The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Carl,

Cheers to you, my friend. Your wise words have reached more
than a few people, I think. And now, to the real reason
we're on line -- our watches! You wanted to know about my
Skyland. It's a weird story, so here goes...

This past July I sold my much-loved Evo to a friend who had
been coveting it for some time. With these funds (and a 30%
discount from my beloved dealer) I was able to pick up my
blue-dialed Skyland on a Pro II bracelet. At the same time I
ordered a blue Ocean Racer strap. I was told it would be at least
a two month wait. No problem, I said.

Here's the ridiculous part of the story. I'm a large man who tends
to gain and lose weight regularly. To make it short, I put on (gulp!)
forty pounds, and by the time the OR arrived and was put on my
Skyland, my wrist was too big, even with the adjustment set at its
largest. How embarrassing! But I refuse to put the Pro II back on.
I will either lose the weight or I won't wear the watch. It's sitting
on my desk (waiting) as inspiration. The good news...I've lost
ten pounds. Only 30 more to go!

Steve

I know someone who is worth nearly $200million and they wear a cheap Swatch their kids gave them.
When I asked him why he doesn't wear an expensive watch he said "What for? This tells the time...".

It's all down to personal preferences - though he has multiple fine cars. Each to their own...

_________________
HeadOffice...
B1+UTC
B1+UTC
B2+UTC
Chronomatic 49
Emergency+UTC-Yellow
Emergency+UTC-Black
Emergency+UTC-Blue
Super Avenger
SuperOcean Heritage 46

-- Looking for B4B Le Mans

Roff,

Thank you for the kind words -- and the wisdom shown. You're
probably surprised that I can be serious, judging from some of the
silly posts I've sent in recent months. It happens from time
to time, although tomorrow I may be back to my manic self.

You were right about how something as basic as a watch can
improve the quality of life so much. Which is why, for all of us, I
think, a fine watch is much more than just a teller of time. It
gives definition and form to what we know is important in our lives.
A watch's workmanship, the quality of materials, the countless
hours spent in assembly -- these elements speak to something
deep within us, an appreciation, perhaps, for the very best man
is capable of creating.

Hmmm. I'd better stop before this turns into a sermon.

Steve

Roff & Drax,

Thanks to both of you for your kind words and sentiments.
People like you who make this a place to share watches, watch stories, in a relaxed and unpretentious environment.

Cheers,
Carl

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'63 Omega Seamaster, 2014 Omega Speedmaster MarkII

"Those who possess a sense of entitlement are seldom satisfied"

I work in healthcare. People don't understand why I would wear my breitlings at work because they could get a little beat up. I used to not wear them, but I figure why did I buy them if I'm only going to wear them a couple days a week when I'm not in the hospital. I've seen some docs wear some nice watches... An old omega, old rolex, and I've seen a cartier roadster, which I particularly like. But there aren't a whole lot of nice timepieces floating around besides those 3 that I've seen in almost a year.

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Chrono Superocean (Black)
Rolex Datejust II rhodium/ Arabic dial

I think we have all gone really deep on this one, but I have to say you have all really hit the nail on the head with my what, until now, seemed an inexplicable admiration for these watches. It's not that I need a timepiece so precise I can accurately time something to within a billa-second of accuracy, or that I need (or could reasonably expect to use) a 44mm diameter slide rule in the cockpit of an aircraft. It is about enjoying something that so many people poured themselves in to. Something so many labored over. These watches really are a testament of what people are capable of producing, and a few grand seems in comparison a small price to pay for the enjoyment we all so obviously derive from these watches.

I can relate that some people do not value luxury watches. I love watches. I spend hours looking at watch web sites or reading watch magazines. Now I make a very modest income here in the midwest and by all rights I shouldnt own 4 Breitlings (wifes included) but I do. I saved up my money and didnt charge any part of the purchases. Here at age 39, I am still a cable TV tech, part time Bail Bondsman and rental property owner and I still only make about $75K a year including my wifes income. I have recently re-enrolled in college because I am watch deprived and frankly I crave the finer things in life and currently cant afford all of them!

Now I know people that make 5x what I make per year and they could care less about watches. My uncle who is a lawyer probally makes $350k a year and he only owns a 25 year old Datejust that he bought as a personal reward for getting in as a partner in a firm. He is a large man and frankly it looks like a womens watch on his wrist, but he has no interest in any other watches and will probally not ever buy a different one. But for him his weakness is firearms. He has a collection that is probally valued at $100k+.

I dont judge peoples choice in watches. The only thing that I dont like about watch owners and watches are I dont like pricey quartz watches. I am still pissed off that I spent $4500 on a quartz for my wife. For that kinda money there better be a movement inside the case! Also people who buy and wear fakes or "look a likes" to make themselves look more sucessfull than they really are.

Recently my dad retired from working at an oil refinery after 42 years. He came by to show me his retirement gifts. A $40 clock and a $5 watch with a stretch band from the Union. It really made me physically sick to my stomach. 42 years (of swing shift) from a multimillion dollar company and they give him a $5 pos watch. I couldnt even sleep very well that night because in my my eyes they should have presented him with a nice watch. I wished that I could buy him a modest looking Rolex like a datejust for working hard all his life, but in reality he probally wouldnt wear it and is tickled with that $5 piece of junk. Strange huh?

Scott

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Breitling Steelfish(black)
Breitling Steelfish(silver)
Panerai PAM 312
Bell & Ross BR03-92 Phantom
Steinhart BreitlingSource LE #5/15

I've come to this thread a little late in the day, so I'm not even going to attempt to add to the very eloquent words already said by Drax, Carl, Roff and others.

All I can say is that posts like these really make it worthwhile, and it's enormously refreshing to hear some honest, heartfelt and most of all personal words about what this hobby of ours really means to us.

Sure, plenty of people out there may not understand, but in my opinion that is their loss. Posts like these show that owning and appreciating a nice timepiece should go far beyond something bought to simply impress others : it's a deeply personal thing that can bring a little bit of additional sparkle into your life, if you are of that particular mindset.

I for one would much rather read about someone who cherishes their 20 year old Colt because it actually means something to them, than see pictures of some millionaire's collection who buys every single piece he wants just because he can.

Great reading guys.

PS - Steve, also just wanted to say, you have my utmost respect for being the primary carer for your mother. I should imagine it can't always be the easiest job in the world, so I take my hat off to you.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Scott:

I humbly suggest and please pardon me for being so brazen as to suggest this, but you may want to consider "giving/loaning" your father one of your watches. From my personal previous experience with my now deceased father, I know that this can be a powerfully emotional experience for the rest of your lives. Your father will cherish that more
than one can imagine and it will strengthen the bond between father and son, not because of the item but because of the love that will be recognized by this act of companionship. The internal joy/pride a father will feel in wearing a cherished item given to him by his son, as well as the feelings you will experience whenever you see your father wearing it is impossible to put into words. And long after your father has passed the memories that you are flooded with everytime you wear or see the watch that once adorned your fathers wrist will bring tears to your eyes. It is difficult for me to put into words my own personal feelings, but believe me they are powerful.

Again, please excuse me for suggesting something as personal as this, but it's just a suggestion from someone that's been "there" and glad I was.

Sincerest Regards

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Watchthis

Thanks for turning this thread around guys, and seeing the positive in it. It is a good reminder to read all this and remember why we appreciate our timepeices so much, and not get caught up in all the material snobbery that can be so pervasive in this watch busienss. I've talked with Archie and he apologizes for anything he said that may be inappropriate.

Thanks again guys.. its you who make this board such a great place!

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BreitlingSource Admin
http://www.breitlingsource.com - http://blog.breitlingsource.com

I appreciate the thought. I would concider this but frankly I dont think that he would wear it. I concider Breitlings very sporty and modern and large. Three things I could never see my Dad wearing. He is a hard working farmer/rancher type and kind of plain. It is not uncommon to see him wearing denim overalls and a plain white undershirt in the summer. He never went beyond high school with his education but through shear hard work and being frugal, he as gotten himself to the point of (im guessing) a little over a mil in personal assets. Although you wouldnt know it to talk to him. Old truck and older car for mom. I was just ranting out loud that the company should have or I wish I could, on a whim, do it myself as a reward. Even if he would never wear it, except on special occations... it would have been a nice thing for them to do for a 42 year retiree.

I may start looking at other brands of "not so flashy" but close to luxury. Something kinda plain and smaller than my watches... but still rugged enough for a man that works with his hands. Thats why I thought of a Datejust SS.

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Breitling Steelfish(black)
Breitling Steelfish(silver)
Panerai PAM 312
Bell & Ross BR03-92 Phantom
Steinhart BreitlingSource LE #5/15