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Need help picking out a Breitling for husband
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Author:  Almondine [ Wed May 20, 2009 2:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Need help picking out a Breitling for husband
My husband is very hard to buy for but recently mentioned that he liked Breitling watches so I made a mental note to look into getting one for his birthday. I'd like to get him something that he could wear to work but also as an every day watch since he's not the type to have more than one watch (his last watch was stolen). I've just started learning about the brand and have narrowed it down to Skyracer, Colt, and the Chronomat.

http://www.breitling.com/en/index.php?z ... /skyracer/
http://www.breitling.com/en/index.php?z ... automatic/
http://www.breitling.com/en/index.php?z ... chronomat/

I would be so appreciative of any information and opinions that people could provide to help me decide which one to purchase. I know if I walked into the store right now I'd be so confused and woudl buy whatever they tried to sell me. I'd prefer to get him something versatile and that's not too heavy (some of these look like they may weigh more than others). I also am not sure of the price difference between these. Are they all in the same range? I am hoping to keep it under 5k. He is also a car guy and I saw the Breitling for Bentley-I'm assuming those are out of my price range, but would love to be corrected. Thanks for any info.
Author:  mightynimrod [ Wed May 20, 2009 2:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Need help picking out a Breitling for husband
Welcome :D

What a lucky chap your husband is.

I personally like the look of the Skyracer as it's a bit "different" but saying that i don't think you can go wrong with the Chronomat, beautiful watch that is very popular on here.

As for the Bentleys, are we talking USD or GBP when you say 5k to spend??

If it's pounds then you'd be able to get a lovely motors or a 6.75 for that sort of money, not so sure about dollars.

If weight is an issue then why not look at the titanium models available as they are so much lighter than your regular steel.

Good luck with the search, there's some amazing advice available on here.

I'm sure whichever model you choose for him he'll be really pleased.

Steve
Author:  Almondine [ Wed May 20, 2009 2:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Need help picking out a Breitling for husband
Thanks for the response. He would love titanium- I didn't realize that was an option. Sorry I should have said $5k U.S.
Author:  bnewbie [ Wed May 20, 2009 2:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Need help picking out a Breitling for husband
First, Welcome to BreitlingSource.
You managed to see some specs on the site, but I think that you should choose will it be chrono or non-chrono (as it can bee seen that you have chosen an Auto).
Price differences between them can be significant. MSRP for the Skyracer on the ProII bracelet until this May price increase was 5.605 US$, Chronomat on the Pilot bracelet was 5.840 US$ and Colt Auto on a ProII was 2.695 US$. You can normally get 20-25% discount in the US.
Author:  RJRJRJ [ Wed May 20, 2009 3:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Need help picking out a Breitling for husband
Of the three, id say the chronomat would probably be the best fit. Its also the bestseller in the Breitling lineup, if that means anything to you. As Bnewbie mentioned, all can be had under 5k after discount.
Author:  Spartan [ Wed May 20, 2009 3:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Need help picking out a Breitling for husband
From those 3, the Chronomat, gets my vote :lingsrock:
Author:  twylie [ Wed May 20, 2009 4:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Need help picking out a Breitling for husband
couple of other factors that may help steer suggestions:

- what kind of work environment and dress for work - khakis and polo or suits?
- what was his last watch that was stolen and did he pick it out or was it also a gift?
- build - big guy or slim, athletic?
- any particular dial colors you think he'd like?
Author:  Roffensian [ Wed May 20, 2009 4:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Need help picking out a Breitling for husband
You are getting good advice, and I'll try and give you some more.

First off, to buy the watch rather than to be sold the watch that they want to sell you send a PM to jnelson3097 and ask for contact details of the famous George at Govberg. He'll give you a great price, amazing service and will ship overnight to you.

In terms of the watches, the Colt is probably the one with the least presence on the wrist, which also means that it's the most understated. Don't let the price make you think it's a lesser watch, it's more 'rugged' rather than refined, but it's still a very good quality watch.

The Skyracer is a little bit of a specialist watch, it has an unusual movement that certainly makes it different from most, although there is a train of thought that says it's not great value for money relative to some other models.

The Chronomat would probably be my choice, it's the flagship of the range and is a very flexible watch. It also comes in a lot of different variations and dial colours. You can play with the look at www.breitling.co.jp/fitting/.

You also have to decide on bracelet or strap, and if strap whether leather or croc. Finally on strap you also have a traditional (tang) buckle or a deployant which is like a bracelet clasp on a leather strap. Croc is more expensive than calf leather and deployant is more expensive than tang, but all options should come in under the $5K limit as long as you stick to steel cases (the Chronomat has a number of gold / gold and steel options).

In terms of the Bentley range, $5K is going to be tough there, and the least expensive Bentley models are pretty big and heavy watches so they might not meet your criteria anyway.

One thing I would recommend, even if you are planning to buy from George is to go to an authorised dealer and take a look at them in the flesh - if you leave the credit cards at home you can't be pressured into buying one and that way you will get a better feel for which is likely to be the best fit for your husband.

Good luck with the search and be sure to let us know what you decide. Of course your husband will also be expected to join BreitlingSource and share his gift with us :lol: :wink:
Author:  Jay [ Wed May 20, 2009 7:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Need help picking out a Breitling for husband
The Chronomat is certainly the best of the 3 you have selected.

It can easily be worn dressy but also worn down. Very versatile and very much a stunning watch.

Image
Image
Image
Author:  jnelson3097 [ Wed May 20, 2009 7:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Need help picking out a Breitling for husband
Jay wrote:
The Chronomat is certainly the best of the 3 you have selected.

It can easily be worn dressy but also worn down. Very versatile and very much a stunning watch.

Image
Image
Image


Beautiful pics Jay!! The Chronomat is the way to go with those 3 choices in my opinion. There are quite a few dial options that you can chose from. I've sent you the contact info for George but like Roff said, ake sure you check them out in person first. I liked my Graphite dial chronomat, in my opinion was the best dial available.
Author:  mac5217 [ Wed May 20, 2009 7:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Need help picking out a Breitling for husband
My vote is the Chronomat. I wear mine with a suit or just in jeans and a t-shirt. Its also water resistant up to 1000ft, so no problems wearing it in the pool. Big enough to get attention, but not too big so it looks out of place. Definately my favorite watch, as well as many other watch collectors!

Mac

PS...whatever you choose, get your best price then contact george at Govberg. If you're not in Pennsyvania, you'll also save a few hundred on no sales tax alone. There are many member that have made purchases from him.
Author:  dbniner [ Wed May 20, 2009 7:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Need help picking out a Breitling for husband
GO TO GEORGE. and i would take all 3 but the chronomat is the best in my opinion. those pics look familiar congrats on the pic up.
Author:  Wildblue [ Wed May 20, 2009 9:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Need help picking out a Breitling for husband
The others have already put good info here, so I won't repeat it. But I, too, would absolutely choose the Chronomat. Tough to go wrong with a standard. (unless you get it in some funky color) But do note as others have pointed out, that they can come in at double the price of a Colt.

I just have to say, kudos to you, for not only wanting to do a very expensive and thoughtful present for your husband, but also going to the trouble to do some good research, and go to good sources like this forum!
:lingsrock:
Author:  RJRJRJ [ Wed May 20, 2009 9:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Need help picking out a Breitling for husband
BTW,I should note that even though I suggested the chronomat, id personally take the skyracer. It suits me better, just as I believe the Chronomat would suit your husband better.
Author:  MartC [ Wed May 20, 2009 10:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Need help picking out a Breitling for husband
I think before we know his wrist size, its going to be difficult to reccomend a model. For example I've got quite small wrists so anything over 44mm diameter looks too big.

Quite a lot of you guys wear Super Avengers etc and they sit perfectly.

Would the thickness of the watch be an issue? Some of them are around 18mm thick so sit up quite high and could catch on shirt cuffs etc
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