The Breitling Watch Source Forums

And that argument right there gets the "Charlie Sheen Winning Award," because it truly is the winning argument. To me Breitling's "version" of the Rolex professioinal series - Sub, GMT, Explorer, etc - WAS the Superocean series and at a much more accessible price. They wiped out all semblence to the Superocean line - obliterated it. In it's stead are 3 unrecognizable watches. The superocean series, more than any other, was my favorite range. It no longer exits.

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SHARKMAN

Not been smart sharkman, but, If i am not mistaken you bought the SO II a while back. Why so.

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Breanach78

A Few Breitlings.

Had I known it's style was about to take over the entire series, I likely wouldn't have. Indeed when I bought it I didn't even realize the original Superocean was being discontinued. I considered it a singular fanciful offering by Breitling. In that context it was fine. Had I known it was a harbinger of the end of the Superocean series as I knew it, I would have viewed that watch much differently. And I do view it thusly now. Therefore, it is no longer in my collection as of yesterday.

I wish to reiterate what I have said all thoughout this thread - I am merely stating my personal opinion as a function of my personal taste. I am not challenging or trying to insult anyone who feels differently. I do not like the direction Breitling is going and personally do not like a single remaining offering in their lineup. Maybe if they put what I considered a proper bracelet on the Transocean or maybe if they lowered the price on the Navi 01, but only if I was confident the 01 issues had been ironed out. But as the offerings and prices exist today, there is not one watch I am considering.

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SHARKMAN

I have slept on these for a while and came back to see if I feel any differently - and I don't. That is personal taste and it can never be 'right' or 'wrong'. What I don't understand, and isn't simply personal taste, is the overall direction.

The Swiss watch industry saw a huge bounce in 2010, for the industry as a whole I think it was the second best year ever (after 2008) which is incredible considering how bad 2009 was with the global recession. However, the bounce was very market specific - to generalize slightly Europe and North America remained weak while Asia bounced strongly.

That has resulted in an increased focus on the demands of the Asian market - one of the most obvious examples being the move to smaller, thinner watches from a large number of companies (heck even Richard Mille introduced an ultra thin model in January). If you read or listen to interviews with c-level executives from any of the major companies they will tell you that they are increasing their focus on the Asian market because they have seen a significant uptake in business - especialy in China, and India is not far behind in terms of % growth.

Now maybe Breitling is introducing models that it believes will do well in Asian markets, but their direction is at complete odds with just about every other manufacturer which means that either they are way ahead of the curve, or they have missed the mark entirely - I'm sure that we all have our views of which it is.

None of us want to see Breitling copy other brands, but there should be a reasonable expectation of acknowledging and responding to market trends, especially when it is such a large and growing part of their demographic.

Regardless of what I, or anyone else, thinks of a specific design, that is what concerns me most about the brand that I love.

I've been looking over the new models again. WTF is going on with the new Windrider models? We've already hashed out the Chronomat GMT. So now there's a new 41mm Chronomat, which I would actually like except that it's still got the Buck Rogers bezel and the busy, square-pattern dial. No thanks. Then there's the Chrono Galactic II. That one really rubs salt in the wounds. They brought back the bullseye dial, which is actually a good thing, except...the damn bezel STILL has the Buck Rogers font, and what's worse, it's a Blackbird-esque compass bezel. It's like Breitling has deliberately taken certain elements from beloved past models, and transmogrified them into a mean-spirited kick in the nuts to those who actually liked them. I guess Breitling is determined to Buckify all Chronomats, no matter how unprofessional it makes those instruments.

The design team is channeling Franz Kafka, I am certain of it.

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SHARKMAN

The chronomat GMT is a surprise, I still don't like the design changes but that might grow on me.still, it will be something I will have to work at. Now the Superocean GMT is an easy hit for me, I actually think that looks great and is very functional as a vacation watch with the GMT and water rating! The bezel font seems off but not so much as to turn me off. I know that will be my next Breitling!

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Certified watch nut.

According to another source, your Windrider range is dead, the four 'ranges' have been replaced with 10-11 new 'lines'. Chronomat is a new line as is Galactic. Are we confused yet? . Hopefully there will be additional info. on this to come.

I think the new bezels are here to stay for a while, both the Buck R. and the rubber.

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Chrono Jetstream
Montbrilliant 1903
Aerospace E79362

I agree, this new dial is actually pretty nice, and you get an extra time zone. The thing I don't like is the lug design which will limit strap options. But for a water watch one would use the rubber as supplied.

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Chrono Jetstream
Montbrilliant 1903
Aerospace E79362

I think you may have it. Hence my question about the end of the big watch.

They may be ahead of the curve indeed (I am staying 'behind')

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Al

“Quis custodiet ipsos custodes"

Indeed and the source of my spring of discontent.

Today I purchased a "proper Breitling" for which Breitling SA and BUSA have long since been paid. Might as well get one while they exist. It was in essence my version of a revenge ####. Felt good too.

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SHARKMAN

what ya get?



anyone else notice this? right now, breitling has 68 current models of head, doesnt cont diffferent metals and options.

then they release 11 and discontinue what...3? how many models are they gonna have?

I can't access the website on my iPad and I'm traveling, can someone confirm the size of the new super ocean gmt? Also what is the bezel made of?

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Certified watch nut.

41mm. It is the Colt GMT+ case, same base dial as the Colt, added Superoecean II markings at 6/9/12, rubber bezel insert, and what seems to be an integrated rubber over steel bracelet replacing the integrated Pro II SS on the Colt GMT + .


They could not give away the Colt GMT+'s with the integrated bracelets and odd bezel. It was DOA. So they have simply added rubber. (which for some of us here might seem a prudent prophylactic for what the new target market will be "dancing" with)

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SHARKMAN

In the first link on page one Breitling website had all the new models now its only showing 4..Navi 01, Navi 1461, Chronomat 41 and Chronomat GMT....

Why So?

Is it April 1st ...

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Breanach78

A Few Breitlings.