I tried this approach with a girl once. "You are beautiful, but mostly on the inside." "Your S.O. doesn't appreciate you." "If you were with me everybody would know how great you are." "Look, I drew you a picture of us happily married with our three kids so that you can visualize how happy we would be." I think it was really working but unfortunately she immediately changed schools and her phone broke, so I was unable to see the fruits of my efforts.
hahahahah unconventional comparison, but I see where you're coming from. But think about it like this... if hundreds of girls watched you treat her so kindly, quite a few would be knocking at your door. This wasn't just a pitch to Breitling, its an ad for my firms work ethic and perspective. And clients are calling!
I think this needed to be said. I’ve been a lifelong admirer of Breitling and fell under their spell around 47 years ago. I felt the same joy and excitement you describe your uncle having when I was finally able to buy one. However, as much as I love my current watch, I have no plans to buy another one. Despite their success, something is missing. They are going in a direction that I won’t follow. The cost cutting is showing now and no amount of marketing can convince me to buy a luxury product at a vastly inflated price, when the item is cheaply packaged and hides behind the “it’s for environmental reasons” bullshit. If I’m paying luxury prices, I expect a quality product with luxurious packaging. I want recognition that I’ve spent a lot of money to purchase their brand. I’ll get that with other brands, but sadly, no longer with Breitling. What a pity.
No-one mentions the extreme cost cutting measures that have taken place on models issued since the hedge fund takeover. The new Chronomat is a shadow of its former self, with a list of cost cut corners as long as my arm. Its basically a Colt now, with B01 movement. Even the new wings logo on Navitimers is hollow silhouette, to save as much metal as possible.
My first mechanical piece was a Breitling Superocean Professional a17345... After 20 years of ownership, a thorough service and 30 odd more pieces added to the collection, it still stands among the favorites in my watch box. Timeless style and a 5000ft depth rating at 41mm.. I love it and will never let it go.
I recently sold my company that I spent a lifetime building. As a gift to myself I bought a a solid gold Breitling Super Chronomat. Not a Rolex or a Patek as expected. I bought a Breitling. im so proud of it and wear it everyday with zero regrets.
I think Brietling is hugely underrated. Quality wise , it deserves much more appreciation than this. IMHO, a smart and well-represented manufactured movement in all product lines is needed.
Great sales pitch.... However, when will marketeers understand that the consumer, in the end, only really gives a stuff about the product. For that Kern needs an award, not an open letter.
After watching the Zach Skow piece, I wanted a Breitling for the first time. Admittedly, seeing one on Brad Pitt’s wrist in Bullet Train primed me a bit, but seeing a celebrity wearing a $40k watch on the silver screen doesn’t even come close to making me feel the way your piece did.
Story? We sell watches … end of story. End of story for pretty much all watch manufacturers. Breitling watches are of sound quality and functionally very well designed (other then other expensive brands),
In 2017 I got my Breitling Transocean Day Date, white dial, mesh bracelet .... 43 mm. Maybe it is a bit too big so I waited for a 39 mm version of this wonderful elegant sporty watch. My friends ask me always: What is this elegant thing! It is a totally different Breitling to the Avengers, Chronomats, Superoceans and Navitimers ... Dear Breitling, please bring the Transocean back.... Thank you. Greetings from Germany - Thanks for this great verbal letter - Great piece of video art work
Brilliant! You have told a story that reminds so many of us, the watch "people", of what a particular watch & it's brand means to us. This story usually starts when, as youngsters, we see our hero with his watch. This watch then becomes a symbol, a grail, an embodiment that we grow up to, aspire to become, without ever actually being able to put it into words. For me it was a rose gold Rolex Bubble Back that I held close to my face by grasping my fathers wrist, as he casually hung his arm over my young boy's shoulders. It is still with me now, decades & decades later. You Sir, have managed to encapsulate this, almost ineffable spirit, & put it to words. Thank you...
I have found there is also a culture problem at my local Breitling boutique. Even as a serious buyer the reps I get paired with consistently act like they’d rather be anywhere other than work. On the other hand, Omega has a boutique literally next door with a staff full of people you can tell are enthusiasts. Guess who is getting my money?
May I ask do you live in or near Scottsdale? I have been to both the Breitling and Omega boutique's at fashion square where they are directly across from each other and have had similar experiences. The Breitling reps were alright but I didn't have the warm friendly experience I would have liked. I did visit the boutique a few months later and they were more helpful since I think they realized I was a serious buyer. When I went to the Omega boutique, one of the reps was the most passionate and knowledgable person I've ever met in person about watches, and not just Omega but all watch brands. That being said, I wouldn't let an individual salesman influence my decision to buy a watch, I'm ultimately going to buy the one I want and I actually just bought navitimer 43 b01 black dial with gold wings, the discontinued version off chrono24 as my first ever luxury wrist watch and am absolutely thrilled with it.
Such an incredible story, hearing the success and hard work that the watch represents makes such a big impact compared to seeing a macro shot of a cgi watch spinning over a nondescript rendered background
Just bought my first ever luxury wrist watch, a Breitling Navitimer 01 43 black dial with the gold wings logo, the discontinued one. Arrived a week ago from a Dutch dealer outside Amsterdam that I got off chrono24 and could not be more happy with it. It's a watch I've been saving up for the last 15 months since June of last summer which is when I first got into watches. I remember going to my local AD, Watches of Switzerland in May of 2021, which had Rolex, Tag, Omega, Grand Seiko, Tudor and Tissot and just being absolutely blown away by the Breitling section and the Navitimer in particular. I just fell in love with the piece with how busy it was and with the brand in general as it made me feel like a WWII fighter pilot when i looked at that watch through the display case, my first love. Also fell in love with the brand, especially the more I learned about their contributions to horology with the development of the two pusher chronograph and their supply of cockpit instruments to the Royal Air Force in WWII. It was and still is my favorite watch brand and speaks to me more than any other, even Rolex.
Absolutely Amazing !!!!!!! Why wouldn't they even contact you to say... Well Done..... and Thank you... I was looki8at a few of there watches and compared to the Omega ones... I'm sorry... But I don't fell good about spending ($6k) on a company that can't even say.... Thank you.. And we all know who love quality masterpieces... We as buyers need to feel a connection with both the watch and with who made it as well.... I'm 58 years old and bought and still buying watches I love but I don't feel you respected me as a buyer that you can't even pick up the phone yourself and reach out with a simple thank you for the time and effort it took to showcase our company and beliefs... So I will look and buy elsewhere.... Greg Medbourn
Great video Christian. Nice job. If nothing else, "we" loved it. I have a Breitling Airwolf Raven. Would love a Navitimer, but want them to up the game to 100m water resistance. 30m just makes it scary to wear daily.
I leave a lot of other watch CZcams channels thinking about hype and what my watch is missing. While, this is an effective strategy it is short sited. I think this channel understands that watches are not a zero sum game. A breitling add that makes me look at my accutron and smile will in the end make me more likely to be interested in a breitling in the future. It’s passion, plain and simple.
Well said, great video Christian. You have a unique connection to the brand because of your story. I think Breitling has definitely made strides in the last few years, but they are just missing something that other large luxury brands have. I recently parted ways with my SO Special. It was a great watch, but I yearned for more. I am not saying I would not buy another one, but at the price point of most Breitling watches there are better options out there.
Watching this beautiful and touching video reminded me of an old saying - “For it is better to have loved and to have lost, than to not have loved at all.”
So arrogant. Why are you so special that you EXPECT breitling to praise your brilliance and give you their business? They are doing fine, they don't need you.
So Breitling is doing better yet you critique the success that you admitted exists because they won't hire you? Sounds like begging to me. Breitling should continue to do what has shown works and ignore you.
I'm not sure how I just came across this video, but man can I agree with it! 15-20 years ago, I felt like Breitling had an identity I could get on board with. They made "instruments for professionals" and had more obscure, interesting spokespeople (deep sea divers, mountaineers, astronauts, pilots, etc.). Unfortunately, their watch lineup at this time had far too many model lines and it felt like they were radically changing designs of core models every few years (like the Chronomat in 2009). Fast forward to now, Kern has trimmed down the model lines (and brought back some of the old ones), but the "professional" identity of the brand is gone. They turned to movie stars to promote their watches (like every other brand) and just became generic. Don't even get me started on the ridiculous "Santa squad" marketing dumpster fire that they double down on every year. I'm genuinely embarassed to wear my Breitlings around the holidays. If I were coming into the watch game now, I don't think I would even look twice at Breitling because I can't figure out what the brand wants to be . . . other than everything to everyone. Now they're even making a tourbillon complication again, which a brand like Breitling has no business doing (anyone remember the train wreck that was the Breitling for Bentley tourbillon?). From interviews I've seen of Kern, I feel like he has the right mentality, but his words and the current brand positioning are not aligning for me. He may have brought onboard more overall customers to the brand, but he has lost the die hard ones like me, and many others on this thread. It pains me that the brand responsible for getting me into watches in the first place is now a brand that I resent owning in my personal collection.
Wow this is absolutely beautiful!! Been a huge fan of the show and also love the Breitling short film you guys put together. Keep up this awesomeness!!
I like breitling. I really wish they expanded the Navitimer chronograph lineup with more size options. I guess movements are a limit, but how nice would a 39mm manual wind Navitimer be?
did you try on the new Navitimner 41? case is 39mm, "41" refers to the bezel size in mm- precisely the same diameter that vintage 806 Mk4 (1964) and later had.
I hope this comment does not get deleted like other critical comments in here. I agree with Fratello Watches: you really shot yourself in the foot here, Christian. Firstly, the commercial is terribly cheezy, in parts resembling one of those cringe-worthy American cholesterol/pharma ads with no relation to the product. And then, when you get no reaction to a business pitch nobody asked for, (you've had a good shot at it - fair play - but it was obviously a 'no' or better a ‘not interested’) you go all sulky online to school one of the most experienced and successful CEO's of the watch industry about marketing and PR and why he is wrong not to accept your (paid!) help. Even worse, you bring your own dead relatives into play and try to capitalize on them (for business purposes, in public!) to bolster your passion's authenticity - which is simply tasteless. There are a million other ways of showing your passion for Breitling as a business man. A litte less ego would have saved you from exposing yourself to ridicule, Christian. Nobody in the watch industry apart from a few keyboard warriors in here think that this was a good idea. It doesn't put a favorable light on you as a potential contractor.
Thanks for taking to time to write this even though it may be deleted - this is universally what everyone I know thinks of this entitled rant. I hope this comment isn’t deleted as well since it seems that comment sentiment is the ROI Christian likes to tout to watch brands apparently.
Admire a lot the love you’ve placed into the brand and the personal reasons behind it. I’ve been following the channel for quite some time and truly enjoy it, I’ve built a sort of one way friendship with you and would love to meet you in Italy one day for a drink. Because of this “friendship” I am sending this message with some advice, from a watch lover, a marketing guy on love brands in EU and mostly someone that would honestly be happy to see T&H grow globally. The Breitling video I’ve seen almost three times and it is a touching story, true turnaround of a life, however very far away from the new positioning Breitling is trying to achieve (and not that well)… Have to say, especially the celebrities, all “Breitling squads” videos have this allure that just doesn’t connect with consumers however getting a customer is understanding what brand image they want linked to their brand and providing them with a storytelling that resonates with their customer base while developing that exact brand image. The mission of Breitling: “Breitling celebrates the collective spirit of squads united in pursuit of their mission. Fuelled by camaraderie and driven by purpose, we accomplish more together than we could alone”. The video proposed while able to connect more with consumers is moving away from that direction and more in the redeemed, the turnaround from a toxic life style to a new beginning to help others… it’s a one man story… you have all the creativity and heart to make a Breitling video that finally connects with consumers and makes them feel part of a squad with a true purpose that goes beyond climbing a mountain or doing a triathlon.
Good for you t&h! I enjoyed the video and you are 100% correct. They should only dream of that kind of response to the humanitarian efforts achieved by some of their competitors
Georges Kern does recognize the power of storytelling, because that’s the only way you can grow luxury brands and sell a watch with an intrinsic cost of $800 for $7,000. In this presentation, Georges Kern discusses how he did this at IWC within his first 10 years as CEO: czcams.com/video/IOGlRNrdHQs/video.html
I watched the IWC video and he clearly knew how to promote IWC to the upper 1% of luxury buyers. I wonder what you might think about his naming IWC as equal to Patek and JLC. Either way Breitling needs more personal relatable stories that appeals to their target market which is the rest of us.
I watched his video. Super interesting. Kinda disgusting too. Really turns me off to Georges Kern. He is straight forward, but I just can’t relate to his “style” of marketing - parading celebrities like that 🤮… most celebrities are lame, and fake. Why would I want a watch just because celebrities were paid to wear it by a watch brand that openly admits their products are amazingly overpriced? It makes my skin crawl.
@@g.shumway5925 also, just like most all brands - they are building that story and image through their direct Boutique & retail distribution, where they can engage customers in THEIR own stores to immerse customers in the story - and we love that, don’t we?
Brilliant storytelling….what an emotional delivery of your message. Keep up making heart felt stories and modelling real masculinity…vulnerable, authentic, and caring
Damn, that Breitling spot was a spec commercial?! Hats off Christian and the gang. You’ve definitely been heard and if they don’t want to listen, their loss.
I own a Steelfish xplus but my real treasure is a 1972 Transocean chronograph blue dial 7102 that was built when Willy Breitling still owned the company. It was part of a cache of nos watches that he stashed away. There is history there no one ever knows about.
Speechless That’s all the reason why we buy watches, whatever the brand is. It’s all about the feeling, emotions and time for remember the fact that all this represent.
I understand an emotional connection to a watch that came from a loved one, but does it matter what brand it was? On the other hand whether a brand is worn by a dog lover or a rich pro. athlete who was paid to wear it, I'm not going to aspire to anything I don't like the look of, is the wrong size, costs more than I can justify spending, etc.
I had no idea that the Breitling video was produced by Christian/LMF. I just assumed it was put out by Breitling because the quality and content was so high. Outstanding work.
Funny thing. I was in a Breitling store last weekend. As a graduation gift, I was there to purchase my step son's first real watch. I looked at Breitling, but when he asked "what's special about a Breitling?" I didn't have an answer. As he is into Formula one, it was easy for him to choose a Tag Heuer. I've actually been wanting to add a Breitling to my collection. I seriously wanted to, but in seeing this video I understand why I didn't.
If you don’t want more, or push for more, you automatically get left behind. Brands have to realise the heritage means nothing if nobody knows about it. Great video. Please let us know if Breitling respond in anyway - this will tell you everything you need to know. 🙂
You made me want to love Breitling, I don’t currently, but I want to. You understand what few do, people make decisions with their hearts. No exception. You cannot sell someone on and idea, a brand, a strategy if they don’t feel something for it. The more they feel the less you need to coax their brain. But without the heart, you cannot get anywhere. And to entire another heart you have to bare yours, you have to genuinely feel, you can’t fake it, and it is very hard. But when someone genuinely feels something and offers it to another as you just did, I don’t care if you’re in sales, advertising, I don’t care if you’re a mechanic, you have to use your heart to be good at what you do. Thanks for this, I may never love breitling, but someone will because of that story.
Issue … Breitling and all watch brands don’t make money from us (the enthusiasts) .. they make money from people walking in off the street who don’t know much about watches and just drop $5k because something takes their eye.
In many ways, you’re right. But I disagree on where you’re applying the principle. The larger market (non watch enthusiasts) are easily fooled on technical information. But they are, however, moved by messaging. The next question would be distribution. The mass market consumer is fairly likely to google a watch before he buys it, and he should be met with beautiful video and storytelling. But for all of those consumers that would never google (of which there are plenty) and rather just go into a boutique… they should be met there will a whole world of content and creative. Don’t forget, boutique design is a huge part of this. The furnishing tells a story that is aimed at everyone, maybe most of all the mass market. These people aren’t impervious to story telling. In fact, they’re most exposed to it.
@@TheoandHarris Agree with the boutique part .. And actually, the Breitling boutiques (at least in Europe) are some of the best I've been in .. lots of story telling with aviation and adventures themes. Enough for Joe public to get excited about anyway in my view!
Thank you Christian for making the watch world a better place!! I always try to explain to people that the price of the watch or the brand is not what makes me love mechanical watches, but the story they carry which reflect my own personality. Keep up the great work👍
And I have to ask...was that Superocean bezel artificially lightened? I find it hard to believe it lost that much color in the last 9 years on its own.
Incredibly moving piece; I looked at my Chronomat 44 in a new light after this and wondered whether I'd get the opportunity to have the same moment with my kid someday
So much truth right here! 👍 The name Breitling means alot to me. For me it was always basically a synonym for unattainable luxury back when I was running around as an apprentice chef earning €500 a month. Fast forward 12 years and when I turned 30, I bought that Superocean Heritage II and could not have been prouder of myself. It is a piece I will never sell and means so much more to me than it probably should.
Amen! But quick point of clarification … there are plenty of people with decades old affinity for the brand. But I haven’t been able to find anyone that breitling has built a true passion/connection with in modern brand history…
@@TheoandHarris Christian, I have a question. What is your opinion on this video or "poem" from Breitling in 2018 about them and their collaboration with the Royal Air Force? czcams.com/video/BTsSVRzN2as/video.html Personally as a huge avation fan and WWII history guy, I thought it was extremely moving and well done. I agree some of their commercials before from the early 2010's with guys flying the P-51 mustang and f-4 Corsair with scantily clad women may not have been the most tasteful but this particular video really emotionally connected with me, mores o than any other video a watch brand has made. I'd love to hear your thoughts as this is the type of thing I feel like you'd like to see more of from them.
The covetousness, the wanting to have a pre-Kern Breitling has disappeared with the Kern Breitlings! A Breitling until recently it was recognizable as a Breitling even without branding. That's changed a lot since the 'BOY GEORGE' days. Apart from the PRE KERN Chronomat, a real Breitling is an indestructible watch for me.With the latest new releases, Breitling is leaving the path of robust men's watches and is clearly becoming a mass product. In fact, the group is losing many collectors who valued the habit of a tool watch and are now getting nothing.MISSION TO SHAME!!
Breitling is the ONLY watch any aviator aspires to own and EVERY pilot aspires to own one. How did they capture that loyalty? That’s what they need to replicate across the various watch lines. Do THAT.
That's so true! First thing I bought after completing my commercial pilot training was a Breitling Aerospace, I felt like I deserve it, it was part of the dream of becoming an aviator. We love Breitling.
Yep…. the problem is …..there aren’t any Amelia Earhart’s, Chuck Yeager’s or Bad-ass former pilot astronauts that are in the forefront of “cool” any more. Breitling could tell this story by backing up a Brinks Truck and having Tom Cruise and Harrison Ford do passioned commercials for them. Whether you like it or not… Those are the 2 most famous pilots alive today. Plus the public KNOWS that they have the money to buy a 1 of 1 Patek. But if they chose an aerospace??????. People would know it was a serious piece of machinery. This would bring immediate credibility and desirability across the whole brand to the public.
I have to say that the people in my Breitling boutique are AMAZING. They're watch nuts without a doubt. I wore a 1980's chronomat into the store and the sales rep immediately said, "Hey, did you know that Jerry Seinfeld wore that exact watch?" Pretty cool 😎 I think you're right about their problem though. And I believe the last 20 years of bling has created the problem.
Try walking into a Tournneau (also a Breitling AD) and you'll be ignored worse than at a Rolex boutique. Makes me wonder how Tournneau sells any watches.
Awesome vid Breitling really do need to promote themselves more and I’m a big fan. I have one equipment question, which lavalier mic system did you use? The sound is amazing.
This was a wonderful video, but all said, if they still don't want to work with you just move on to other brands, you've done your part for them and you continue to hold on to those good memories of your uncle through his timepiece so that itself is awesome. Great Job!
My issue with Breitling is they make gigantic watches. Might as well be Invicta. Unless you have arms the size of the Rock, their watches look massive. I think they should make watches in the 38mm with 18mm lug width, 40mm with 20mm lug width, and 42mm with 22mm lug width sizes. I'd be more interested in adding a Breitling to my collection then. The only one I am looking at adding right now is an older 38mm Colt but even then, they are so highly polished it looks like you're wearing a chrome plated cheap Walmart watch on your wrist. If I get one, I'm definitely going to brush the case lugs and bracelet.
Huge fan of you and your channel. Your homage was brilliant. Tears in my eyes. And you are one hundred percent correct. Our purchases are emotional investments and Breitling leaves you cold. You got balls!! Keep up the fantastic work.
To get there breitling has to make better watches. 1. Focus on smaller more wearable watches. Ditch everything beyond 44 or even 42mm. 2. Lose the sellitas. Its time. I don’t think its that hard to produce a better time/date calibre when you already produce a great chronograph calibre. 3.less polish on all watches. The design and built quality is already there. After these steps, the watches will do the PR for the brand.
42mm is an important size for a lot of us. This 38-40mm stuff turns me right off. I can't wear it. I like 44mm but can do without it. 42mm is my minimum though.
Absolutely incredible mate! Just wow! ❤️
I tried this approach with a girl once. "You are beautiful, but mostly on the inside." "Your S.O. doesn't appreciate you." "If you were with me everybody would know how great you are." "Look, I drew you a picture of us happily married with our three kids so that you can visualize how happy we would be." I think it was really working but unfortunately she immediately changed schools and her phone broke, so I was unable to see the fruits of my efforts.
hahahahah unconventional comparison, but I see where you're coming from. But think about it like this... if hundreds of girls watched you treat her so kindly, quite a few would be knocking at your door. This wasn't just a pitch to Breitling, its an ad for my firms work ethic and perspective. And clients are calling!
I know right…
@@TheoandHarris Boom! Solid response. If Christian had drawn that picture, Tina would have dumped that zero.
@@mattg27 😂agreed
The only sober person in this comment section
*We've got a stage 5 clinger!!* 😂
I think this needed to be said. I’ve been a lifelong admirer of Breitling and fell under their spell around 47 years ago. I felt the same joy and excitement you describe your uncle having when I was finally able to buy one. However, as much as I love my current watch, I have no plans to buy another one. Despite their success, something is missing. They are going in a direction that I won’t follow. The cost cutting is showing now and no amount of marketing can convince me to buy a luxury product at a vastly inflated price, when the item is cheaply packaged and hides behind the “it’s for environmental reasons” bullshit. If I’m paying luxury prices, I expect a quality product with luxurious packaging. I want recognition that I’ve spent a lot of money to purchase their brand. I’ll get that with other brands, but sadly, no longer with Breitling. What a pity.
No-one mentions the extreme cost cutting measures that have taken place on models issued since the hedge fund takeover. The new Chronomat is a shadow of its former self, with a list of cost cut corners as long as my arm. Its basically a Colt now, with B01 movement. Even the new wings logo on Navitimers is hollow silhouette, to save as much metal as possible.
My first mechanical piece was a Breitling Superocean Professional a17345... After 20 years of ownership, a thorough service and 30 odd more pieces added to the collection, it still stands among the favorites in my watch box. Timeless style and a 5000ft depth rating at 41mm.. I love it and will never let it go.
I recently sold my company that I spent a lifetime building. As a gift to myself I bought a a solid gold Breitling Super Chronomat. Not a Rolex or a Patek as expected. I bought a Breitling. im so proud of it and wear it everyday with zero regrets.
But Kern Breitling doesn't do yellow gold watches anymore...
He probably got it used genius
I think Brietling is hugely underrated. Quality wise , it deserves much more appreciation than this. IMHO, a smart and well-represented manufactured movement in all product lines is needed.
Like how Fratello said in their podcast …Theo take the L and learn from the life experience
Great sales pitch....
However, when will marketeers understand that the consumer, in the end, only really gives a stuff about the product.
For that Kern needs an award, not an open letter.
After watching the Zach Skow piece, I wanted a Breitling for the first time. Admittedly, seeing one on Brad Pitt’s wrist in Bullet Train primed me a bit, but seeing a celebrity wearing a $40k watch on the silver screen doesn’t even come close to making me feel the way your piece did.
Story? We sell watches … end of story. End of story for pretty much all watch manufacturers. Breitling watches are of sound quality and functionally very well designed (other then other expensive brands),
Is this Theo beggin…ahem ..asking Breitling for a contract ?
“I needed to create something for Breitling… to INSPIRE…. you to write me a check.”
In 2017 I got my Breitling Transocean Day Date, white dial, mesh bracelet .... 43 mm. Maybe it is a bit too big so I waited for a 39 mm version of this wonderful elegant sporty watch. My friends ask me always: What is this elegant thing! It is a totally different Breitling to the Avengers, Chronomats, Superoceans and Navitimers ... Dear Breitling, please bring the Transocean back.... Thank you. Greetings from Germany - Thanks for this great verbal letter - Great piece of video art work
Brilliant! You have told a story that reminds so many of us, the watch "people", of what a particular watch & it's brand means to us. This story usually starts when, as youngsters, we see our hero with his watch. This watch then becomes a symbol, a grail, an embodiment that we grow up to, aspire to become, without ever actually being able to put it into words. For me it was a rose gold Rolex Bubble Back that I held close to my face by grasping my fathers wrist, as he casually hung his arm over my young boy's shoulders. It is still with me now, decades & decades later.
You Sir, have managed to encapsulate this, almost ineffable spirit, & put it to words. Thank you...
I have found there is also a culture problem at my local Breitling boutique. Even as a serious buyer the reps I get paired with consistently act like they’d rather be anywhere other than work. On the other hand, Omega has a boutique literally next door with a staff full of people you can tell are enthusiasts. Guess who is getting my money?
May I ask do you live in or near Scottsdale? I have been to both the Breitling and Omega boutique's at fashion square where they are directly across from each other and have had similar experiences. The Breitling reps were alright but I didn't have the warm friendly experience I would have liked. I did visit the boutique a few months later and they were more helpful since I think they realized I was a serious buyer. When I went to the Omega boutique, one of the reps was the most passionate and knowledgable person I've ever met in person about watches, and not just Omega but all watch brands. That being said, I wouldn't let an individual salesman influence my decision to buy a watch, I'm ultimately going to buy the one I want and I actually just bought navitimer 43 b01 black dial with gold wings, the discontinued version off chrono24 as my first ever luxury wrist watch and am absolutely thrilled with it.
@alexanderdrury, i don’t think you wanted the Breitling in the first place, you just wanted a reason to troll..
Such an incredible story, hearing the success and hard work that the watch represents makes such a big impact compared to seeing a macro shot of a cgi watch spinning over a nondescript rendered background
CEO Kern is a genius
I have never bought a watch based on messaging. All that matters is the watch itself. Not some backstory.
Just bought my first ever luxury wrist watch, a Breitling Navitimer 01 43 black dial with the gold wings logo, the discontinued one. Arrived a week ago from a Dutch dealer outside Amsterdam that I got off chrono24 and could not be more happy with it. It's a watch I've been saving up for the last 15 months since June of last summer which is when I first got into watches. I remember going to my local AD, Watches of Switzerland in May of 2021, which had Rolex, Tag, Omega, Grand Seiko, Tudor and Tissot and just being absolutely blown away by the Breitling section and the Navitimer in particular. I just fell in love with the piece with how busy it was and with the brand in general as it made me feel like a WWII fighter pilot when i looked at that watch through the display case, my first love. Also fell in love with the brand, especially the more I learned about their contributions to horology with the development of the two pusher chronograph and their supply of cockpit instruments to the Royal Air Force in WWII. It was and still is my favorite watch brand and speaks to me more than any other, even Rolex.
Great video. What was your super ocean exposed to in order for the bezel to fade? I’ve had mine for years and it looks bright blue still
Absolutely Amazing !!!!!!!
Why wouldn't they even contact you to say...
Well Done..... and Thank you...
I was looki8at a few of there watches and compared to the Omega ones...
I'm sorry...
But I don't fell good about spending ($6k) on a company that can't even say....
Thank you..
And we all know who love quality masterpieces...
We as buyers need to feel a connection with both the watch and with who made it as well....
I'm 58 years old and bought and still buying watches I love but I don't feel you respected me as a buyer that you can't even pick up the phone yourself and reach out with a simple thank you for the time and effort it took to showcase our company and beliefs...
So I will look and buy elsewhere....
Greg Medbourn
Great video Christian. Nice job. If nothing else, "we" loved it. I have a Breitling Airwolf Raven. Would love a Navitimer, but want them to up the game to 100m water resistance. 30m just makes it scary to wear daily.
thank you!
Bro it's literally just a watch ffs
I leave a lot of other watch CZcams channels thinking about hype and what my watch is missing. While, this is an effective strategy it is short sited. I think this channel understands that watches are not a zero sum game. A breitling add that makes me look at my accutron and smile will in the end make me more likely to be interested in a breitling in the future. It’s passion, plain and simple.
wellsaid
Well said, great video Christian. You have a unique connection to the brand because of your story. I think Breitling has definitely made strides in the last few years, but they are just missing something that other large luxury brands have. I recently parted ways with my SO Special. It was a great watch, but I yearned for more. I am not saying I would not buy another one, but at the price point of most Breitling watches there are better options out there.
Watching this beautiful and touching video reminded me of an old saying -
“For it is better to have loved and to have lost, than to not have loved at all.”
So arrogant. Why are you so special that you EXPECT breitling to praise your brilliance and give you their business? They are doing fine, they don't need you.
So Breitling is doing better yet you critique the success that you admitted exists because they won't hire you? Sounds like begging to me. Breitling should continue to do what has shown works and ignore you.
Incredible work, Christian. Breitling is a brand I love as well, and I hope you get the opportunity to help shape their future.
I'm not sure how I just came across this video, but man can I agree with it! 15-20 years ago, I felt like Breitling had an identity I could get on board with. They made "instruments for professionals" and had more obscure, interesting spokespeople (deep sea divers, mountaineers, astronauts, pilots, etc.). Unfortunately, their watch lineup at this time had far too many model lines and it felt like they were radically changing designs of core models every few years (like the Chronomat in 2009).
Fast forward to now, Kern has trimmed down the model lines (and brought back some of the old ones), but the "professional" identity of the brand is gone. They turned to movie stars to promote their watches (like every other brand) and just became generic. Don't even get me started on the ridiculous "Santa squad" marketing dumpster fire that they double down on every year. I'm genuinely embarassed to wear my Breitlings around the holidays.
If I were coming into the watch game now, I don't think I would even look twice at Breitling because I can't figure out what the brand wants to be . . . other than everything to everyone. Now they're even making a tourbillon complication again, which a brand like Breitling has no business doing (anyone remember the train wreck that was the Breitling for Bentley tourbillon?).
From interviews I've seen of Kern, I feel like he has the right mentality, but his words and the current brand positioning are not aligning for me. He may have brought onboard more overall customers to the brand, but he has lost the die hard ones like me, and many others on this thread. It pains me that the brand responsible for getting me into watches in the first place is now a brand that I resent owning in my personal collection.
Wow this is absolutely beautiful!! Been a huge fan of the show and also love the Breitling short film you guys put together. Keep up this awesomeness!!
I like breitling. I really wish they expanded the Navitimer chronograph lineup with more size options. I guess movements are a limit, but how nice would a 39mm manual wind Navitimer be?
did you try on the new Navitimner 41? case is 39mm, "41" refers to the bezel size in mm- precisely the same diameter that vintage 806 Mk4 (1964) and later had.
I hope this comment does not get deleted like other critical comments in here. I agree with Fratello Watches: you really shot yourself in the foot here, Christian. Firstly, the commercial is terribly cheezy, in parts resembling one of those cringe-worthy American cholesterol/pharma ads with no relation to the product. And then, when you get no reaction to a business pitch nobody asked for, (you've had a good shot at it - fair play - but it was obviously a 'no' or better a ‘not interested’) you go all sulky online to school one of the most experienced and successful CEO's of the watch industry about marketing and PR and why he is wrong not to accept your (paid!) help. Even worse, you bring your own dead relatives into play and try to capitalize on them (for business purposes, in public!) to bolster your passion's authenticity - which is simply tasteless. There are a million other ways of showing your passion for Breitling as a business man.
A litte less ego would have saved you from exposing yourself to ridicule, Christian. Nobody in the watch industry apart from a few keyboard warriors in here think that this was a good idea. It doesn't put a favorable light on you as a potential contractor.
Thanks for taking to time to write this even though it may be deleted - this is universally what everyone I know thinks of this entitled rant.
I hope this comment isn’t deleted as well since it seems that comment sentiment is the ROI Christian likes to tout to watch brands apparently.
Thank you for this story. Your new content is blowing me away
this is not an open letter. this a pitch 🤣.. Link your statement of work, RFP, and changeability too.
Beautiful story and video. Such passion. Many people in CZcams could use just a fraction of your real self. Keep up the great work
Admire a lot the love you’ve placed into the brand and the personal reasons behind it.
I’ve been following the channel for quite some time and truly enjoy it, I’ve built a sort of one way friendship with you and would love to meet you in Italy one day for a drink.
Because of this “friendship” I am sending this message with some advice, from a watch lover, a marketing guy on love brands in EU and mostly someone that would honestly be happy to see T&H grow globally.
The Breitling video I’ve seen almost three times and it is a touching story, true turnaround of a life, however very far away from the new positioning Breitling is trying to achieve (and not that well)…
Have to say, especially the celebrities, all “Breitling squads” videos have this allure that just doesn’t connect with consumers however getting a customer is understanding what brand image they want linked to their brand and providing them with a storytelling that resonates with their customer base while developing that exact brand image.
The mission of Breitling: “Breitling celebrates the collective spirit of squads united in pursuit of their mission. Fuelled by camaraderie and driven by purpose, we accomplish more together than we could alone”. The video proposed while able to connect more with consumers is moving away from that direction and more in the redeemed, the turnaround from a toxic life style to a new beginning to help others… it’s a one man story… you have all the creativity and heart to make a Breitling video that finally connects with consumers and makes them feel part of a squad with a true purpose that goes beyond climbing a mountain or doing a triathlon.
Excellent work and message. Well done!
For a sec I thought it was Don Draper pitching to dow chemical
Good for you t&h! I enjoyed the video and you are 100% correct. They should only dream of that kind of response to the humanitarian efforts achieved by some of their competitors
Georges Kern does recognize the power of storytelling, because that’s the only way you can grow luxury brands and sell a watch with an intrinsic cost of $800 for $7,000. In this presentation, Georges Kern discusses how he did this at IWC within his first 10 years as CEO: czcams.com/video/IOGlRNrdHQs/video.html
I watched the IWC video and he clearly knew how to promote IWC to the upper 1% of luxury buyers. I wonder what you might think about his naming IWC as equal to Patek and JLC. Either way Breitling needs more personal relatable stories that appeals to their target market which is the rest of us.
I just watched that now thanks to you. You nailed it...he says it (using his fingers to demonstrate) at about 2:46 into the video.
I watched his video. Super interesting. Kinda disgusting too. Really turns me off to Georges Kern. He is straight forward, but I just can’t relate to his “style” of marketing - parading celebrities like that 🤮… most celebrities are lame, and fake.
Why would I want a watch just because celebrities were paid to wear it by a watch brand that openly admits their products are amazingly overpriced? It makes my skin crawl.
@@g.shumway5925 also, just like most all brands - they are building that story and image through their direct Boutique & retail distribution, where they can engage customers in THEIR own stores to immerse customers in the story - and we love that, don’t we?
Thanks so much for this video, very interesting, maybe this channel could have benefited viewing it before posting.
Brilliant storytelling….what an emotional delivery of your message.
Keep up making heart felt stories and modelling real masculinity…vulnerable, authentic, and caring
Is there link to that video you talk about
Extremely emotive piece, congratulations your Uncle would be proud.
A well written letter. An even better story told.
I hope Mr. Kern extends that virtual hand, at the least.
as do I!
Wow. Just... wow. I love my Breitlings (I have a few). This presentation accurately captured the emotion driving luxury purchases. Thank you!
Doesn't seem right to try to use a story about your uncle passing to get you a job.
Damn, that Breitling spot was a spec commercial?! Hats off Christian and the gang. You’ve definitely been heard and if they don’t want to listen, their loss.
I own a Steelfish xplus but my real treasure is a 1972 Transocean chronograph blue dial 7102 that was built when Willy Breitling still owned the company. It was part of a cache of nos watches that he stashed away. There is history there no one ever knows about.
Speechless
That’s all the reason why we buy watches, whatever the brand is. It’s all about the feeling, emotions and time for remember the fact that all this represent.
amen...
I understand an emotional connection to a watch that came from a loved one, but does it matter what brand it was? On the other hand whether a brand is worn by a dog lover or a rich pro. athlete who was paid to wear it, I'm not going to aspire to anything I don't like the look of, is the wrong size, costs more than I can justify spending, etc.
It’s Christian’s way of pushing for his business. It is not about Breitling. You’re missing the point as he suggested on the title. Smart move though!
I had no idea that the Breitling video was produced by Christian/LMF. I just assumed it was put out by Breitling because the quality and content was so high. Outstanding work.
thanks so much, j...
Funny thing. I was in a Breitling store last weekend. As a graduation gift, I was there to purchase my step son's first real watch. I looked at Breitling, but when he asked "what's special about a Breitling?" I didn't have an answer. As he is into Formula one, it was easy for him to choose a Tag Heuer. I've actually been wanting to add a Breitling to my collection. I seriously wanted to, but in seeing this video I understand why I didn't.
That's too bad. Your step son might have appreciated the fact that Breitling created the dual pusher chronograph as we know it today.
If you don’t want more, or push for more, you automatically get left behind. Brands have to realise the heritage means nothing if nobody knows about it. Great video. Please let us know if Breitling respond in anyway - this will tell you everything you need to know. 🙂
Amazing initiative! They’d be lucky to work with you guys
What a ballsy thing to do and you did it so well. Both the ad and open letter are very powerful and heartfelt. Nicely done Christian.
Whatttt I can't believe that Pistachio Premier video is NOT paid by Breitling
You made me want to love Breitling, I don’t currently, but I want to. You understand what few do, people make decisions with their hearts. No exception. You cannot sell someone on and idea, a brand, a strategy if they don’t feel something for it. The more they feel the less you need to coax their brain. But without the heart, you cannot get anywhere. And to entire another heart you have to bare yours, you have to genuinely feel, you can’t fake it, and it is very hard. But when someone genuinely feels something and offers it to another as you just did, I don’t care if you’re in sales, advertising, I don’t care if you’re a mechanic, you have to use your heart to be good at what you do. Thanks for this, I may never love breitling, but someone will because of that story.
This video is amazing on so many levels; I’m glad I took time out to watch it.
WOW!! I'm speechless. Nothing but kudos and respect!
Issue … Breitling and all watch brands don’t make money from us (the enthusiasts) .. they make money from people walking in off the street who don’t know much about watches and just drop $5k because something takes their eye.
In many ways, you’re right. But I disagree on where you’re applying the principle. The larger market (non watch enthusiasts) are easily fooled on technical information. But they are, however, moved by messaging. The next question would be distribution. The mass market consumer is fairly likely to google a watch before he buys it, and he should be met with beautiful video and storytelling. But for all of those consumers that would never google (of which there are plenty) and rather just go into a boutique… they should be met there will a whole world of content and creative. Don’t forget, boutique design is a huge part of this. The furnishing tells a story that is aimed at everyone, maybe most of all the mass market. These people aren’t impervious to story telling. In fact, they’re most exposed to it.
@@TheoandHarris Agree with the boutique part .. And actually, the Breitling boutiques (at least in Europe) are some of the best I've been in .. lots of story telling with aviation and adventures themes. Enough for Joe public to get excited about anyway in my view!
Waouh. This is even more beautiful than the film about Breitling itself. Hope you will be heard
I do, too! Thank you!
Nice sales pitch. Will be interesting to see if you get any traction with Breitling. Good luck!
Excellent video, so much passion and so genuine.
Thank you Christian for making the watch world a better place!!
I always try to explain to people that the price of the watch or the brand is not what makes me love mechanical watches, but the story they carry which reflect my own personality.
Keep up the great work👍
And I have to ask...was that Superocean bezel artificially lightened? I find it hard to believe it lost that much color in the last 9 years on its own.
Incredibly moving piece; I looked at my Chronomat 44 in a new light after this and wondered whether I'd get the opportunity to have the same moment with my kid someday
Is the bezel a custom bezel ? Can’t see it on there web site!! Very nice 👌
So much truth right here! 👍
The name Breitling means alot to me. For me it was always basically a synonym for unattainable luxury back when I was running around as an apprentice chef earning €500 a month.
Fast forward 12 years and when I turned 30, I bought that Superocean Heritage II and could not have been prouder of myself. It is a piece I will never sell and means so much more to me than it probably should.
Amen! But quick point of clarification … there are plenty of people with decades old affinity for the brand. But I haven’t been able to find anyone that breitling has built a true passion/connection with in modern brand history…
George Kern did a disservice to his shareholders and Breitling fans. This bastard should be punished for removing the wings logo from the Navitimers
@@alimuzhussain8394 True
@@TheoandHarris Christian, I have a question. What is your opinion on this video or "poem" from Breitling in 2018 about them and their collaboration with the Royal Air Force? czcams.com/video/BTsSVRzN2as/video.html
Personally as a huge avation fan and WWII history guy, I thought it was extremely moving and well done. I agree some of their commercials before from the early 2010's with guys flying the P-51 mustang and f-4 Corsair with scantily clad women may not have been the most tasteful but this particular video really emotionally connected with me, mores o than any other video a watch brand has made. I'd love to hear your thoughts as this is the type of thing I feel like you'd like to see more of from them.
Redemption!! A great save of your own from the Tag Heuer beating Rolex title.
I have to ask : Breitling why do you make such big watches? Can you make a 39mm wide 45mm lug to lug and 13mm height chronograph?
The covetousness, the wanting to have a pre-Kern Breitling has disappeared with the Kern Breitlings! A Breitling until recently it was recognizable as a Breitling even without branding. That's changed a lot since the 'BOY GEORGE' days. Apart from the PRE KERN Chronomat, a real Breitling is an indestructible watch for me.With the latest new releases, Breitling is leaving the path of robust men's watches and is clearly becoming a mass product. In fact, the group is losing many collectors who valued the habit of a tool watch and are now getting nothing.MISSION TO SHAME!!
Such a great letter and story!
Breitling is the ONLY watch any aviator aspires to own and EVERY pilot aspires to own one. How did they capture that loyalty? That’s what they need to replicate across the various watch lines. Do THAT.
That's so true! First thing I bought after completing my commercial pilot training was a Breitling Aerospace, I felt like I deserve it, it was part of the dream of becoming an aviator. We love Breitling.
Yep…. the problem is …..there aren’t any Amelia Earhart’s, Chuck Yeager’s or Bad-ass former pilot astronauts that are in the forefront of “cool” any more. Breitling could tell this story by backing up a Brinks Truck and having Tom Cruise and Harrison Ford do passioned commercials for them. Whether you like it or not… Those are the 2 most famous pilots alive today. Plus the public KNOWS that they have the money to buy a 1 of 1 Patek. But if they chose an aerospace??????. People would know it was a serious piece of machinery.
This would bring immediate credibility and desirability across the whole brand to the public.
I kept an eye on a limited edition (500) Navtimer 41 for over a year and pulled the trigger today. Super excited!
Sounds like a message from another planet in a poor episode of Star Trek 😄
This choked me up. I can relate so much to this as I made my first large watch purchase. What it signified to me is immeasurable
I have no words! Maybe just one! WOW!
Fucking beautiful. Splendid work, sir 👏
Not sure if this guy has done an updated video but I think breitling are currently a very exciting brand with every single watch being fantastic
Angry Nice Guy approach! Wowza
I have to say that the people in my Breitling boutique are AMAZING. They're watch nuts without a doubt. I wore a 1980's chronomat into the store and the sales rep immediately said, "Hey, did you know that Jerry Seinfeld wore that exact watch?" Pretty cool 😎
I think you're right about their problem though. And I believe the last 20 years of bling has created the problem.
that's terrific news. Sales people can make or break the entire brand experience for good...
Try walking into a Tournneau (also a Breitling AD) and you'll be ignored worse than at a Rolex boutique. Makes me wonder how Tournneau sells any watches.
I bought my Rolex because it’s a status symbol, not because of the Rolex story.
And it’s a status symbol because of the stories they’ve told…
Awesome vid Breitling really do need to promote themselves more and I’m a big fan. I have one equipment question, which lavalier mic system did you use? The sound is amazing.
Just great 🙌. Hope that Breitling will respond🙏
Love Breitling and Kern. Think they are doing a decent job on messaging. Need to see more marketing with Giannis
This was a wonderful video, but all said, if they still don't want to work with you just move on to other brands, you've done your part for them and you continue to hold on to those good memories of your uncle through his timepiece so that itself is awesome. Great Job!
My issue with Breitling is they make gigantic watches. Might as well be Invicta. Unless you have arms the size of the Rock, their watches look massive. I think they should make watches in the 38mm with 18mm lug width, 40mm with 20mm lug width, and 42mm with 22mm lug width sizes. I'd be more interested in adding a Breitling to my collection then. The only one I am looking at adding right now is an older 38mm Colt but even then, they are so highly polished it looks like you're wearing a chrome plated cheap Walmart watch on your wrist. If I get one, I'm definitely going to brush the case lugs and bracelet.
Huge fan of you and your channel. Your homage was brilliant. Tears in my eyes. And you are one hundred percent correct. Our purchases are emotional investments and Breitling leaves you cold. You got balls!! Keep up the fantastic work.
Can anyone tell me the reference of this particular watch I’m obsessed
A powerful message. Well spoken…well delivered…
Tears…. Great … best U ever did on CZcams
🤣🤣🤣🤣 As if he's gonna ever even see this. Your presumption is astonishing, unless this is supposed to be comical..........
The focus and story even in this letter is amazing. Truly aspiring being able to present and communicate a thought in this precise way. My compliment.
Well said, Felix.
Nice to see you here 🙂
Cheers,
Dan
@@danielt.muller7009 The passion for watches doesn't ever end... It's been quite a while since our meetup in Konstanz, how are you doing?✌🏼
Jerry Maguire letter right here. Ballsy. Much respect for being bold both creatively and in a personally vulnerable way 👏🏻 kudos man.
Well said, Christian! I respect your work ethic!
thank you!
To get there breitling has to make better watches.
1. Focus on smaller more wearable watches. Ditch everything beyond 44 or even 42mm.
2. Lose the sellitas. Its time.
I don’t think its that hard to produce a better time/date calibre when you already produce a great chronograph calibre.
3.less polish on all watches.
The design and built quality is already there.
After these steps, the watches will do the PR for the brand.
42mm is an important size for a lot of us. This 38-40mm stuff turns me right off. I can't wear it. I like 44mm but can do without it. 42mm is my minimum though.
@@jonnypescado1 a 38-42mm is a great range for a lot of wrists
i feel like breitling is the watch our dad wore so we wanted to wear it
Perfect. Good luck Theo