The Breitling Watch Source Forums

This would be my first high end luxury watch. I really like the Superocean heritage 46 with a white face and a black bezel on the mesh bracelet. Was wondering how the mesh bracelet would hold up for every day use? I imagine it would be more resistant to scratches, but what about dirt from sweating and just wearing it all day? Seems like a lot of areas dirt could find a home.

What do you guys think of this watch as a first? Would it be a good watch for every day wear? Meaning would it look good with shorts and a polo, but also a suit?

How about resale value? Do you guys think this is a watch that would hold lit's value fairly well?

What's everyon's thought/experience on where to buy it? Should I buy from an Authorized Dealer? If so, can you haggle with them on teh price? Or should I buy online? Or a used watch even? If so, anyone know of a good place to find a used watch? The idea of buying used online makes me nervous becuase not only is it not new, but now I have to hope whoever is selling it to me isn't selling me a fake.

Thanks in advance guys. I'm open to opinions, suggestions, advice, anything you have to offer, as this would be my first nice watch purchase. I'd actually really appreciate any advice, suggestions, etc... you have to offer.

The beacelt will hold up well and if you are getting a bunch of dirt in there, chances are the activity is banging up the watch as well. regardelss, the bracelet can be removeved and run under hot water, even high pressure, and it will clean out all the nooks and crannies.

I always recommned a first purchase from an AD.

Yes the watch will be plenty versatile with clothing styles.

No, the watch will not hold it's value well. There are a few brands where value is held or even increases, Breitling and most of the brands you can think of are not among them. Figure once it's been worn a bit and is still in Mint condition, realse about 40-45% of full retail the norm.

But PLEASE, if you do get it also get the Diver Pro II or Ocean Racer rubber straps on the deployant clasp. There will be times you want to change it up and my experience was I just didn't want to wear the mesh all the time.

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SHARKMAN

Get rubber and leather straps when you buy it so that you can switch it up when you want. Its a very versatile watch, and a few strap options only makes it more so.

Let us know where youre located and somebody can point you in the direction of a good AD.

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-RJ

Or contact memebrs FEAR or jnelson3097 to get directed to a Florida or PA AD who will give you a great discount without sales tax if you don't live in those states.

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SHARKMAN

I love mine. I have the black face with the diver pro2 It wears well with all types of outfits. Defiantly buy from an AD. If you buy with the mesh then spend a little extra and pick up a diver pro2 also. You wont regret it. Best of luck to you.

The SOH 46 was my first high end timepiece as well, and I have been extremely pleased. I wear mine almost everyday and I am still impressed by the heft and finish.

I have smaller wrists and the SOH does wear big on me, but because it is not a very tall case it is much more manageable on the wrist.

Also, I have to second the sentiment regarding the rubber and deployant. It is a great option and well worth the expense.

Loving mine! I got the bronze and have both the mesh and OR strap in bronze. Great watch and very comfortable on the wrist for such a large instrument. Go for it!

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Marc

Current rotation:

2011 Oris Great Barrier Reef LE
2010 Omega Planet Ocean Big Size
2010 Breitling Avenger Seawolf SS
2008 Baume Mercier Classima
2007 Breitling SuperOcean Heritage 46

I'm located in Orlando, FL.

Thanks for all the advice so far guys.

I really like the SOH 46, but I their are some other Breitling's I like as well. So far that SOH 46 has been the one to stick in my brain.

I'm not quite ready to pull the trigger just yet though. I tend to over analyze things, and with this being the most I have ever spent on a watch will probably over think this as well. Right now I'm in the early stages, just kind of shopping around seeing what's out there. I'm hoping to purhcase one in the next month or two.

As for the mesh bracelet, it sounds pretty comfortable and more resistant to scratches. Is that the general opinion?

It's a good idea to get a second bracelet to switch it up a bit. Is it hard to change the bracelets? I have no idea how to do so.

Does anyone know what a white face, black bezel SOH 46 on a mesh bracelet should cost? What's the market rate? Want to make sure when I do decide to buy it, I'm not getting a bad deal.

Thanks!

If you are in Florida contact Govbergs via jnelson3097 or Provident via FEAR (although they are also in FL so you may have sales tax issues) and they'll quote you fair prices.

Bracelet / strap changing here - http://www.breitlingsource.com/video_ar ... p%20Change Very easy with the right tool (Bergeon 6767F is the most popular).

Thanks! I didn't realize the bracelet was so easy to change.

I've had both of these dealers you mention pm me, and a couple others have referred them as well. Have you bought a watch from either of them? If I bought from one of them, would I be able to have it serviced at a local AD? Or would I have to mail it to them? I believe Provident via FEAR offers a 4 year warranty, but that warranty is only valid through him, right?

You'll have to talk to FEAR about the warranty - I assume that it's through Provident as Breitling's warranty is only 2 years. That warranty is valid anywhere in the world. ADs don't generally service watches, they have to go to regional service centres, but you certainly aren't tied to a specific AD. I am not US based, but there is positive feedback for both of them in the feedback section of this site.

I've got that watch and have the mesh and rubber. Got mine at http://www.prestigetime.com/

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First of all, yes, it is a great watch. In my opinion, however, I do not think it is very "versatile" as far as what you can and cannot wear it with. Not very many men can pull it off with a suit. It's a great business casual and casual watch - and it's good for its intended purpose - wearing in the water. But only certain people/fashions can pull it off with a suit and tie.

Secondly, the "mesh" bracelet will wind up scratching just like any other metal bracelet will. However, due to the nature of the bracelet itself, scratches will be less noticeable. Wearing it day to day, the majority of the dirt it will collect is from the dead skin cells leaving your body - especially when you sweat. However, warm water and a gentle soap will remove the dirt and grime and have it looking spiffy easily.

Finally, as to "where" to buy it. It's a fairly common watch and relatively easy to find. I'd personally try to find one used as they lose a lot of retail value as soon as someone owns it and its production numbers have been high enough where it should be relatively easy to find it on the used marketplace - either through individuals or dealers. I wouldn't hesitate to buy it through a person on eBay with excellent credentials with PayPal or your credit card company to back you up...or through a local AD.

Bottom line - it is an excellent watch and one I would wear proudly. However, I personally do not think it is suit and tie worthy unless you have the right type of body and fashion sense to pull it off.

Admittedly, I am a bit biased as I was VERY close to buying the same watch; however, I ultimately went with an Omega because I liked its traditional style and felt like it was more fashionably versatile.

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PAM359, Omega PO Big Size, 1951 Omega Seamaster, Rolex Sea Dweller

Beautiful watch but doesn't sit comfortably with longsleeved shirt due to it's bulk, and the angular bezel profile. It begs to be seen anyway and looks terrific with with short sleeve, smart-casual. Not really a suit and tie accessory. If you worry about marks and scratches the only answer is do not buy one. Buy one to wear and enjoy wearing it regularly. I,m patiently waiting for my Transocean LE 01 to arrive. . That is definitely NOT going to be a daily wearer - special occasions only! My SOHC is rathewr ordinary in comparison.

I know opinions vary but my SOH looks great both casual with jeans and a shirt and also with a suit. The watch sits low on my wrist and tucks nicely under my shirt cuffs. Personally I would wear the mesh bracelet with a suit though...the Ocean Racer rubber strap would probably not look as spiffy. I think I have posted these in other threads but here are a few:

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Marc

Current rotation:

2011 Oris Great Barrier Reef LE
2010 Omega Planet Ocean Big Size
2010 Breitling Avenger Seawolf SS
2008 Baume Mercier Classima
2007 Breitling SuperOcean Heritage 46