The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Saw one in my AD and know it is now discontinued. So I have a few questions, if anyone can help.

When was it discontinued?

It was a special edition and I wonder how many roughly were made?

Is there still love for this watch?

It is the chrono version (not complication) in steel.
Shall I save up and go for a more modern breitling instead?
The only reason l like it is the size, smaller then other "Bentleys".

It was discontinued a couple of years ago and there was no restriction on how many made (special edition is fairly meaningless) and as Breitling don't reveal production numbers by model then there is no way of knowing.

Should you get one, well that's up to you. It is available at pretty significant discounts.

Absolutely. It remains one of my favorite Breitlings, and my single favorite of the Bentley line, although I wish they had made a black-dial version. I'm sorry they discontinued it.


Only you can decide that. Buy what you like. If you like what is currently available, by all means, go for it. But I don't think you should feel like you "should" get a newer model, just because it's newer, and therefore more current. IMO, many older Breitlings are aging very well, whereas many of the current offerings already look dated.

I think all the Bentley Marks had the platinum bezel, the reason for the very high retail prices.

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Justin
Please contact me via PM for the contact details for Govberg Jewelers
Govberg is an AD for over 50 fine Swiss and German watch brands.
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Saw one in my AD and know it is now discontinued. So I have a few questions, if anyone can help.

When was it discontinued?

Roff already answered.

It was a special edition and I wonder how many roughly were made?

Ditto

Is there still love for this watch?

Absolutely. It is a beautiful watch. What killed it was the price resulting, from the platinum bezel.

It is the chrono version (not complication) in steel.
Shall I save up and go for a more modern breitling instead?
The only reason l like it is the size, smaller then other "Bentleys".

There is nothing un-modern about it. It has the classic Bentley look just as models still being produced. It is the only Bentley in that size range. There is a new 42mm model coming out, but personally I prefer the Mark VI. I think Breitling would still be making it if they hadn't had to price it so high because of the platinum bezel. Breitling never admits a mistake, so reissuing it with a SS bezel was not an option. The fact that it is avialable at tremendous discounts is because of the initial pricing, not because there was something inrerently wrong with the design (except the metal chosen for the bezel)

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SHARKMAN

I love this watch, but I wish it was larger!

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End of Discussion.

X 5

There are enough mongo-sized Bentleys. Frankly, I'd rather see Breitling kill it off then re-introduce it in a larger size.

Have you guys ever tried one on with the bracelet? It wears much larger than a 42mm watch. Long lugs with the closed end links really boosts the size. The white dial makes it feel larger as well.

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SHARKMAN

Yes, when I was in Jamaica, the AD there actually let me go for a walk outside with it so I could see how I liked. Then when I went to Bahamas I looked at it again, could have had it for under $8,000 with a SS bracelet, and also a leather band. If it was larger, I would have definitely bought it.

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End of Discussion.

There are two reasons for discontinuing that model:

In the cooperation with Bentley, Bentley has set a minimum price for Bentley watches. As the Mark VI would have been below that price, Breitling has decided to add the platinum bezel for the steel model to increase pricing. They shot a little bit above the target...

With the more or less invisible platinum bezel, it was hardly possible to sell the quantities necessary for beeing a successful model (or to make money). The gold model sold surprisingly well, the steel platinum was really tough. The 1461 was a little bit better, as the more complicated movement was better value.

BG
Thomas

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http://www.ellert.at

Curious, do you know how much of a cut Bentley actually gets?

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End of Discussion.

you really need to try it on. it is a nice watch but IMO the lugs are long and that could sway your decision.

It is not a question of cut, but Bentley just does not want to have BfB watches for discount pricing...

BG
Thomas

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http://www.ellert.at

I just checked out the standard Mark VI on Authenticwatches.com, and they're showing a black-dial version. I never knew Breitling made one - I thought it was limited to silver, brown and blue.