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Do Bell & Ross retain its value?

25004 Views 44 Replies 33 Participants Last post by  ZeitMann
I just got my first B&R Br03-92 Ceramic Diver Matte.
Got a pretty good deal from an owner who never used, included original purchase receipt, warranty card, box etc. He has another one Im also interested a R&B br03-94 rs17 (used, but looks new) for less than 50% retail.

SO my question is, does this brand depreciate that much? I like to try new watches and once Im over them, I sell it. But dont want to be hit with a large depreciation to just try something new for a few months. Could the RS.17 be something of a collectors item being only 500 units ever produced?

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following. I just recently got into watches and purchased a BR 01-94 carbon. It shows its age but I like the size. I have a large wrist.
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The fact that the one you are looking at is 50% below retail will answer your question

Nothing against B&R, I like them but the resale market not so much
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The fact that the one you are looking at is 50% below retail will answer your question

Nothing against B&R, I like them but the resale market not so much
Yes. He's also selling another 8 watches to fund a property. So wasn't sure if it was a bargain deal or that's the price these watches go for on second hand market.

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The fact that the one you are looking at is 50% below retail will answer your question

Nothing against B&R, I like them but the resale market not so much
Very true and I am into their watches. I have a total of 4 and all have been pre-owned. Don't have the funds to justify brand new. It's like luxury cars, let the original owner take the depreciation and then you get to enjoy. Most of the original owners take very good care of the watches and the pieces are in like new condition, especially when they have several to rotate for daily usage.

So if you like the watch and price is right, enjoy.

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Very true and I am into their watches. I have a total of 4 and all have been pre-owned. Don't have the funds to justify brand new. It's like luxury cars, let the original owner take the depreciation and then you get to enjoy. Most of the original owners take very good care of the watches and the pieces are in like new condition, especially when they have several to rotate for daily usage.

So if you like the watch and price is right, enjoy.

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That's what i do. 80% of my watches are second hand or new because original owner changed mind or never used. So I saved on the depreciation but still got what i wanted.
Ive only bought one watch at retail price and that was Sinn 104 St Sa ABE which was the last one in Australia, because i know that will maintain the value as i saw one used sell for more than retail.
my BR01 retailed for over 5k and i got it for much much less. That said the BR03 are typically in higher demand. They will depreciate, but they will likely never be worthless.
Agree with the above sentiments. Preowned complete B&Rs bring in less than 50% of MSRP for all models in my experience. However, they do not depreciate down to sub 20% typically.
I don't think I have seen BR gone down to 20% MSRP before. Each model is different but the general range is about 40-50% MSRP. That also goes for many other brands as well. However, I know of some BR models that are going at premiums. The most I have seen is the 25 pcs limited edition Bape collaboration that is going for 200% MSRP.
In general, watches depreciate about 20-40% some B&R depreciate like most watches depending on models, and some hold value. I recently sold a BR03 92 Golden Heritage enjoyed watch for about 6 months and sold it for the same price I bought for.
Few watch manufactures do retain, let alone appreciate in their value. Rolex, aside from the current professional model trend, more often will depreciate. As B&R plays mostly in the shallow end of the luxury market, you should expect greater drops. When we can afford less, and get into this watch game, we want to see our investment remain in place. Unfortunately, it just doesn't. Limited editions, numbered watches, often mean little to retained value. Learned that with Panerai. Ultimately, the longer I own it, the more enjoyment the watch has brought me, the more I'm willing to forgive it's value decline when I've moved watches along. I had always wanted a B&R, but chased other watches for years. Finally, more recently, I picked up a model I enjoy. I found it for the price I was willing to pay, knowing what I already know about B&R in the secondary market, and won't look back. Consider them similar to used cars. Even when you get a good deal on a new one, it will likely depreciate. How you care and maintain it can only help it retain some of its value. If you're not trying to flip them for a quick buck, when you move it along in 5-10 years you probably won't worry about it any longer.
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I sold a Br01-92 a few years back and caught a cold on what I paid for it, so the answer is they don’t hold value, but neither do Tags or Breitling and many others so they are not unique in that.

You did just the right thing by getting yours used LNIB so you save that from new hit.
Some B&R carry more of a premium than others.
I find that most lower end luxury watches always have a value. It will never be valued at zero, therefore they do hold "A VALUE", the trick is finding the watch for that bottom price. For the standard B&R watches, the bottom tends to be 1-1.5K. You can almost guarantee that a good condition B&R that the owner held onto the paperwork, etc. will almost always be worth at least as much. There is a LOT of depreciation in these brands in this range of prices (TAG Heuer, B&R, Breitling, etc.) but there is also a nice solid foundation of worth. It is an item that exists, and has intrinsic value in that fact. Just look at the Aquaracer from TAG Heuer. You can almost guarantee that a Calibre 5 Automatic will at least have a value roughly 1k. If you buy one for that value, you can almost guarantee it will maintain that value.

I used "almost" quite a lot because things can happen.
I recently purchased a B&R BR03-92 Green Bronze Diver and paid alittle more than MSRP, tried to find it below that and even on the used market but no luck so I purchased it new in box with everything and have zero regrets as it was a watch I just liked from the first time seeing it, I did look at other bronze options that were a lot less but this piece I can associate with being in the military and on a submarine with diving service and the look to me is perfect.....

I hope it brings me lots of years of service but as far as resale value goes I honestly never looked at what I could sell it for as part of my decision
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I recently purchased a B&R BR03-92 Green Bronze Diver and paid alittle more than MSRP, tried to find it below that and even on the used market but no luck so I purchased it new in box with everything and have zero regrets as it was a watch I just liked from the first time seeing it, I did look at other bronze options that were a lot less but this piece I can associate with being in the military and on a submarine with diving service and the look to me is perfect.....

I hope it brings me lots of years of service but as far as resale value goes I honestly never looked at what I could sell it for as part of my decision
That is awesome! Actually in recent times I have seen some BR pieces gone for slight premiums which is pretty interesting. Some premium models are like the one you bought because it is mostly sold out (LE). The most recent I've seen is the BR 05 Skeleton.
Purchased a pre-owned BR01-92 and still took a considerable hit when I sold it...albeit its not the most coveted model.
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It's a shame seeing where B&R is heading, always thought their pieces are cool. I foresee one in the collection one day, but as there are definitely bargains to be had I'll be on a hunt.
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Good stuff, but never pay close to retail. 25-30% off from an AD is certainly doable on the brand is you look hard enough. At that price, with a few exceptions, you’ll still take a decent hit on resale. I’m a fan for sure but they suffer on the resale market.


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You did it right buying LNIB. Minimized the potential hit when it’s time to move on to the next one.


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