The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Yes I'm having fun but the mrs is not so.

So anybody care to explain the movements in general or what I may struggle to find things to look out for if buying second hand. Just anything appreciated to get me understanding them a little more been a total watch noobie.

Appreciate there is a fair few on the list and I'm not looking for a full exhaustive detailed info on them all just the points you know about 1 or all if you can help.

There are essentially two types of mechanical movement - in house and generic.

All modern Breitlings until a few years ago used generic movements - modified version of movements produced by ETA or Valjoux, both owned by the Swatch Group. Individual movements have different features, but essentially they can be grouped together as a collective.

In house movements are designed and produced by Breitling themselves and hence are exclusive to them. They are seen as a step up and you pay for that - in the case of the Navitimer range the limited and non limited versions of the Navitimer 01 and Montbrillant 01 fall into this category.

If you want specific information on individual pieces then the search function is likely to reveal a lot of information on members' experiences with them.

Fridge, have you seen a Navitimer variant in person?

That's the thing no I have not. Not had a chance to go window shopping.

What makes you ask?

Well, it was a 50-50 shot either way, but my thinking was if you haven't seen a Navitimer in person or tried one on, that might be something you want to do before spending too much time researching various models. You never know how a watch is going to strike you when you actually see it. Sometimes they look better in person than in pictures, but other times they're disappointing.

Totally agree to the point that in some pictures front on they look disappointing yet others took side on and higher resolution the same disappointing one looks amazing and it's then sold my decision until I see a different model. I just know I will end up with more than one for sure.

Before you go all crazy and end up divorced I personally think you should visit a dealer to inspect the different watches, and sizes. Because just looking at pictures of the watches aren't going to cut it. The Navi 02 looks huge but is in fact small especially if you have large wrists or hands.

So basically. Visit your AD and try out the models that correspond to the same size or looks as the ones you've supplied in this thread. It'll make your final choice easier. Or harder.

Definitely visit a local AD.
As much as looking at pictures on the internet will give you a fair idea of the dial designs it is limited when it comes to getting the feel for some of the slight colour variations. Where you may have your heart set on white dial, a silver or champagne may suddenly be the one once you see it "live".
Furthemore, looking at pictures and reading specifications is limited when it comes to getting the feel for the size of the watch and how it sits on your wrist.
A typical 42/43mm Navi actually looks quite moderate even on girlie wrists like mine or or even sharkman's for that matter
The Chronomat 44 however is just about a monster on the other hand looks like a monster (and I live it) despite the 1mm difference according to figures quoted in the specs.
I would not be surprised if you decide for the typical 42/43mm Navi model once you try it on at an AD.
So, off to an AD, it does not cost anything. LoL, famous last words

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"It is just a matter of time!"

Haha. Again I can only concur to all your thoughts. When I get the time I will go drooling over them and then walk out empty handed.

I shall post up a pic of my current large watch on my wrist when I get chance.