The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I've been trying to find a stainless watch on bracelet. I was looking at Omega Aqua Timer 8500 or Chronograph but then someone told me to check out Breitling. He also recommended the A23322 (I like the stick markers) because it's similarity in look to the 806 classic. In searching, the modern Chrono-matic caught my eye too and is a bit dressier, which isn't a bad thing with a suit.

Am I headed in the right direction? Opinion of both watches? Pix? Thanks!

I think I would go for the Chrono-matic over the Navi. Classic styling on both watches but the larger Chrono-matic size at 44mm would sway me towards it. I like a watch with a little more wrist presence. If you've not been to your local AD to try them on I would encourage you to do so. You might find something all together different on your trip that you hadn't even considered.

Unfortunately, I live in a town with NO Breitling dealers (used to, but they quit carrying them). This is an Omega and Rollie town, which is why I'm looking at Breitling (not much of a conformist if possible). That's why I love IWC -- nobody in my town seems to have heard of them!!

The 44mm size is a good point. I do like larger watches. But looks like the Navitimers wear fairly large.

What about the Navi world at 46mm? The silver dial is SWEET and I think there is even one for sale in the buy/sell/trade section, not sure if it is still available or not.

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=14657

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Steel Fish (Blue Dial)

I think 46mm would be too big. 44mm sounds doable!

i prefer the classic navitimer. personally i never got into the chrono-matic look. the navi don't wear that big at all, fairly light even with the bracelet and feels similar to the gmt ceramic.

I don't like recommending watches for other people, but bear in mind that the regular Chrono-matic is now discontinued so you may not be able to find one. Breitling decided to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the iconic first automatic Chrono by getting rid of it!

Which I guess tells you which one I would buy

You mean the 44mm Chrono-matics are no longer in production?

Discontinued in 08' in favor of the 49mm right hand crown version.

A decision that Breilting have got off way too lightly for. It was a horrible decision. The 49mm isn't my choice with the rubber bezel but I have nothing against the watch, but it categorically isn't a chrono-matic with a right hand crown, and the decision to abandon history on the eve of the 40th anniversary of what was arguably the greatest advance in mechanical watchmaking in the 50 years leading up to 1969 is an insult to everything that Breitling was about.

Compare it to how Zenith celebrated the 40th anniversary of El Primero.

I was expecting more to be for the A23322 classic. But the larger and discontinued aspect is swaying me to start there. But I'm sure I'll own both someday!!

You never know what might be in the works. It seems strange that they would abandon it permanently. Maybe a B01 variant?

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-RJ

Hi,

Well not sure I'm talking about the right models because I've not checked the model numbers, but I'd let my Navitimer go before selling my Chrono-Matic. The moment I saw the Chrono-Matic I knew I had to have one. I picked up the Nav in my AD's sale and I was in a bad mood, my wife made me buy it! But I do love it, it is classic Breitling.

Here they are!

Yep, that's the Chrono-matic 44mm, except black face. Is your bracelet polished, brushed or combo? It looks combo in the pix.

Hi

The bracelet is all polished.

Davey