The Breitling Watch Source Forums

So I am looking to purchase my first 'Ling, and have found Breitlingsource.com to be incredibly helpful.

The video reviews by the admin really took it beyond the standard reviews and pics I came across elsewhere, and the standard information has been top notch. Even found plenty of help on the forums, lets hope the buy/sell/trade forum is just as good. Posted my ad for either a navitimer or a superocean heritage.

My question here is....which would be the better first Breitling?

I think the white sub-dial/ black dial (Arabic) on the Navi is cool and would go well at work or on the weekend if I put it on a black leather. However to afford this I would have to go Second-hand.

The superocean seems like I very classic piece that I could have fun with, and change straps. I was thinking 1-rubber, 1-black leather, and if possible 1-SS from the Avenger line. I haven't quite taken to the mesh yet.

So there it is.....Second hand Navi or New/Like New SOH?

Your only SS bracelet choice for a Heritage46 is the mesh - the Pro II bracelet will not fit. But the watch will look great on Ocean Racer rubber (OR IMO is much better fro the SOH46 since the DPII tends to look a little bland on this watch) or on black calf OR CROCO. The croco would really dress up the watch while the rubber is nice and casual.

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SHARKMAN

Just go with the one that "speaks" to you the most. Don't second guess yourself, just DO IT!

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UN Maxi Marine Ti
B01, BEB
SOH
Aerospace Ti
Chrono SO
Omega 300 Master Co-Axial Chro
Omega PO Chrono.
AP ROO Diver
Titan Black Rolex DSOD Honeycomb Dial

That´s two completaly different watches, both stylistically and functionally. I´m biased as I love the Navi and even though the SOH has a classic and handsome look, to me it´s a bit boring for some reason.

The Navi is a much dressier and a very elegant piece with tons of presence. It´s IMO the most recognizable Breitling, but has about no water resistant at all.

The SOH has a classic divers watch style. It`s built like a vault and it can withstand just about a nuclear attack.

You´d need to try them on, but keep two things in mind how and where you´d like to wear your watch and which seems to "pull" you.

(That was actually three things. )

well after some thought, and with help from the site....I have decided on the Superocean heritage in black. I may be thinking about it too much, but I worry that if I got the Navi first the SOH may not be as exciting as it will be as my first B.

Anyhow,
I am thinking I need to go with the 38mm. I went to my local AD today (more on this in a minute) and the 46 felt pretty huge on me. While I wouldn't mind this if it was strictly a weekend watch, but as it stands I gotta improvise and get the crocco strap for work.

As for the AD visit....I was really surprised that on my second visit there (I met a sales rep, and got the 2009 catalog the first time) when asking about price, the rep gave me the book price. When the owner came by to help with question he commented that the price was the price.

Am I wrong in thinking that there is usually a discount on AD watches? Or did this guy just peg me as a window-shopper?

Should be at least 20 - 25% in the US (used to be closer to 30% but dealer prices have gone up so it's harder), less in Europe but still should be some discount.

Think about this one - for instance my wrist is a measly 6&1/2 and the 46 is perfect. The 38mm is almost woman's size these days. It probably feels HUGE if you never have worn a watch even 44mm, but the shape allows it to hug the wrist. The first time I laid a 46 on my wrist, I immediatley ruled it out - wrongly for me at least. If you get the 38mm you are liable to be wondering in a couple weeks why you bought such a tiny watch.

Or not, it's what you want that matters. BUT - Here's my experience - I opted for the 42mm Superocean Chrono first because the other Lings seemed HUGE - now those 3 SOCs are owned by other guys becuase by some force of nature they got progressively smaller as I wore them. I'm quite certain it was not mere perspective - I'm convinced Breitlings have magic powers!

As for discounts, in Phoenix USA one AD gives 20%, another 25%.

OK, now you should be totally confused. I am.

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SHARKMAN

I agree with this. A Breitling will seem large if you're used to a Timex, but once you've had one for a while, they get smaller.

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[Witty signature here]

Probably just because the sales rep was there. Dont be shy. Go back into the store and ask what the best they can do for you is. If they dont budge, let them know that they must be the only dealer in the city like that, and that youll just go to a different store and get the deal youre looking for.

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-RJ

Talked to the sales rep again today, and still no discount. All she was interested in doing was selling me a TAG, even after I mentioned what new ones were selling for online.

I guess message boards are where I will have to look

Where are you?

In the US PM jnelson3097 for contact details of George at Govberg (a sponsor) and in the UK / Europe try Andrew Michaels (link at the top) and mention BreitlingSource.

This wouldn't be an AD with many locations who's name starts with a "T" would it.

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SHARKMAN

If it starts with a 'T' you can get up to 28% if you play your cards correctly!

In my opinion any Breitling smaller than 42mm is a waste because it's hard to appreciate the details on such a small face.

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

That would be the first ive heard. Ive heard anything from a scoff for even thinking that they can discount for you, up to 15%.

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-RJ

I am in Central Texas, Waco to be specific, and the AD was a local jewelry shop.

Maybe I am just being too much of a cheapskate here, and I am trying really hard not to get too excited and just spend the extra dough. I was hoping to find a like new similar to the three or so I saw sell on here within the last few weeks. They went for a little under 2K. I am cool with going over that mark, for a new one, but full retail wasnt happening.

Thanks for the advice on the size. I think I am going to heed the advice of those with experience, and get the 46.