The Breitling Watch Source Forums

How about an Avenger at 45mm, fits most of your criteria except being thin.

I've vote for a Blackbird, Avenger, and Chronomat Evolution.

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"I don't own any watches, I just lease them"

I think I'd either go Chronomat or with the Bentley GT.

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Justin
Please contact me via PM for the contact details for Govberg Jewelers
Govberg is an AD for over 50 fine Swiss and German watch brands.
Visit them on the web at http://www.govbergwatches.com or call 800-528-8463

Well there aren't many that have been mentioned I don't/haven't owned. First and foremost as Broncosport said, get thee to an AD with a large inventory and try these out.

If you truly want a smaller face then look at the Cockpit - non-chrono, big date, large applied wings logo, 41MM case diameter, relatively thin, the classic 5 row Pilot bracelet, $4100 or so BEFORE discount. This is a dress watch that can masquerade as a casual watch.

The other I'm thinking of within your size preference is the Superocean Chrono. 42mm, deeply grooved guilloche dial, Pro II bracelet, not too thick even for a Chrono, day and date, also about $4100 BEFORE discount. The black dial/white subdial version is very very versatile, not too obtrusive, and add a black or brown croco strap for an outstanding second look. All for under $3600 after discount.

If the size of the Colt is what you are looking for, the 2 above fit well.

As does THE COLT.

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SHARKMAN

SCOPE OUT THE WINDRIDER COCKPIT SERIES; NON-CHRONO. AKA- THE COCKPIT BIG DATE ... ITS A BITCHIN' PIECE, WAY OVERLOOKED IN THE PRODUCT LINE. EXTREMELY DURABLE, BEAUTIFUL. WILL BE CALLED GALACTIC 41, THIS SEASON...

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Keepin' Time...

Fortunately the Cockpit is still a model, though the Galactic will soon replace it. The Cockpit is a classic sweet dress and casual watch. The Galactic is taking that beautiful watch and giving it a shiny-ass bezel. But agreed, the Cockpit is the ONE watch that completely fits the requirements you set out - every one. And it has a killer movement.

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SHARKMAN

If you are looking for a smaller watch...I argee with Shark. The Superocean Chrono fits the bill and works as both a casual and dress watch. You could use it for almost every occasion. If you try it on and decide that you can go a little bigger then I agree with Serge that the Blackbird or Chronomat Evo are both great options.

Good luck!!

Not on Pilot - list is $4800 and change on the bracelet.

That's what I get for going by memory. $4800 then less the usual discount.

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SHARKMAN

Thanks to all who replied. I appreciate your advice

Right now I am leaning towards a Cockpit big date. I've been researching prices online and found the following

1) Listed % off from MSRP ~25%
2) Getting it with a metal bracelet is like 700-800 more than with a leather strap
3) Preowned discounts seem to be 30-35% off MSRP from dealers

I am opened to getting one pre-owned but is the 50% off MSRP achievable and do I need to buy from a private party

Someone mentioned this piece has a 'great movement'. Does that mean it's very accurate or has a cool mechanism?
Also what is a ballpark maintenance cost on this?

Thanks again

1) Correct in the US
2) Correct in the US
3) There's wiggle room there - after all new is not much more from ADs, but better prices with a private sale because there is no middle man.

All Breitling movements are COSC certified, so for mechanical pieces -4 / +6 seconds per day. To my mind the Cockpit movement is no better or worse than any other Breitling mechanical movement. In terms of maintenance costs for a non-chrono, it will need a service every 5 - 7 years which will run you around $400.

I've had 3 big date Breitling watches and none chaged dates in less than the blink of an eye right at midnight like the Cockpit does. Perhaps because the others were chrono, IDK.

It really looks good on the SS pilot bracelet. For about $125 you can get a black calf Breitling strap and have 2 distinct looks.

Good luck!

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SHARKMAN