking when making a high-budget purchase. Let's answer these questions, shall we?

Most watches do not retain their value very well and are certainly not built to increase in value over time. The rare occasions when they do appreciate are too rare and exceptional to consider watches as any kind of investment. Just like a car, the value of a watch begins to depreciate the first time you use it. There are a few exceptions to this; such as some watches that are extremely rare or produced in very limited editions. After all, everything comes down to supply and demand.

However, there are some brands that retain a higher percentage of their value. Two brands worth mentioning are Rolex and Patek Philippe. Breitling and Longines both lose some of their value after use. However, Breitling watches often retain slightly more of their original value than Longines, thanks to high demand in the US.

Second Hand Longines Second Hand Breitling