Okay, I've appreciated this site and forum in deciding on a new watch. So, I thought I'd post this.
I narrowed my choice to an Omega Seamaster and Breitling. After deciding to buy 'non-chrono', I chose the Breitling. I liked several models, but particularly Avengers and Superoceans. A few reasons I chose Breitling over Omega. One, Breitling dials appear more interesting. Two, I believe the Breitling and Omega are similar in quality and prestige. Three, I wanted a large bezel and 'heavy feel'. And, lastly, I confess, I found a good deal.
I visited my local Breitling AD. Large selection. Nice salesman. Very knowledgable (he's visiting the offices/plant in Switzerland). They discount all Breitlings 15%. But, he showed me a SO Steelfish. He said they were being discontinued (which appears to have been a discussion for a long time) and he would give me 20% off. We actually settled on a flat price, which was more than 20% off. That ended up being about $800 less that the Omega. And, it's the same or less than online sellers, with no manufacturer warranty.
So, I am now the proud owner of a SO Steelfish w/ Pro II bracelet. I chose the silver/white dial, mostly after putting several black and brown bands with it.
I've already ordered a black croc with deployment buckle from panatime.com, a site my AD salesman recommended. That's another thing I liked about my AD salesman. He told me he could sell me a Breitling band for a couple hundred, and showed me a couple, but suggested I buy one or two online, save some money and see how I like them. He even pulled out his own personal 'band bag' to show me how different ones looked, some Breitling and some not...pretty cool. I want a brown padded leather and black rubber. Any suggestions on sources for straps/bands would be much appreciated.
Thanks again to those who post here. Good information. A chrono is next. Another treasure hunt.
CBT
Breitling SO Steelfish
Hamilton Viewmatic (yellow gold, 20 years and running great)
Hamilton Viewmatic (polished silver, 10 years and running great)
) is that straps come in 2 'types' -- straight (eg. 22mm width of the strap at the lugs = 22mm width at buckle) and tapered (22mm width of strap at lugs taper to 20mm or 18mm at the buckle).