The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hello All - first thanks for all of the info I have read over the past few days. I am in the market an have narrowed my search to the Colt Chrono (2006-2011) or the Galactic 41 primarily due to size, I am looking for something 42mm or less and under 14/15mm or so thick. This will be an everyday watch worn with suits, jeans, etc...

Is there anything I am missing? I also looked at the 42mm steelfish and like that is brushed finish but really don't want a watch that was last produced in 2005. Maybe I am thinking about this wrong?

If I go with the Galactic I will purchase from a local AD, for the Colt Chrono I will have to do my best to find something like new likely online. Thanks and I appreciate any insight you have.

Good choices. I always liked the Colt Chrono (quartz), especially the silver dial with blue subdials. This would make a great everyday watch for all occasions. The older Colt automatic would fit your size criteria also. The Galactic 41 is very nice, a bit dressier IMO. There is also the Chronomat 41 (chronograph) with Breitling's new mechanical movement, although a little thicker and big price difference. Is quartz vs. mechanical a deciding factor? Aerospace for a more digital look.

There is the 42mm Superocean Heritage also, a bit on the dress sport side with no chronograph.

Good luck with the hunt!

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Chrono Jetstream
Montbrilliant 1903
Aerospace E79362

Welcome!

Both are great watches.

Do you have any preference of automatic versus quartz movement? Both have advantages and disadvantages.

As far as buying, I would personally either go to an AD or an established seller here or on another reputable watch forum. In my opinion, paying a few hundred bucks for a Breitling with a paper-trail and service records is worth it. One reason is because Breitling parts are not available to the public. Therefore, if the watch has been serviced by anyone other than Breitling, chances are at least some parts are not OEM. If you do buy a watch without a papertrail, my personal advice is to factor in the cost of a service (which can be quite high) because it is possible the watch could require an overhaul immediately, and it is best to assume the worst.

As far as getting a watch from 2005, I would not worry too much. Authorized dealers sell Breitlings from 2005 (and much earlier) all day long and we have a few great ones here who sell many pre-owned Breitlings. These are golden because 1) they usually are freshly back from Breitling service, 2) they usually have a warranty from both Breitling and the AD, 3) there is no question regarding authenticity or service requirements, and 4) buying a pre-owned model negates the depreciation of buying a brand new one. A 2005 watch that is maintained correctly (or overhauled to offset any wear and tear) is still a baby, like those Volvos with 100,000 miles where they say they aren’t broken in until you hit half a mil. The movements Breitling use are solid performers.

A few of my favorite smaller ones that may interest you are the: Chrono Cockpit, Cockpit, Wings, Crosswind, Shark/Chrono Shark, Superocean, quite a few Colts, Superocean 42, and especially the Chrono Superocean.
http://www.breitlingsource.com/breitlin ... ries.shtml

If you ever have free time, it may be worth trying on a Superocean Steelfish. While it is 44mm, it does wear well and it’s really a trademark of Breitling. My wrist is a measly 6-6.3 inches (depending on the day) and the 43.7mm Chronomat and 44mm Superocean Steelfish both fit it nicely. As far as the thickness, you’ve probably noticed most Breitlings have a little heft. You quickly adapt to it and it helps the watch get noticed over others, so I wouldn’t let the thickness discourage you from at least trying one on. As heavy a watches as they are, the bracelets and straps they use are exceptional and they carry the weight very well IMO.