The Breitling Watch Source Forums

As anyone who is anyone knows, I am the self appointed overlord of this website’s SOHCLE club (known members: 3) which is really the engine that powers the Breitling Source website.
That has nothing to do with this post...
I was trying to think of positive things about the fact that my SOHCLE weighs more than my car and realized, much to my delight, that when going diving in the future (like when my 10 month old goes to college…) I can actually reduce the weight in my weight belt thanks to the chunk of steel on my wrist! Bonus – less weights to mess with. But then I read the Breitling waterproof chart on this awesome website (and in my instruction book). The chart indicates that 150m water resistance is “Suitable for snorkeling”. Really? I need a full 150 meters static water pressure resistance to swim in the water (that’s what snorkeling is essentially)? Do I really create 150m equivalent of dynamic pressure as my hands slice through the water?
Ok, so the chart doesn’t show what a resistance of 200M equates to (which is lame – when you spend thousands on a watch, you would expect the chart in the accompanying book to be tailored to the watch). Then, according to the chart, to SCUBA dive (I presume that’s what they mean since it says “skin dive”) you need 300m resistance. At first I was annoyed by this fact – it is called SUPEROCEAN after all – but then I happened to look at my old trusty dive watch (Timex Reef Gear – I strictly go high end!!) and noticed it is only 200M resistant and has had no problems after six years, maybe two services, numerous dives (max about 60 feet or ~18 meters) as well as being gnawed and drooled on by a 10 month old. So my take is this, if I can go diving with a 200m rated Timex, I should be able to dive with a 200m rated Breitling. Strictly “vacation diving” nothing beyond the depths mentioned – no NITROX or He. If it leaks, well, I guess I’ll be paying a hefty repair bill – and never buying a Breitling again.
So, would you do this to a 200m rated Brietling? I would love to hear everyone’s take on this…

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Omega21

Yes I personally would absolutely dive with a Breitling rated to 200m. Like you I've dived numerous times to 18m with a 200m water-resistant rated watch with absolutely no issues whatsoever. I cannot possibly see how a Breilting would be any different and I would be extremely annoyed if at 18m my 200m Breitling suddenly become water logged and fogged up.

I am however no expert on Breitling dive watches so ultimately I leave this decision to you

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Happines is Good Health and a Bad Memory.
"Ingrid Bergman"

Well, as you can see from this - http://www.breitlingsource.com/articles ... ance.shtml (you would think that the head of the engine that powers the site would provide the link - he's been here almost 2 months after all!!! )
there is actually a fairly hefty distinction between swimming and snorkelling. Swimming ratings start at 50m, snorkelling starts at 100m. Clearly at 200m you are well beyond 'normal' snorkelling depths, but in a simple classification they aren't making a distinction between ratings and dive depths. Breitling aren't going to rate a 200m watch as SCUBA / skin divve rated if it can't cope with maximum depths, but if you are only diving to 60 feet then you won't have problems with a 200m watch.

Until someone actually posted with PERSONAL experience that swimming/snorkeling/diving (recreational) damaged/destroyed his 200m, 100m, heck, even 50m rated Brietling, I would completely ignore that "equivalent pressure" bullhicky. While I haven't dived with my EM, I slid down a water slide with enough speed and force to be "warned" by the lifeguard on duty and my EM didn't even blink at it. So, to answer ur question, absolutely! My $0.02

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a few Pams...

I know this has nothing to do with the post Omega but you started it!

Quote - 'As anyone who is anyone knows, I am the self appointed overlord of this website’s SOHCLE club (known members: 3) which is really the engine that powers the Breitling Source website.'

Now then, as you have appointed yourself 'Boss', WHERE's THE LE SIGNATURE Alex and me are waiting for?

Sorry back on subject!

Cheers

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Currently:
Avenger Skyland(Black)
Super Avenger(White)

Moved on:
Montbrillant Legende(Silver)
Panerai 312
SOHC 125th Ann. LE(Silver)
Navitimer World(Pearl)
Panerai 441

I wouldn't hesitate. If you have a diver's watch(200m+) & don't wear it diving out of fear of failure then why have it???I have an airwolf+co-pilot(50m,100m), & a suunto core(30m). I give them hell in & out of the water. No issue. Even with the suunto.
cheers

Thanks everyone - I appreciate the input. I'll update this when I go diving next!

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Omega21