I understand the concept of the Super Quartz technology...and LOVE the look of some of the Quartz watches Breitling offers. I just have a hard time justifying $3000+ for a Quartz time piece. What are your thoughts?? For the folks that have Quartz...what made you go in that direction over automatic. Thanks

I was unsure too, just as you are. Until that is, I bought my avenger M1 and I don't regret it for a second, it's a great watch and so accurate I can use it to sync and keep time with my autos to cheek they're running right!

I use my M1 as a reference to sync my other watches with as well. I also like that it can take a beating and be used for pretty much anything. My arm will probably break before the watch does

Which model is the M1?

It is a discontinued model with titanium case. I think it was replaced by Avenger Seawolf chrono. Superquartz and 1000m but it is made with stainless steel and a limited edition in blacksteel.

Cal 78 is in part a mechanical movement. It even has a 9 jewel escapement!

I had a B-1 Chronometre in 2004, black face over "Fighter" bracelet, kept it two years, sold it in 2006 and bought an Omega Speedmaster Professional Moon Watch. don't get me wrong: I liked the Moon a lot. Great watch. But after six months I missed the AR sapphire crystal; the three-tone alarm that's loud enough to wake the dead; the 99 day countdown timer that is actually useful-it can be used to time instances over an hour, for baking; likewise, the 99-day chronograph for when you need to count up for times longer than an hour or even 12 hours; the second time zone with distinct alarm that is handy for traveling; the day-date function accessible with a twist of the crown. I missed the astounding 15 seconds/year accuracy. I even missed the kitschy analog time switchable between 12 and 24 hours, the ridiculously cluttered E6B bezel, and the weird green NVG-compatible backlighting that isn't REALLY necessary, given the superLuminova on the hands and indices....

I keep watches 4-5 years because when I buy one it takes two years to pay them off. So I kept the Moon and enjoyed it. But of all the watches I have owned and sold or traded over the years, I've missed only one. And that one was my B-1.

I sold the Speedy and ran my credit card up again...for Airwolf Raven 2009 Reno Air Race special edition 24/100. Another two years to pay it off, as usual. But it's worth it to me. I really missed all those functions and usefulness. Quartz? Yeah. Worth as much as mechanical? To me, yes indeed. It's as elegant in its own way as any mechanical, and for me its functions are far more every-day useful.

Miao, Cat