The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I have been in the market for over a month now for my first real luxury watch. I was initially drawn to breitling after seeing the super avenger in a jewelry store window. I wanted one so badly I could taste it. Since seeing it the first time, I've been to several ADs to try it on; each time I left the AD reaffirmed in my quest to acquire one. Then, I stumbled upon a rolex forum and began reading posts about that brand and slowly became interested in them. Finally, this past summer, my wife and I went to Hawaii and was overtaken by the interest of travelers in rolex watches. Most of them were traveling to or from the U.S., and stop in Hawaii to consume duty free luxury goods. In reading the rolex forum, I then learned about Panerai, and knew without a doubt that that would be my next watch. After going back and forth, over and over, from brand to brand, and watch to watch, I'm back where I started, looking at super avengers wondering why such a beautiful and powerful watch is now third on my list behind rolex and panerai. Partly, I am beginning to wonder if the SA is losing it's luster due to it's sheer size; or is it in my mind only? Are they still popular or is it the beginning of the end for that model. I'm also wonder will the Chronograph suit me well as an everyday watch; dress suit during they day, jeans and polo shirt in the evening or shorts and t-shirt on weekends. I really love the watch but these are my current concerns. Maybe the "old folks" in the rolex forum have poisoned me? . In any event, I am now considering the rolex explorer ii 42mm, the datejust ii 41mm, rhodium dial with Arabic numerals, and the panerai Pam 111 or 312. Guys, please help me sort this one out. I know it is my money and my ultimate decision. Each watch speaks to me, but in a different way. In terms of resale value, nothing seems to come close to rolex. That is a consideration too, but small on my list of importance, though relevant. I am not a flahy guy anymore, considering I'm in my very early forties, but I'm in no way a plain Joe either. I like for people to notice my nice things, and I don't particularly like flying under the radar and being understated. I guess what I'm saying is I like the bling factor of the SA, but no diamonds for me, no two tone bracelets, etc. Give me some substance...which way would you go and why? Thanks!!

I would go with paragraph spacing.

_________________
Al

“Quis custodiet ipsos custodes"

Rolex= Classy like Mercedes
Breitling= Mean & aggressive like BMW

except maybe Breitling = Porsche

I thought I was finished with being graded on grammar when I graduated from law school and passed the bar 14 years ago! Oh well!! Care to contribute substantively??

Sure not making it any easier for a fellow!!! Love both brand of cars!

A tough call, and always boils down to personal preference. There are a lot of guys who will disagree with me, but unless you are a big man and have 8 inch or larger wrists, I think an SA in a suit in court or client meetings is too big. Casual, anything goes, but for a do-it-all watch, the SA may not be for you. That said, the SA is so much larger than a 42mm Rolex that it's a bit disorienting to compare them.

Rolex is having a bit of a renaissance because the finally got the memo that people are starting to like larger watches. They acted on the memo in an evolutionary and I think very good way. They went a little larger but not that much, and if you've spent time over at the Rolex forums you know that many are complaining anyway. A lot of people here own Rolexes old and new. We like them a lot, but a lot of us love the extra something Breitling offers in terms of variety.

A lot of people here own Panerais as well, and I did too for a time. The devotees rank up there with the Rolex and Omega devotees, if not even a little more single-minded. I do think, though, that among the three brands you'll find more former Panerai owners here who now own no example of the brand than you'll find with Rolex or Breitling. You either love the look, and it's all a variation of one look, or you don't.

Breitling has changes a lot of models lately, leaving a lot of us ticked. If you search the boards, several of us have turned to Rolex for future purchases. But I'll venture that a lot of us who have done that wrere not SA guys. The watches are so different. Breitling still has a lot to deliver in "power" watches, and they still have some of the best watch bracelets in the business.

Again, this is you, not me or anybody else who has to wear the watch. I will indulge to the point of guessing at a good "one watch". If you must have one and only one, you can't go wrong with a Sub, GMT or Explorer. Breitling's line has changed a bit--I can't keep up with it now. But there are still versions of great chronos in new or just-discontinued watches by Breitling that might downsize you just a little. The group will correct me if I'm wrong, but I think you can get an Avenger rather than an SA (3mm smaller) and you might be more comfortable with it. Still plenty of presence. Breitling has a lot of "power watches"-- a Navitimer World, Superocean Heritage Chrono, or the Chronomat Evolution, or just Chronomat all dwarf my old GMT.

Between an Explorer and an SA, yeah, I'd get the Explorer. But I can't wear an SA ( and my wrists are 7 3/4), to me it looks cartoonish on me. Compare that Explorer with an EVO or a Navitimer, and then I have something to think about.

_________________
Scott

AP Royal Oak 15400, silver
Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Classic Cars
Vintage gold Corum
Rolex DJ 36 TT, oyster dial, oyster/smooth
Baume & Mercier Riviera 200m, silver dial/aquamarine bezel
Breitling Superocean 57, rose/stainless

I think the reason you may be sensing a bit of resistance here is the nature of your title in the original post. The post seems to be a little bit of a put-down to Breitling owners. Just my opinion, but that's how I see it.

That aside, I don't think the SuperAvenger is losing any popularity contests lately. There's no doubt it's always been a little bit of a niche market watch, given its size and flashiness. It's definitely not for everyone... never has and never will be. Many people love it though, myself included. I don't see the market losing interest in the SA anytime soon.

However, people's tastes do change. Mine have, and it sounds like yours have too as you've been hunting around for your ideal watch. The more time you spend researching a certain brand or watch that catches your eye, naturally the more you'll "need" it. That's why watch websites are so dangerous to your wallet!! And that's also why I believe you've had the feeling that you're going in circles in terms of what you really want.

I understand the appeal for Panerai... I picked up four in the last few years. And Rolex... just got my first one the other day, a Deep Sea. But Breitling continues to be the cornerstone of my collection with an embarrassingly large percentage. But I have different days when I feel like wearing different watches of different styles... that's why we're watch collectors. Sometimes simple and clean is needed, sometimes flashy and utilitarian is desired. It's nice to have more than one brand and style... we're lucky as individuals to have the opportunity to make these choices.

Maybe you should spend more time thinking about what you really want and stop listening to what other people think you should want, although it's natural to a degree, and we've all been there... your nose turns this way and that. On the other hand, maybe you should simply resign yourself to the fact that you'll eventually own ALL of those watches you're interested in, and get started assembling your own collection!

I hope this helps a little. If not, take it for what you paid for it.

Cheers

Ross

Sorry, but why would you buy a watch based on whether it's popular or not? Buy it because it sings to you! If anything, a discontinued model may have more resale value in the future.

As for the title, what are you basing this information on? Rolex forums?

Answering your question, I have in my collection an Omega PO Seamaster PO 45.5, a PAM 112 and a Super Avenger.
Out of those, I wear my Super Avenger the most.

My wrists are 7 1/4" and I have no problem with the size of the SA at all, and I find it very versatile.
I wear it on the leather for a more toned down look when I'm at work with a suit and rubber on the weekends for a more sporty, casual look. If I'm off to a bar or a casino and want some bling, I chuck on the bracelet.
It's amazing how much the watch can be transformed simply by changing straps.

Industyr trends seem to be moving more to 'less large' models - can't really say smaller as still plenty of 42 - 44mm introductions, but fewer 45mm+ watches than there were a few years ago, but personally I don't give two hoots about trends and popularity. I buy what I like and don't care if everyone else likes it or no one else likes it.

From a Breitling perspective some of their new models are so bizarre I would much prefer a 'dated' Super Avenger.

I have been..... month.... Breitling ..."old folks",,,, 43mm.... rolex.. panerai ...SA...


WTF....

_________________
Breanach78

A Few Breitlings.

It never hurts to try to make your posts as readable as possible. After all, by posting, you're asking others to take the time to read what you have to say. Evidently a few people are having trouble tracking with what you're saying or asking. That doesn't help you, or us.

That aside, are you asking if the Breitling brand overall is losing popularity, or just the SA? Personally, I've never been a fan of the SA. I find it to be the epitome of the gratuitously oversized watch. Not everybody agrees, of course; in fact, it's traditionally been a popular model. If it's falling out of favor, I don't know. Breitling is notorious for changing and discontinuing models with relative rapidity, so if you're particularly fond of one, it's a good idea to grab it before it goes by the way.

That's part of the problem a lot of us "old guard" fans are having with the brand at the moment: Breitling has virtually remade its entire lineup, with few models or designs that are older than two years. This wouldn't be so bad if the current lineup was good, but with a few exceptions, I believe most of what is currently offered isn't as good as what it replaced. Of course that's a subjective statement, but it's widely shared by a number of members here. Whether that sentiment is reflected in the market as a whole, again I don't know. I just know what I like.

Regarding the brand comparisons, each brand has carved out its own sense of style. However, both Rolex and Panerai seem confident in their styles, whereas Breitling seems to be rather confused and in search of an identity. Right now, I greatly prefer both Rolex's and Panerai's current lineup to that of Breitling. Ten years ago, I wouldn't have said that. Among your choices, I'd easily go with the Explorer II or the PAMs, although none of them are my personal top picks for a watch.

have been..... month.... Breitling ..."old folks",,,, 43mm.... rolex.. panerai ...SA...


WTF....

_________________
Breanach78

A Few Breitlings.

_________________
Breanach78

A Few Breitlings.

I just got rid of my Breitling BlackBird a few months ago - and note that I own a Panerai and a Rolex.

Admittedly, much of my decision to get rid of the Breitling had to do with my perception of Breitling. I think they've really cheapened the brand over the past couple of years with rubber bezels, bright colored dials, lame limited editions, many watches which now look like Frankenwatches made from the Breitling factory parts bin, and lousy customer service.

IMO, Rolex and Panerai have stayed very true to their roots and any changes have been gradual and calculated - where Breitling seems to be throwing crap against the wall waiting for something to stick.

Quite frankly, my Panerai and my Rolex both keep better time than the Breitling and they're just more solid watches IMO. The Rolex is more versatile if I'm wearing a t-shirt or a suit and the Panerai is just a very rugged watch that I don't have to worry about banging it around (my Omega as well). Where as I had to baby my BlackBird as it needed service twice within the first two years of owning it.

Rolex and Panerai will hold their value much better than a Breitling and most of their styles will be "classics" you can wear for years. Many Breitlings have become fashion pieces which will only have an appeal for a few years.

That's why I personally left Breitling.

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

And yet you sold what is arguably one of the most iconic, classic Breitlings... the Blackbird. I don't understand that. I can see you having a problem with most of the new ones, but you had in your hand one of the all-time classics that is easily just as likely to hold its value as much as any Panerai.

Yours is the first Blackbird I've ever heard needing to go back for service. It's a shame, normally a very rugged watch. I feel my Blackbird is far more robust than any of my Panerai, save perhaps the 305 Submersible.

Sorry that you have left Breitling. Hopefully more great designs like the Transocean and the new Navi will win you back some day.

Cheers

Ross