The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I have the opportunity to trade my Crosswind Special + cash for a 3 month old Chronomat 44. If I factor in the cost of my next service on the Crosswind, it would be a difference of approximately $600, so it seems like a good deal.

But trying to look past the economics of it....should I do it? I guess I'm really looking for why the Chronomat 44 is (or is not) a watch worth acquiring at the expense of my Crosswind Special.

Any thoughts would be appreciated!

Compare the bezels of those two pieces and then come back and apologise for even considering it

Even the bezel aside, the Crosswind Special is a rare beast these days, so that would be reason enough to keep it IMO.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Considering the problems we had with the few Crosswind special we have sold to the few problems with the new Chronomat 01, I would not think long about it and do the exchange.

BG
Thomas

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http://www.ellert.at

I ended up buying it outright as opposed to a trade, so may keep both. It was a very good deal, so I know I can sell it if I don't like it.

I keep trying to slim down my collection, but it's just not working

Congrats on your new 44. It's def a nice watch...I tried one on at the AD, but as nice as it is, I still prefer the older style bezel and the big date feature on the CWS, and wouldn't ever trade mine for a 44. They don't make em anymore, which makes it even more "special" to me.

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18k Rolex Datejust / Breitling Crosswind Special / Patek SS Nautilus / Bvlgari Diagono Chrono / Bvlgari Scuba / Omega Speedmaster Professional / 60s Omega Constellation

It arrived, and I love it!

I'll try to post some quick photos tomorrow. White Mother of pearl dial with silver roman numerals. 3 months old, so comes with the extended warranty. Not sure I'll want to let this one go....

Priceless!!

Cheers

I'm looking forward to real shots of this watch. Congrats on a good deal and for keeping your CWS!

Here are some quick cell phone shots, plus first impressions:









It wears bigger than the dimensions suggest, definitely bigger than my CWS. It appears that the CWS has a larger dial, but the Chronomat 44 has thicker lugs that have a smaller degree of taper, making the watch wear almost (but not quite) square.

The bracelet also does not appear to taper, which again gives the whole watch the feeling of something bigger. I thought I'd be bothered by the space between the case and the end piece, but it works.

I love the dial - the MOP is great, no color, but subtle shades of white/grey. My wife has a MOP Ball watch that has shades of blue, which is nice, but not for me. This is pure white/grey.

The bezel....I know, I know - most folks here hate it. Honestly, I think it's fine. Is it my favorite part of the watch? No, but at worst I'm neutral on it. On the other hand, it gives it a fresh, new style that I like.

So what can I say? I really like it. I took a chance on it, since the pictures were not great. It came not only with box, papers, tags, etc...but also with the receipt. I paid 40% of the original selling price for what amounts to a brand new Chronomat with the B01 movement.

Assuming I keep this, my next thread will be "What should I sell?", and since my other options in addition to this are my Headwind, the CWS, a Montbrillant Eclipse and an Airwolf, it should be an interesting conversation!

Congrats on a good deal! Even though I don't like the bezel it's a good looking watch for sure! Nice movement and roman numerals makes it awesome.

Thanks for the first impressons!