IMO the ability of any watch to hold its value is based on one simple premise, supply and demand. Breitling watches have traditionally been over produced and as a result have been available at a discount. How much of a discount depended on the specific watch. There are those that will say you can a brand new Breitling at 30-35 percent off. That may be true, but not necessarily true for every model. Certain models are not as popular as others and therefore will be available at a greater discount.
Rolex enthusiasts will be quick to point how Rolex watches are a great investment and will hold or increase in value. That may be true now, but five years ago it may not have been the case. When Rolex changed their sales model and began to manipulate the market, the prices of their watches began to stabilize. Further manipulation and publicity resulted in increased demand and as a result, higher prices in the secondary market. However you must consider that Rolex does not operate under the same constraints that Breitling does. Rolex does not have to answer to its shareholders while Breitling must.
My advice is to try to remember why you are buying the watch in question. Are you buying the watch because you love it and plan on keeping it, or will you be looking to sell it down the line. If you are purchasing the watch to keep, then resale should not enter into the equation. If you are concerned about the watch holding it's value, then purchasing a Breitling watch at list price may not be your best option. The boutique experience can be very satisfying, but it comes at a cost. Only you can determine it you are willing to pay that price. As a repeat customer of the NYC Boutique, I can tell you that the Boutique may not negotiate on the price, but they can offer you a better purchase experience, extra straps, or swag to offset the price difference. Again, the decision is yours to make.
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