The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I am looking at buying an Airwolf as my first Breitling. The local retailer didn't have one in stock when I first visited but I guess as soon as I walked out he ordered one to show me, because I got a call from him 24 hours later letting me know he had an Airwolf and an Airwolf Raven for me to look at. The Raven was very sharp and all sorts of rugged looking, but It doesn't fit my taste. The issue I had with the standard Airwolf was a peculiarity in its minute hand. Has anyone else noticed this? It seems as though the older Airwolfs (the star-burst face) had a hole in the minute hand. But the new (vertical lined face) minute hands seemed to be filled in. At least that's what all the pictures online plus all the pictures in the 2009 Chronolog show.
The one the retailer just ordered has the new 2009 face but its minute hand has the hole in it like the old models. Is there a reason for this? Is it a mistake in manufacturing? Or am I just nuts?

No the 2007-2008 turbine(starburst is the skyracer-just my opinion) face dial airwolf has the skeleton minute hand(inner lume missing-window instead).
I have the slate grey 2007 & love it, however in the dark, or in bright sunlight the skeleton hand was difficult to read at a glance. Breitling made the stripe faced airwolf & subsequently the raven with the solid minute hand.
Breitling now will officially change the 2007 skeleton minute hand with the full solid ones with a service(not very expensive either). My watch has the turbine slate dial & solid hands like the newer airwolfs. My watch is now absolutely incredible in looks & readability. Best of both worlds. Unfortunately I have not had a chance to photograph it & post it up yet. Will try that soon if that helps. I'm also saving pennies for the co-pilot bracelet for it too.
cheers David

The reason for the hole is to make it easier to read the digital displays. The full hands obscure the readouts a little at times.

I've noticed some newer striped dials have the skeleton hand also, so maybe they're slowly phasing them out?

I'm still not sure which I prefer. I don't think the skeleton hand is that bad. If I saw a striped dial with the skeleton hand at a good price, I'd probably buy it!

Thanks for the info! I personally don't like the skeleton hand and as it turns out. . . it's a moot point. My retailer told me today they are sending it in to replace the hands before I buy it. Between the amazing customer service and willingness to please by both retailers and service company combined with an army of loyal owners willing to look out for and guide prospective buyers, makes me even more excited for my upcoming purchase!

Well that's good to hear! Either way, you're getting one heck of a watch. What dial colour did you go for?

Don't forget - we need arrival pics!

Just as an opinion, after having an airwolf with both sets of hand, this is my view. The skeleton hand looks more novel, but less practical(I've had others glance at the watch , then ask what the time is). The solid minute hand doesn't affect readability for me. It looks as though it may through design, but in practice I haven't noticed a difference. The B1 is different though as the hands fatten out considerably at the point where the LCD windows are.

...so it'll be just like mine Except I need to get the hand changed at the service. I tend to agree, that on first glance legibility suffers due to the skeleton hand, though I don't wear it on a daily basis (yet) so that may improve with time. We shall see.....

In the meantime save up those pennies so I can see what mine will look like post hand changing service!

Cheers,
Matt

Nice..thanks...that's unreal...unfortunately now I'll HAVE to get it. Will post pics soon...Love your taste!