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Patek Philippe Vs. Breguet Watches [Detailed Brand Comparison]

Posted on November 14, 2022November 15, 2022 by Anne Bensons

They are people who simply appreciate fine watches, and then they are horology aficionados. The former would be thrilled to find a low-budget watch that is simple yet recognizable, but the latter are the ones who have a sophisticated appreciation for the craft, history, and horology that goes into the production of different watch brands.

It is these horology aficionados that know that a Patek Phillippe or Breguet on the wrist of a man goes beyond a status symbol to reflecting his appreciation for incredible quality and watch mechanics.

With Patek Philippe bringing on exceptionally well-crafted, and insanely complex watches, more and more debates on the watch internet universe have arisen comparing the brand to Breguet – the only timepiece on planet Earth that echoes the classic British and French pocket watches of the 18th century. Can there be the last brand standing at the end of this battle? Let’s find out!

Patek Phillippe vs Breguet: who’s the best?

Patek Philippe has become one of the world’s most well-established luxury brands, which is widely recognized as the luxury watch par excellence and at the same time offers collectors a great form of investment. Just as their famous tagline says, you never truly own a Patek Philippe, you just take care of it for the next generation.

Breguet on the other hand is famous for inventing the tourbillon around the end of the 18th century and was the first watch brand to feature the guilloché technique on its dials. Its founder Abraham-Louis Breguet is widely regarded as the best watchmaker of his time.

If you are seeking which is the better option between them, we can’t make that decision for you. However, you will find the highlights of each brand alongside the pros and cons spelled out here. The truth is both Patek Philippe and Breguet compete in the same luxury segment, but they do not perform in the same way.

They are in many respects complementary and that’s something you can notice once you compare watch brands like Blancpain vs Breguet vs Piaget timepieces. All three are among the oldest surviving watchmaking brands that started as manufacturers of watch movements even though their style is comparable. This article aims to provide an in-depth review of these top-of-the-line watch brands and we have simplified the information needed by comparing these brands in different sections.

Breguet

No true watch enthusiast can mention Breguet without evoking the Tourbillon, the Breguet overcoil, or the first watch with keyless winding immediately. Incontestably one of the oldest surviving watchmaking brands, Breguet has the richest watch brand in history.

It was founded in 1775 by Abraham-Louis Breguet and is credited with pioneering numerous watchmaking technologies such as the tourbillon (invented by Abraham Breguet in 1801), the world’s first self-winding watch called the Perpétuelle (invented in 1780), and the world’s first wristwatch, invented in 1810.

Abraham-Louis Breguet quickly rose to fame as his inventions gained recognition and became the top choice of European nobility while enriching the watchmaking world with revolutionary inventions such as the tourbillon, the Breguet overcoil, and the first functioning shock-protection system, the pare-chute.

Beyond these iconic innovations, Breguet also impacted the watch world by creating Breguet hands and numerals. After the death of Abraham Breguet in 1823, his son, Antoine-Louis Breguet took over the fast-growing company and maintained top-quality standards, so much so that a Breguet watch became a sure sign of wealth and success.

Breguet’s current catalog comprises a wide range of timepieces with classic designs. They include the Classique and Classique Complications collections (modeled after the company’s historical timepieces), the Tradition collection, the Reine de Naples and Héritage collections, and the Marine and Type XXI collections.

Pros	Cons
•Flawless craftsmanship with highly detailed and extremely well-made timepieces that come at a reasonable price point when compared to its competitors.	•Not a great investment piece at the moment.
•Over 240 years of tradition	•The high price point for entry-level watches
•Precise in-house calibers
•A mind-blowing amount of complications such as a tourbillon, perpetual calendar, or minute repeater
•Refined and timeless style and design
•Highly operational movements that showcase an exceptional standard of horological art

Patek Philippe

Patek Philippe, the ‘Rolls Royce Boat Tail’ of all watch brands was founded 183 years ago.

Just like Breguet, it is an old watch manufacturer with an uninterrupted watchmaking history. It was named after Antoni Patek and Adrien Philippe who jointly founded it in Geneva and has remained one of the few independent Genevan watch manufacturers that are still family-owned.

From iconic watches with tourbillons to some of the most complicated mechanical watches in the world, Phillipe is widely known to be one of the most prestigious watch manufacturers in the world that builds nearly every component for their watches themselves.

Considered the ‘crowning piece of any watch collection’, Patek Philippe has a legacy for crafting some of the world’s most exquisite timepieces out of precious metals like gold or platinum. Although stainless steel editions exist, they are very few in Patek’s catalogs, making them a fantastic investment option. Its iconic collections include the classic Calatrava, the sporty Aquanaut and Nautilus lines, the feminine Twenty-4, and the outstanding complications and grand complications.

Pros	Cons
•Prestigious luxury timepieces	•Long waiting lists and wait times. (The Patek Philippe Nautilus for instance has a waitlist of about 30 years!)•Great investments option•Expensive•Modern in-house calibers that ensure high precision•Inventor of many important complications•Longevity and timeless designs•Expert craftsmanship•Supreme and durable materials

Patek Philippe vs Breguet

Movements & Quality

Both Patek Phillippe and Breguet value quality and precision. They craft their watches with the highest quality materials which are designed to last a lifetime. Breguet uses in-house made High-frequency mechanical movements and it is not shocking to know that it was among the first watch brands to outfit movements with anti-magnetic silicon components since it has been making watches since 1839 with utmost care and precision.

Patek Philippe began manufacturing self-winding movements in the year 1953 and since then has developed a number of high-performance mechanisms that form the basis of its beloved complicated movements. If you compare Patek Philippe vs Breguet’s movement finishing, Patek is in another league completely and would outpace Breguet, but not Breguet’s Tradition line.

Style & Design

Breguet timepieces all bear the pedigree of original design with a unique styling that stays ahead of Patek Philippe when it comes to the case, dial (especially guilloche), and hand finishing. But when it comes to dressing watches, Patek Phillippe’s Calatrava is the most iconic high-end dress watch.

Both brands offer everything from timeless calendar watches with elaborate dials, to incredibly functional and visually pleasing timepieces that feature diamonds and fine engravings. Patek’s style approaches that of a classic luxury sports watch (such as the Patek Philippe Aquanaut) while the Breguet Classique and marine watch collections epitomize the watchmaking principles of precision, clarity, and elegance but not so much of flashy luxurious style. All in all both Brand’s timepieces feature dazzling aesthetics that will outlive several lifetimes.

Price

Patek Philippe crafts some of the world’s most prestigious and expensive timepieces but Breguet’s watches offer a better value when it comes down to horological content. The price point of a Patek Philippe watch compared to a Breguet watch is probably the largest difference that sets these two brands apart.

In December 2020 eight of the world’s top ten most expensive watches ever sold at auctions were Patek Philippe watches. The Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime (Ref. 6300A-010) currently holds the title of the most expensive watch/wristwatch ever sold at auction (US$31.19 million/31 million CHF) and models from the Complications and Grand Complications collections have prices ranging from 160,000 USD to several million USD.

Breguet watches on the hand are highly affordable and have a much lower cost when compared to Patek Phillippe with Breguet’s entry-level watches selling from around $11,500.

Brand Popularity

It’s obvious that Breguet watches portray an exceptional standard of horological art that deserves to be identified and praised but this is not the case as it has become a bit eclipsed in fame by Patek.

Brand popularity is where Patek Phillippe rules even though Breguet dominates when it comes to heritage and craftsmanship. Patek is a more well-known Swiss Watch brand with a second-to-none reputation for churning out elegant timepieces, but it was upon Breguet’s work that this was achieved.

From the simple elegance of Calatrava to the iconic Nautilus, Patek Philippe watches are incredibly popular among collectors and have become one of the most desirable watches on the market today. Breguet may be as good as Patek Philippe but the latter has a more well-known brand and reputation. One thing shared by both brands however is that demand for their watches far exceeds the supply.

Accuracy

Even though both Breguet and Patek Philippe do not send their calibers to get a COSC certificate, they do their precision testing themselves by subjecting their watches to in-house inspections. Patek Philippe Seal guarantees an extreme rate accuracy with a tolerance of no more than -3/+2 seconds per day and has its timepieces checked (both the uncased movements and finished watches) in several phases during the manufacturing process.

Breguet also imposes very strict requirements on the manual finissage of its movements to ensure top-notch accuracy. The Breguet Classique Chronometrie ref. 7727 for instance features a mechanical movement escapement that beats at a rate of 72,000 bph (beating most standard ETA movements that operate at 28,800 bph) ensuring an accuracy of approximately +1/-2 seconds per day.

Warranty

Even though both companies are prestigious watch brands, Patek Philippe and Breguet both seem to be lagging behind other top watch manufacturers like Rolex and Tudor when it comes to warranty. Rolex, Omega, Longines, and Tudor all offer a five-year warranty but Patek Philippe and Breguet both offer a warranty of only two years (24 months) from the original date of purchase.

Whilst the industry-standard warranty is actually two years, many watch companies have gone beyond that and now offer five years of warranty, some eight, and some even longer. Patek Philippe’s warranty even expires if interventions are performed by unauthorized third parties.

Resale value

Resale values for different watch brands are hardly static since it depends on many variables and as a result, it is difficult to predict the future. Breguet might not be as expensive initially, but it does not maintain value nearly as well as Patek Phillippe’s timepieces particularly since it began mass-producing its watches.

Currently, Rolex and Patek Philippe are the two most notorious brands for holding resale value and according to data, Patek Philippe watches are the 4th best luxury watch to invest in. Not only do they hold their value over time, but their prices also appreciate, making them a perfect investment option. Thus, Patek Philippe’s resale value trumps that of Breguet, whether vintage or modern but this can change in the near future.

Which Has A Better Ranking Patek Philippe or Breguet?

According to a recent report by a brand evaluation agency known as Interbrand which publishes a list of the best Swiss brands in the world, Patek Philippe stands as the third most internationally recognized brand in the Swiss watch business. It also took the 15th position as the best Swiss brand in the world while Breguet’s position was 25.

A Morgan Stanley report in association with Swiss consultancy firm LuxeConsult estimates Patek Philippe’s sales at retail were around CHF 2.03 billion in 2021 making it the 6th most powerful brand in the industry. Breguet lags behind Patek Philippe in this regard too with its brand value being around 1 billion CHF and it is ranked the 18th most powerful Swiss Watch brand.

Comparing A Popular Patek Philippe Watch With A Popular Breguet Watch

Now that we have completed an in-depth comparison of Breguet to Patek Philippe, let us take a look at some models of both companies.

We wish to reinstate that there is no ‘better’ choice and none of our descriptions is presented in a bid to ‘sell’ one brand over another. It all comes down to your personal preference, as both Patek Philippe and Breguet are pretty similar in terms of quality and prestige.

The only main difference is found back in the name. Patek Philippe is known as a sign of wealth and success, whereas Breguet is often linked to vintage watches

Patek Philippe 5196R vs Breguet Classique 7147 rose

Patek Philippe 5196R

Coming from the celebrated Calatrava line, Patek Philippe 5196R is recognized as one of the finest symbols of the Patek Philippe style and the very essence of the round wristwatch. One of the major reasons why this watch is so popular is because of its beautiful and elegant look. It epitomizes understated elegance and features an 18kt rose gold case of diameter 37mm and finely encapsulates the wrist with its brown alligator leather strap.

What makes it stand out is the opaline dial that houses rose gold hands in addition to index hour markers. A close look at it will reveal that the minute markers are carved around the outer rim and a small seconds sub-dial is located above the 6 o’clock position.

Aside from a beautiful vintage look, this watch is powered by the 215 PS caliber and features a manual wind movement that ensures a gliding rotation of the hands with a 44-hour power reserve that ensures accuracy and better performance of the timepiece while increasing the lifespan of its battery at the same time. The price range is from 19,000USD to about 63,990USD.

Breguet Classique 7147 rose

Apart from the different movements and years of production, the Breguet Classique 7147 rose shares a lot of similarities with the Patek Philippe 5196R. It presents this 40mm watch in rose gold with a delicately fluted case band, sapphire-crystal case back and features a white “Grand Feu” enamel dial with Arabic numerals.

Aside from a stunning aesthetic, it comes with a flawless finishing and a precise in-house caliber of the highest quality. Its offset and stepped-down small seconds sub-dial between 5 and 6 o’clock is also extremely functional and its self-winding movements are exquisitely decorated. It is comfortable on the wrist and the price range for a Breguet Classique 7147 rose is from 15,800USD to about 21,000USD

Patek Philippe Calatrava 5196R	Breguet Classique 7147 rose
•Brand: Patek Philippe	•Brand: Breguet
•Reference number: 5196R	•Reference number: 7147BR/29/9WU
•Movement: Manual winding	•Movement: Automatic
•Case material: Rose gold	•Case Material: Red gold, Rose gold
•Bracelet material: Crocodile skin, Leather	•Bracelet material: Crocodile skin, Leather
•Year of production: 2004, 2012	•Year of production: 2019, 2021, 2022
•Gender: Men’s watch/Unisex	•Gender: Men’s watch/Unisex
•Location: Austria; France; United States of America	•Location: Germany; Japan; Switzerland; United Kingdom; United States of America
•Movement: Manual winding	•Movement: Automatic self-winding movement
•Movement/Caliber: 215 PS	•Movement/Caliber: 502.3 SD
•Case material: Rose gold	•Case Material: Red gold, Rose gold
•Case diameter: 37.0 mm	•Case dimensions: Diameter: 40.0 mm, Thickness: 5.4mm, Lug-to-Lug: 44mm, Lug width: 20mm.
•Water resistance: 3 ATM (30 meters/100feet)	•Water resistance: 3 ATM (30 meters/100feet)
•Crystal: Sapphire crystal	•Crystal: Sapphire crystal
•Dial: Grey, Silver	•Dial: White
•Bracelet material: Crocodile skin, Leather	•Bracelet material: Crocodile skin, Leather
•Bracelet color: Brown	•Bracelet color: Brown
•Clasp material: Rose Gold	•Clasp material: Rose Gold
•Power reserve: 44 hours	•Power reserve: 45 hours
•Warranty: Two years	•Warranty: Two years

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Breguet worth buying?

Yes. Breguet is a prestigious watch brand that has been in production since 1775 and many of Breguet’s watches provide tremendous value at an affordable price.

Is Patek Philippe the best watch in the world?

Patek Philippe is undoubtedly one of the world’s best watch manufacturers. It is one of the ‘Big Three’, or the holy trinity of watches (a designation that watch experts gave to the most prevalent luxurious watch brands in the world) in addition to Audemars Piguet, and Vacheron Constantin.

Blancpain Vs. Breguet Watches (DETAILED Brand Comparison)

Posted on November 14, 2022December 22, 2022 by Donald Shaw

Introduction: A heavyweight battle between two of the oldest and most prestigious watch brands in history. And while you may think there are more similarities between these brands than differences, we are here to deep dive into each brand and explain what sets them apart from each other.

History

First, a brief history of these two brands.

Blancpain, founded in 1735 in Villeret, Switzerland by Jehan-Jacques Blancpain in the upper floor of his house, is the oldest surviving watchmaking brand still using its original name. The brand was owned by the Blancpain family for nearly 200 years before being purchased the early 1930’s by two former staff members of the company and continued to operate for another 30+ years, producing some of the most iconic timepieces ever made, including the famous Fifty Fathoms dive watch and the 1735 Grande Complication, of which only a single model is made ever year.

After being bought by what would become the Swatch Group in the early 1960’s, then sold in the early 1980’s to Frederic Piguet, and then repurchased back by the Swatch Group in 1992, they are now one of the flagship brands of the company. Not many brands can rival the history of Blancpain, but Breguet can.

Founded in 1775 by Abraham-Louis Breguet in Paris, Breguet is responsible for some of the most important inventions in watchmaking history, including the invention of tourbillon movement in 1801, the first self-winding watch in 1780, and the world’s first wristwatch, introduced in 1810, which was made for Napoleon Bonparte’s sister.

Notable patrons of Breguet watches include King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, whose piece, the Marie-Antoinette pocket watch (No. 160) was commissioned especially for her, took 44 years to build, and can still be seen in a museum in Jerusalem. Like Blancpain, Breguet changed ownership several times over the past couple of decades, and was eventually purchased by the Swatch Group, who currently owns the brand.

Styling Differences Between the Two Brands

While the history of the brands is rather comparable, the styling between the brands is considerably different.

Blancpain has, over the years, become almost ubiquitous with its most iconic sports watch, the Fifty Fathoms. The Fifty Fathoms was created in 1952 and was the first modern dive watch ever created, paving the way for Rolex and others.

To this day, the Fifty Fathoms and its variants make up a majority of Blancpain’s catalogue with over 99 variants, including variants with chronograph movements, grande date complications, moonphases, tourbillons, and GMT complications. While the brand does make dress pieces under its Villeret line, when you hear the name Blancpain, you think of dive watches.

And that’s not a bad thing, as the two main variations of the Fifty Fathoms, the Bathyscaphe and the Automatique, are both gorgeous watches with styling all their own. Breguet’s styling, on the other hand, has stayed true to its 250+ year old history, making some of the most elegant and stylish dress pieces on the market while largely avoiding the sports watch segment.

Their Classique line features dozens of different iterations with some of the most complicated movements known to watchmaking, and even their two current sports lines, the Marine and Type XXI, are some of the dressiest sports watches on the market. And you can’t mention the name “Breguet” without recognizing the eponymous “Breguet Hands”, the most iconic handset in watchmaking outside Rolex and Blancpain.

Movements Used

Both Blancpain and Breguet are, without a doubt Haute Horlogerie and, as to be expected manufacture, if not all of their own movements, a vast majority of them.

Blancpain has prided itself as having never using or producing a quartz movement, or ever making a watch with a digital display, and that commitment to automatic movements has led to their creation of some of the best calibers for the value in the entire industry. And despite being fully owned by the Swatch Group, every movement is made in-house and is used exclusively in Blancpain’s timepieces.

Their most used movement, the 1315, is found in both the Fifty Fathoms Automatique and Bathyschaphe and is an absolute workhorse. It features 35 jewels, a power reserve of 120 hours, and beats at 4hz. And while the word “chronometer” does not appear in any of the literature for Blancpain, you can rest assured that a brand that takes manufacture calibers as seriously as Blancpain does is going to have very little variation in the accuracy of their movements.

Breguet, similar to Blancpain, relies almost exclusively on their own manufacture calibres. This was not always the case as, after their acquisition by the Swatch Group, Breguet began using Lemania based movements. However, over the years those movements have become almost exclusively used by Breguet. The movement used in most of Breguet’s entry level pieces, the 777 (and its variants) features 26 jewels, beats at 4 hz, and features a power reserve of 55 hours.

However, you don’t buy a Breguet for its most basic movement; you buy a Breguet because it has created some of the most impressive movements in the history of watchmaking. And to this day, they still make some of the most complicated movements in the world, including movements with minute repeaters, tourbillons, double tourbillons, retrograde calendars and perpetual calendars. Outside the “Holy Trinity” of watchmakers, no other brand on earth takes such pride in their high complications as Breguet.

Popularity, Pricing & Resale Value

Neither of these brands are anywhere near the popularity of Rolex or even some of the Swatch Group’s more affordable brands like Omega or Longines, but that’s not why you’re buying a Blancpain or a Breguet. You’re buying these brands because of the horological history and their contributions to watchmaking.

By far the most popular model of Blancpain’s is the Fifty Fathoms. The most entry level Fifty Fathoms, the stainless-steel Bathyscaphe on a fabric strap (Ref 5100 1140 NAOA) begins at around $9,500, and increase from there depending on the case material, band material and the type of complication being used. My personal favorite, the Fifty Fathoms Automatique Grande Date (reference 5050 12B30 98B) retails for approximately $20,000.

Breguet’s most affordable line is actually their Type XXI line, which is a line of pilot’s watches featuring flyback chronograph movements (more on this later). However, you’re not buying a Breguet for their chronograph; you’re buying it for the class that’s exuded in their dress pieces, and these models start around $17,000.

My personal favorite, the Breguet Classique (Ref 5177BB/2Y/9V6) begins around $23,000.But, let’s be real here. If you’re reading this article, it’s probably not because you are interested in an in-depth history of the two brands; it’s because you saw a timepiece that was so incredibly beautiful and unique that you had to do some research.

And the good news is that one of the best things about these two brands is that they can be found for incredible value on the secondary market, giving you chance to own true Haute Horlogerie for a relatively affordable price.

Used pieces for both Blancpain and Breguet can be found for as low as 60%-70% of the retail price, which is staggering value when you consider these two brands have similar history and quality to the Holy Trinity, and offer so much more than Rolex for roughly the same price. And since both brands are owned and backed by The Swatch Group, you can be confident that they will continue to maintain their reputation in the industry and the value of your preowned piece will be relatively stable.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms vs. Breguet Marine

Blancpain fifthy fathoms vs Breguet Marine

Before we wrap up, I think it’s appropriate to provide a comparison between two of the brands more famous models. And while both brands make truly exquisite dress pieces, the comparisons will focus on sports watches, and we will start with the first divers watch ever made, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms.

Responsible for the design and features that have defined dive watches ever since, you have a true dive watch, with at least 300 meters of water resistance, a unidirectional timing bezel, lumed circular indices, and big bulky 45mm case to ensure that you can see the time under water. Make no mistake, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms is a tool watch with a high horology movement, not an haute horology piece masquerading as a tool watch.

And on the other hand, you have a much more practical timepiece in the Breguet Marine. How often are you descending deep into the depths of the unknown, using only the bezel on your wristwatch to time your dive? How often do you need the lume on your watch to do anything more than take a quick peak at the time in the middle of the night?

The answer is probably not too often, so in this case, perhaps the Breguet Marine, with it’s perfectly adequate 100 meters of water resistance, more wearable 40mm case, significantly more styling options, and much more elegant design is for you.

Breguet Type XXI vs. Blancpain Air Command Flyback Chronograph

One of the important moments in the recent history of Breguet, and for the history of the pilot’s watch in general, was the introduction of their Type XX chronograph in the 1950’s. The Type XX was the civilian version of the original Type 20, which was a mil-spec watch produced for the French Air Force. It quickly became one of Breguet’s signature pieces.

Reintroduced in 1995, the model has evolved to the current iteration, which is now referred to as the Type XXI. Produced in two variations, the 3815 in steel and the limited edition 3817 in titanium, they start to retail for around $14,000. The steel variant (reference 3817ST/X2/3ZU) is an absolute stunner with its slate grey dial and oversized numerals.

Beating inside is the the flyback chronograph calibre 584 Q/2, which beats at 4hz, has a power reserve of 48 hours, and is beautifully displayed through a sapphire caseback. And it’s a beefy boy, as appropriate for a modern sports watch, measuring at 42mm in diameter and 15mm thick.

Blancpain’s history with a flyback chronograph, while perhaps not as far reaching as Breguet, is no less impactful. One of the brand’s most successful models ever, the Léman, was very recently replaced with the Air Command. And while you can find amazing deals on the Léman on the secondary market, it is no longer a competitor to the Type XXI.

Its successor, the Air Command was introduced in 2021 and, in my opinion, is a better overall timepiece then the Type XXI. The entry level model, reference AC02 12B40 63B, begins at around $19,000, and features calibre F388B, a flyback chronograph movement beating at 5hz with a power reserve of 50 hours, and is even better looking than the Breguet calibre. And while the case diameter is the same at 42mm, it’s a full 1.5mm thinner than the Breguet.

Just a quick bit of information for the uninitiated out there, a flyback chronograph is an extremely valuable feature of a pilot watch, as it enables the wearer to reset the current timing operation and start a new one with a single press of a button, whereas the traditional chronograph requires three presses of two separate buttons to accomplish the same task.

Final Decision

Let’s face it; you cannot go wrong choosing a timepiece from either of these legendary brands, and while I personally prefer the offerings of Blancpain, both brands offer history that is unrivalled by nearly the entire watchmaking world.

While there is certainly something to be said for the brand recognition of a Rolex or Omega, neither of those brands elicits the same kind a reaction you get by wearing a Blancpain or Breguet. And at the end of the day, what you’re really paying for is that feeling you get when you look at your wrist and realize you are one of a select few that is part of a tradition dating back hundreds and hundreds of years.

Breguet vs. Rolex Watches (EVERYTHING You Should Know)

Posted on August 28, 2022February 28, 2023 by William Boyd

When you want to collect a luxury watch, you have come to a firm decision – you are on your way to a high-profile personality. Of course, easier said than done as there are many avenues and approaches to reaching luxury. A watch is a symbol of dignity and discipline, uplifting the appearance of the person. However, it is not as easy to collect a luxury watch for everyone.

With so many brands available on the market today, narrowing down the contenders take a more streamlined approach than ever before. Purchasing a luxury watch might be intimidating in part because of the variety of options and the extremely high pricing of some models. For example, it may be difficult to pick between Brequet vs. Rolex watches or other luxury brands.

Depending on your personal sense of style and the value placed on certain brands, the process can be even more daunting. In this review, we will analyze the Brequet and Rolex brands, presenting an in-depth analysis of what distinguishes them from one another. Afterwards, you should have more confidence in making a decision that agrees with your price range and lifestyle.

Breguet Watches Overview

Breguet is honored to be the inventor of innovative production processes and technology. In 1801, Breguet invented the “Tourbillon” regulator. The Tourbillon mechanism was invented by the company’s founder Abraham-Louis Breguet, initiating a legacy that continues to this day. The Tourbillon adjusts for changes in rate resulting from a watch’s various positions.

Mounting the balance and escapement in a revolving cage is the guiding concept. It has the balance and escapement spin around its shared axis to cover all positions in order to average out any faults. Breguet Watch Company produced the final modifications to the marine chronometer in 1815, setting the way for creating the Marine Chronograph and Breguet Marine Chronograph for women’s watch lines.

Each Breguet watch has a “guilloche” face with hollow eccentric moon hands and unusual numerals, combining utility and elegance and boasting a hidden Breguet signature. Each Breguet watch has a further distinguishing characteristic as the coined edges on the case edge, often known as “case-band fluting”.

Rolex Watches Overview

Hans Wilsdorf and his relative Alfred Davis co-founded the renowned watch company in 1902. He started the watchmaking business there in London, selling timepieces with precision movements from Hermann Aegler and casings from reputable manufacturers like Dennison. The pair then gave the watches to jewelers so the shops could stamp their logos into the cases.

The initials “W&D” were frequently stamped on the inside surface of the case back of many of the early timepieces. Rolex has maintained its position at the top of the watch industry for decades thanks to the same kind of widespread, universal goodwill that often only goes to Patagonia fleeces and A-list actors in movies. Of course, its motions and finishes are top-notch, but like Elizabeth Taylor they hardly need an introduction at this time.

Brequet Vs. Rolex – Brands Comparison

While we compare the two watch brands, Brequet vs. Rolex, certain elements need special consideration.

Accuracy

Watch devotees may talk about this topic at length because of its relevance to their hobby: the pursuit of perfect chronometric precision. Outside of a case, COSC certifies Rolex movements. Once the watch’s movements pass the COSC standards test, it returns to the manufacturer. They are fitted into a cover and subjected to additional testing until they achieve an accuracy of -2/+2 seconds.

Rolex’s internal designation of “Superlative Chronometer” on the dial is now the de facto norm for all new timepieces bearing the brand. Although Breguet does not routinely get its watches certified by the COSC, they have shown that they can produce more accurate timepieces than the COSC requires. Therefore, Breguet doesn’t represent its product as the most reliable. They aren’t quite as precise as Rolex but revered for their historical place.

Brand Popularity

A recent survey by a brand value firm found that Rolex is the most well-known Swiss watch brand, outperforming Breguet and all other Swiss watchmakers in terms of consumer demand. They have become the most famous luxury watchmaker in the world, with approximately one hundred percent brand recognition in every country.

Maybe that’s why their logo includes a crown. This type of brand identification is what most brands work diligently for across generations, and rightfully, Rolex has earned it and continues to maintain its status at the top of the industry. Breguet, a stylish name in the watch industry, comes in at number six on the list of top watchmakers, behind leader Rolex.

Aesthetes of fine timepieces and the industry’s history are most likely to recognize the name Breguet. They made more substantial early contributions to the age-old expertise of heptic watchmaking, making them a more crucial historical brand than Rolex. Rolex is far and away the more well-known watchmaker than Breguet.

Brand Prestigeousness

Rolex may be the best-known unique timepiece brand, yet it is often ranked behind Breguet in terms of prestige. This is one of those itnricacies of branding where being extremely well-known can be viewed by some as a hindrance – more obscure brands often can get misconstrued as offering more appeal as they are more rare and less likely to be worn en masse.

Breguet is among the oldest companies continuously operating in the world of timepiece manufacturing. They have established themselves as an expert in watchmaking thanks to their numerous inventions, developments, and achievements.

The advertising campaign and overall Rolex brand are geared toward the typical consumer. Breguet, in comparison, is more exclusive and distinguished since it targets upper-income earners and watches enthusiasts. Breguet is a more prestigious name in the watch industry than Rolex.

Horology

Abraham Louis Breguet was responsible for the creation of a number of remarkable pieces that have contributed to the enigma and mystery that surrounds mechanical watchmaking nowadays. Rolex may have improved upon the self-winding rotor that Breguet invented, but compared to Breguet, they haven’t achieved nearly as many significant advancements in the watch industry.

This is a little-known fact that many not familiar with the fine details of watchmaking are not privy to, but for watch enthusiasts and collectors, it is one worth noting. In particular, the limited edition Marie-Antoinette pocket watch was the most complex timepiece Breguet ever made. Its manufacturing came with no constraints on time or money. Breguet watchmakers worked on it for 44 years, spanning two generations. Through this success, Abraham-Louis Breguet became the best watchmaker in history.

Resale Value

With all other brands considered, Rolex is superior in this regard. Rolex watches are the most sought-after because of their prestige and excellent resale value. For individuals seeking to own a worthy watch that will retian its worth for longer, Rolex is the brand they can rely on.

You can’t even begin to call it an investment because of how quickly it loses value. Due to their shallow growth rate, they are unsuitable investments. Therefore, you will expose yourself to more risks and lose a remarkable value. This is another consideration that watch enthusiasts and collectors will be concerned about as it may make or break the deal.

Retail Value

Breguet watches start at a price point almost double that of the entry-level Rolex. However, many factors beyond the manufacturer’s suggested retail price determine their true market worth. When compared with Rolex, the suggested retail price of a Breguet is significantly more.

On the other hand, Rolex prices have soared in recent years, notably for their most popular and unique sports models. There’s a chance that some will double their suggested retail price. Specifically, Rolex’s decision to delay goods, which has driven up demand, is to blame.

Water Resistance

Breguet and Rolex both make dive watches and both brands are known for producing excellent pieces to add to their collections. A Breguet Marine Royale dive watch with a water resistance of 300 metres is sufficient for recreational scuba divers.

However, if you’re a professional scuba diver, you’ll need a watch with at least 600 meters of water resistance. The Rolex Sea-Dweller is an excellent illustration of this because it can withstand depths up to 1220 meters. With a 3900m/12800ft rating, this watch is more than ten times more resistant to water.

Warranty

Rolex provides a warranty duration for their watches that no other company offers. The warranty duration for Rolex watches is for five years. In comparison to Rolex, the warranty duration offered by Breguet is just two years. Still, in the luxury watch industry, a two-year guarantee holds a considerable value to be standard.

FAQs

What is your opinion about Breguet as a watch company?

It’s been a while since a descendant of Abraham Louis Breguet was in control of this famous watchmaker, but preserving the founder’s heritage remains a top concern. Look here for incredibly well-crafted, crazily intricate timepieces with Breguet’s signature hands with a tiny circle around the hand’s tip.

Patek Philippe vs. Breguet finishing: Which one is most appealing?

Apart from Rolex, Patek Philippe has the greatest average resale value in the industry, and its corporate motto tries to subtly and gracefully underline that fact. The Patek Philippe offers a higher level of appeal than the FP Journe and Braquet.

Rolex vs. Lange vs. Breguet: Which one stands out the most?

Rolex, Lange, and Breguet are the three competent brands that are all popular among watch enthusiasts. Rolex is popular due to its history, marketing, and quality of its watches. Breguet has loads of high-end watches that attract every watch lover. However, the Lange has a next-level shape and structure that fixes at heart and upgrades your personality up the roof.

Which one will you choose: Breguet Type XXI vs. Rolex Daytona?

Rolex Daytona is a name of prestige among watch fans. Individuals who want to uplift their personality tend to bring a Rolex Daytona home. Though it has a supremacy legacy, Breguet Type XXI is a competent and prominent alternative to Rolex Daytona. Though the styles are different, their impact on your looks remains intact.

Is Breguet more expensive than Rolex?

The entry cost, as well as the retail price, are the two essential values determining prices. Though Rolex is a high-end brand with high prestige and a luxurious feel, the Breguet is not the less. Both cost of entry and retail price of the Breguet watch is more than any Rolex watch.

Is Breguet worth buying?

Breguet watches are mass-produced, implying that their supply-demand value is robust. The value depreciates when something has an excellent supply more than its demand. Therefore, these watches do not retain their worth over time, and you can’t mark them as an investment. They are not investments but rather consumption goods.

How prestigious is Breguet?

Breguet is quite a prestigious brand due to its rich history, robust advertising strategy for average-class individuals, and high-end watches. Since the quality is the best, the entry and retail costs are high for Breguet watches. This way, it ranks higher as the most prestigious watch brand.

What are better watches than Rolex?

While Grand Seiko is a direct rival of Rolex regarding price, elegance, and craftsmanship, Seiko provides more economical alternatives that look wonderful, have a rich history, and do not cost an arm and a leg. The Seiko Prospex SPB155J1, often known as the Seiko Alpinist among enthusiasts, is an excellent example.

Conclusion

In the market for a luxury wristwatch, you will discover a vast selection of possibilities, and of course, your own perception of what components are the most important when it comes to selecting a watch is what truly matters. The collector must examine the watch’s beauty, functionality, and the user’s wants and desires.

The choice of watchband is essential since it has a robust impact on an individual’s personality. At the end of the day, any of the watches from these brands would be considered a step above typical brands, but an astute eye and research informs the final decision.