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Newbie here and thought I would turn to the experts and some experience here to help me decide.

I am looking to aquire my first Breitling watch (pre-owned). I am torn between the Colt II Auto A17380 and the SO Steelfish A17390.

I like both watches (and no, it's not in the budget to get both) but I really like the clean dial of the Colt II Auto. My main concern with the Steelfish is the bulk. I have never owned a 44mm watch and the one concern is that I have seen in a couple pictures that it kind of sits high off of your wrist due to the domed case back and being 15mm thick. Is this a big issue of not? Also alot of people post it is too big on a smaller wrist but never quote their wrist size. My wrist is about 7-1/4".

Recently I have been wearing a TH Aquaracer (no slamming needed) and figure the Colt II Auto is just a little larger than that watch which seems like a good size. However my eyes are not as sharp as they use to be on small items and was wondering what size the dial face is versus the dial face on the Steelfish. The only measurements I can find is the case measurement, the bezel can eat up alot of that.

Then on top of this decision is dial color...... the insanity.

Any input of if anyone has any pictures of either or both watches on a similar size wrist it would be appriciated.

How about going for the Superocean Steelfish 42? Below is a photo of that one. I liked it a bit better than the Steelfish XL, plus I like the Pro I bracelet over the Pro II. Sits very well and is very comfortable for all day wear.


Or you could go for an older Superocean. It is less height and a 40.5mm diameter.

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Breitling Old Navitimer II
Breitling Emergency
Breitling Superocean Steelfish

LOVE my SuperOcean. I don't think it's too big. Takes only a few days to get used to then you will think every other watch is small. It does sit high and I did bang it on a wall the other day by accident but it hasn't scratched as of yet.
It's a matter of preference. Just go and try them and see how they look.

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Chronomat Evolution / Mother of Pearle Face
SuperOcean 44 / Blue / Ocean Racer Strap
Tag / Formula Chrono / Black

I love both the Colt and the SOSF. Obviously they're both quality movements and they share the same movement. I love the batons on the Colt and the brushed finish on the SOSF.

The SOSF does wear bigger for the reasons you've suggested. However I've never found it uncomfortable on my 7 inch wrist. The height hasn't been an issue for me and it doesn't move around very much on either bracelet or strap, altho i didn't like it on Nato for that reason.

As to whether it looks too big on a 7- 71/2 inch wrist, i think it depends on the shape of your forearm. If your forearm is small (not very muscular) then the SOSF will appear too large. If however you have reasonably muscular forearms then it will blend nicely. For that reason i suggest you put it on and then stand back in a mirror and look at the overall package with your hands hanging by sides and also arms folded. That will help you to figure out if it looks too big or not.

I wear a 44mm SOSF on my sub 7 inch wrist (~6.5). I think it's fine!

The Colt II was my first Breitling and loved it. I sold it to get the Steelfish 44mm and never looked back. I thought that with the brushed finish it wouldn't look as "sharp" as the Colt. I was wrong. The SF finish is superb and has a nice mix of brushed and polished look. Definately stands out.

Oh and the Steelfish wears great for a 44mm. Does not sit that much higher than the Colt. Get the SF for sure.

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Crosswind Special - Slate dial
Skyland Avenger - blue dial
Steelfish - blue dial

Thanks for all the info.

From my experience, backgrounds of the watches, and posts here I think that the Colt II may be a stronger, tougher, more durable watch.

I'm not saying use it like a G-Shock but the Colt and the Submariner to me have always stood out as being exceptionally tough watches.

Not if WR is your criteria.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Eye problems? Choose the Steelfish. Although that Colt Sunray dial gets me everytime. No, go the Colt.

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Jim

"You have Control".

SOSF all the way.

Cheers!

SOSF all the way. Perhaps my favorite Breitling except my RG Transocean Chrono! Most accurate B I've ever owned and I love the mercury dial. My SOSF is the next accurate in terms of COSC.

R/

Thanks guys. I bought s silver dial SF. Should be receiving it Thursday. Decided to get both, on the lookout for a Colt Auto A17380 too. Have it in another post.

congrats! looking forward to the photos

Congrats. From a personal perspective (and now that you've bought one I can say it!), I think you definitely made the right choice. The Steelfish is an absolute classic and one of favourite Breitlings ever made. Kind of wish I hadn't sold the 3 I've owned!

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Driver8

Site Moderator