The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I am an enlisted military member with a love affair with aviation, and want to put a Breitling on my wrist. I have been looking into Breitling after seeing a lot of the pilots on my base wearing them (most commonly the Aerospace), and have slowly developed an obsession that I need to satisfy - and my girlfriend needs me to satisfy for her sanity.

I know my only real option for a new Breitling is the Colt Quartz, and while I do like that watch, I figure I could do a lot better in the used market with less money. Also, I will add, that even though someone with my income should probably not be shopping for a luxury brand watch, I would not be putting myself in financial doldrums and even plan on quitting smoking when I find my 'one'.

So, to finally get to my question, do I have a snowballs chance of getting a decent used 'ling for under a $1000? I am not opposed to well worn (just not negligently damaged), or even vintage models.

Thank you for the help,
Alex

Just save a little more, The Colt quartz is the Cadillac Cimmaron of Breitlings. Why buy something you don't really like , when you can just save a little more and get what you want. Any owners of the Colt quartz that I have offended please accept my apology, as this is just my opinion.

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One Watch At A Time.

$1000 will get you a used base type model like a colt auto, maybe an older superocean. If you can squeeze a few hundred more you can spring for a used steelfish. That should do the trick.

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-RJ

If you are deployed you should be able to get almost any stainless Breitling within 1 year of diligent saving - and maybe much faster than that!

I would save for what you really want. Buying something for 1000 that you aren't in love with just means you'll have to wait longer to get what you really want.

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Squadron Member: Breitling Chronomat B01 Blackeye Blue, Brushed Bezel, Pilot Bracelet

Definitely save the extra money for the one you want. An extra $1000 bucks will go a long way in the watch world. If you want to stay within budget, I think there are plenty of other brands that can offer more for less money than a B.

Even for a used Ling dont restrict yourself to less than $3,000. Money wont be a problem, just save, be patient and chase what you really want. If you want a watch so much you'd pay even more then it's the 1for u.

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Breitling Chronomat B01-The Holy Grail of watch collectors alongside the Rolex Datejust, Roman numerals mandatory!

Less that $3k? There are a lot of used Breitlings out there for less than $3k

To the OP. Check back here quite often in the for sale forum. Used Superoceans and Colts, both excellent watches in my humble opinion, show up from time to time. Also try posting a WTB thread. Like everyone else said save up a bit more too, there's nothing worse than dropping a bunch of cash on something that it turns out you don't really like that much.

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"Leave the gun, take the cannoli."

Most models other than Bentleys can be found used for under 3k.

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-RJ

I have bought (& Sold) around 5 Aerospaces and most if not all were under $1k so just keep looking and you will find what youre looking for

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If you're patient and do your research you can find some descent, used, non-Colt quartz models on ebay. A quick search of recently sold items turned up a couple of nice older Chronomats and some Colt Autos that went for $1000.00 or less. Several more in the $1200.00 dollar range.

I for one certainly wouldn't discount the used market. If you are interested in used, which you seem to be, don't hesitate to ask members on this board their opinions. I'm sure everyone here will be happy to help you.

Elwyn

Thank you for everyones input. I know having a budget around $1k for a Breitling is somewhat limiting, but another factor is that I would like this to be an everyday watch - and in being so, it kind of scares me that it could be damaged or ruined at work.

As far as auto vs quartz, would you say that being in the auto movements are fairly rugged? I am not in a high speed / low drag career field, but I have heard that even firing a weapon can be detrimental to auto movements.

I really like the Aerospace model, I think seeing it on the wrist of so many fighter pilots may have skewed my tastes though

Pretty good metaphor. I will say, though, I think there is something to be said for the accuracy of quartz, plus the lower maintenance requirements. There aren't too many thermocompensated, certified chronometer quartz movements out there, so that's a bragging point for the Colt quartz models. Having said that, I can think of a number of other Breitling models I would prefer, but I wouldn't dismiss anyone for choosing the Colt quartz if that's what he really wants. If he is settling on account of price, though, I'd side with others here who say it's better to save up to get the watch he really wants; otherwise, he's going to be reminded of his choice to settle each time he looks at his wrist.

I would think that you should be able to find a used version of the Superocean for around $1,000-$1,200. It would be a great 1st Breitling, and is very durable. Use the search function and look for some of the posts by Palantas. He is also in the military, and wears a Superocean as his deaily watch. He seems to be very pleased with it.

Good luck with your decision, and THANK YOU for your service!!

Well you clearly have a lot of options with respect to getting a sub-1000 dollar Breitling as detailed by everyone thus far.

In your case, it might be best to go with a more rugged quartz watch. One of the things about having a mechanical watch is that you need to be prepared to spend a bit more money somewhat more frequently to keep it running accurately. A service every 3-5 years is in order and will cost you ~350 USD at Breitling.

I'd personally go with something that looks more "quartz" than the Colt. I don't like it when quartz watches masquerade as mechanical - an Aerospace might be your best bet.

P.S. Good luck on the hunt! It's half the fun of watches!

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“The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once.” - Albert Einstein

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