The Breitling Watch Source Forums

How did I end up here? Three Breitlings, in such a short space of time?

I've owned and enjoyed many different watch brands, most notably Omega and Tag Heuer, but it's only recently that Breitling has me hooked. I bought myself an Avenger Seawolf from Ricardo at Andrew Michaels back in August, and now, having added another two to my collection, my thoughts on a watch brand that has been known to be subject to negative impressions and why I wholeheartedly disagree.

The Contenders:

The Featherweight The 42mm Aerospace Avantage Ana-Digi

Quite possibly, the ultimate everyday watch. Grab and Go quartz convenience, with an abundance of features, good looks, and the showstopper - the weight. If you've never tried one, you won't have experienced the 38g that the titanium produces, nor the quality that the watch exudes.

Superquartz accuracy and features, lightweight yet excellent build quality, and with a 100m water resistance, you can rest assured it will tackle most situations. Many deem this to be a WIS icon, I, just don't believe I didn't buy one sooner.

The Heavyweight The 45mm Avenger Seawolf 3000m Diver

At 160g, there isn't going to be many comparisons drawn between this and the Aerospace, but that's how I like it - no need for similarities in my collection.

This is one beast of a watch, but then you'd expect that with a 3000m depth rating. I love the styling of the grey dial set against the brown leather, and at a third of the price of the Rolex Deepsea, value for money is prevalent, but the build quality is up there with the best. I cannot adequately convey the strength this watch shows. Of course, it needs to be strong for the water resistance capabilities, but until you handle one you won't believe how solid it really is. Don't buy one if you have a sub 7" wrist, but anything above can pull off the heft.

The Middleweight The 41.8mm Navitimer Slide Rule Chrono

You can't think of Breitling without thinking of the Navi - it's a classic, and easily recognisable.

It might be the middleweight of my Breitling's in grams, but it's the heavyweight of Breitling as a company. If there's one design they should never drop, it's the Navi.

Why do Breitling play on the Aviation theme all the time? For the same reason Omega play on the Space theme all the time - Historical relevance. With its close links with the AOPA (Aircraft Owners & Pilot Association) from around 1954 onwards, this was the watch of their choice. Infact, the AOPA even claim they had input in the making and specifications of the Navitimer.

What I do know, is this is my favourite watch. The slide rule is functional and interesting, the design is iconic and can look just as good on a Nato strap as it does on the superbly engineered pilot bracelet or a Breitling Calf/Alligator strap. I gave up my Omega Speedmaster Sapphire Sandwich for this, and I don't regret it one bit.

I'm not that keen on all the Breitling designs, but I believe I have three of the best. Whether it's laden with digital features or built with the strength to handle an inhospitable ocean environment or owning and admiring an icon, I think with only one brand, I've got most bases covered.

Great writeup and I agree... there is enough variety within the brand (diving, aviation, daily wears, formal watches) to keep most customers happy