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What should Breitling's materials focus be?
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Author:  Roffensian [ Mon Apr 21, 2014 1:57 pm ]
Post subject:  What should Breitling's materials focus be?
In a continued attempt to stir things up a bit, what should Breitling focus on in terms of material science? I've made this a poll, but let's have a discussion as well. For the polling I have offered:

Grade 5 Titanium - a 'better' grade than the grade 2 that they have used in the past, and used by some watchmakers

Ceramic - a category of materials that has been used a lot for cases and bezels in recent years

Exotic metals - many variations on this, bronze has been getting some press, but tantalum and similar hard metals have also become popular

Silicon - generally restricted to movement use, silicon based materials reduce friction and have been used for maintenance free (or close to it) escapements by a number of manufactures

Other - please let us know what you think.
Author:  sharkman [ Mon Apr 21, 2014 2:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What should Breitling's materials focus be?
My vote conforms to my desire for the Superocean range, no surprise there - ceramic.
Author:  mfserge [ Mon Apr 21, 2014 2:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What should Breitling's materials focus be?
Ceramic. Let's start with ceramic bezels and then move into ceramic cases. There's no reason why they can't simultaneously work on a ceramic bezel and begin using grade 5 titanium. The level of finishing that Omega has been able to achieve on their grade 5 titanium cases is outstanding, I'd like to see Breitling get to that level as well.
Author:  P51 [ Mon Apr 21, 2014 2:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What should Breitling's materials focus be?
It would be interesting to see ceramic being used & what Breitling can do with this material.
Author:  Kodiak [ Mon Apr 21, 2014 4:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What should Breitling's materials focus be?
I'd like to see grade 5 titanium brought back into the Avenger line along with maybe a model in the SO series.

Ceramic for colored bezels is OK. Don't need ceramic cases at this time, the added cost is not worth it.

I agree with mfserge these could be implemented simultaneously.
Author:  coltstrong [ Mon Apr 21, 2014 4:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What should Breitling's materials focus be?
I'd like to see more advanced materials in the movement that improve performance. Maybe I'm old fashion but I like steel, gold, platinum. I mean a semi precious PGM would be interesting like a palladium watch but other than that I'm for upgrading movement materials first.
Author:  superavenger13 [ Mon Apr 21, 2014 5:30 pm ]
Post subject:  What should Breitling's materials focus be?
I think ceramic bezels would be a nice touch. But silicone escapements would be huge. That way hopefully we wouldn't have to be without our watches for a month when the service needs done. But it is a small price to pay time wise to ensure a watch that lasts forever.

Wasn't Patek the first company to use this? Would something like that drive up the initial price? But I guess there would basically be a small service cost so it might be worth it in the end.


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Author:  jnelson3097 [ Mon Apr 21, 2014 6:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What should Breitling's materials focus be?
I agree that having a ceramic bezel on the Superocean would be a huge step in the right direction. A ceramic case wold be nice as well. The mock up done on here a year or so ago of the ceramic cased Navi 01 looked amaing and would easily be a huge hit.
Author:  Alan M [ Tue Apr 22, 2014 2:08 am ]
Post subject:  Re: What should Breitling's materials focus be?
Ceramic (Hell, that's twice in the last two years that I have agreed with Serge......)
Author:  natesen [ Tue Apr 22, 2014 8:49 am ]
Post subject:  Re: What should Breitling's materials focus be?
I think they should be working on ceramics for case materials for the bezel and the entire case. Omega can't keep their ceramic speedy in stock for long as it's such a hot seller. They also need to keep evolving their in house movement as it feels like once they released it they thought their job was done. The use of silicone should definitely be incorporated to keep improving upon their movement.

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Author:  JaVa [ Tue Apr 22, 2014 11:20 am ]
Post subject:  Re: What should Breitling's materials focus be?
Rubber! :D Definetly more rubber. In a more varied choice of color, preferably in pastel and neon colors. Can´t wait for a Navitimer in an all rubber neon orange case. :D

Well ...maybe not?
But more exotic metals and more advanced composition steels for even better durability and scratch resistance. ...and the ceramic has to come sooner or later. Though it´s way too late already.
Author:  Scott [ Tue Apr 22, 2014 12:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What should Breitling's materials focus be?
Joining in the crowd voting for ceramic. It would do wonders for the Superoceans and in particular the Heritage. I'd even be open to sapphire bezels for the Superoceans, just anything but rubber and font styles totally different from the rest of the line. If it indeed reduced the frequency or cost of service, silicon would also be a great addition. The added cost for both of these would be passed to the buyer, so at least it would not seem as bad if we gained reduced maintenence costs as part of the bargain.
Author:  Driver8 [ Tue Apr 22, 2014 12:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What should Breitling's materials focus be?
Gotta go with ceramic as well. The massive proliferation of DLC shows that Breitling clearly have a "thing" for black watches, so ceramic would fit in quite nicely..... and ceramic would mean that I'd then actually considering buying one.

That said I'd also like to see a tantalum case from Breitling. Tantalum has a superb blue colour to it, but the cost would be ridiculously high.

I also don't see why using grade 5 titanium isn't an option for Breitling. It's a much better choice than grade 2 as it's much harder and therefore much more scratch-resistant, while still being light and corrosion resistant. Even micro-brands are using it (oh and ceramic as well), so I'm still surprised that a brand of Breitling's size aren't looking to embrace "modern" materials a little more.
Author:  boogiebot [ Tue Apr 22, 2014 12:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What should Breitling's materials focus be?
well for me their "material focus" should be making watches that appeal to the masses.
Author:  Saoirse32 [ Tue Apr 22, 2014 3:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What should Breitling's materials focus be?
Can I vote for more (good) CONSISTENCY? lol Actually, my vote was for ceramic...
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