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Help on first Breitling
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Author:  Ryan387 [ Sun Oct 26, 2008 8:24 am ]
Post subject:  Help on first Breitling
Hi, I'm new to this forum so I hope I'm not posting anything silly.

Anyway, I've just received a job offer and I decided to get myself my first real luxury watch as a reward. I've looked through a lot of brands (and read a lot of forums as well), and I've found myself in love with Breitling watches. The watch is to die for and the community really feels like a family.

However, I'm still an undergrad so I'm financially constrained, and I've got a really small wrist size (6.5") so I need to get smaller watch faces. I've narrowed down my choices to two models: the Chrono Colt II and the 2008 Superocean (non-chrono).

Basically, it's a decision between a Chronograph watch (but it's quartz), or an automatic watch (but it's "regular/non-chrono").

I've read up on the difference between quartz and auto watches, and I'm okay with having either. I'm just hoping to get some feedback from long-time Breitling owners.

Also, for the Breitling superquartz models, how often should the batteries be replaced? And for the 2008 Superocean owners, how do you feel about the number "15" on the dial being cut-off by the date window?

Any comments/suggestions will be very much appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Ryan



Links (hope they're okay):
Chrono Colt II (quartz): http://authenticwatches.com/287ii.html
Superocean 2008 (auto): http://authenticwatches.com/breitling-s ... -b909.html
Author:  BroncoSport [ Sun Oct 26, 2008 11:52 am ]
Post subject: 
Of course Im biased against quartz's. I had to struggle with purchasing the wifes Starliner because of this. I (personally) have a hard time justifying Breitling price for a battery powered watch)

If those are your two choices, I would lean towards the SuperOcean. Its a great watch and you will enjoy it.

I would ask that you go to an AD and try several different ones on YOUR wrist before any purchase. A good AD will generally give a decent discount (around 20% in the US) and you get the personal service and establish a relationship from a local dealer. You dont have to buy it there but believe me when I tell you that on the computer screen or book and at the AD the watches look different. Plus with the size of the SO, you are open to a wealth of different Breitlings at the same 42mm size. I personally like the SO Steelfish better than the SO, but thats just me.

Go try some on and see the difference.

Scott
Author:  Driver8 [ Sun Oct 26, 2008 1:17 pm ]
Post subject: 
Firstly, welcome aboard! :)

Secondly, I totally agree with Bronco as far trying a few models on goes. It's the only way to really know what suits you and what you like.

Thirdly, with the second point in mind (i.e. buy the one that YOU like the most irrespective of what anyone else says), my personal choice would be to go with an auto..... but then there'll be just as many guys advocating the quartz models..... so there really is no right or wrong.

And lastly, remember - ANY watch with the name "Breitling" on it is FINE watch, so whatever you choose you really won't be going far wrong!

Good luck with the hunt and enjoy your time here. :thumbsup:
Author:  finallymadeit [ Sun Oct 26, 2008 2:08 pm ]
Post subject: 
Well, I will give you my opinion, biased as it is because I have the Chrono Colt II. There you go :D . Some things to consider (and these are in my own order of priority):

1.) Budget - sounds like you figured this one out as I did due to what you have narrowed it down to.

2.) Style - The Chrono Colt II of course has the chrono feature, which I personally like very much for both purpose and "play" as I run it lots just to have/see the various hands moving around (a little "goofy", yes). Also, this watch has 7 moving hands (pretty cool 8) ). Also, I like the anchor and the B on the ends of the hands.

3.) Quartz or Auto: This is one of great debate and most on this forum prefer the autos. They have more "personality", some say "soul". I do agree with this, for the most part. Now the quartz is no ordinary quartz, it is Breitling's own SuperQuartz, which is actually quite remarkable technology. It is nearly perfectly accurate in keeping time. The quartz is less expensive to service and less proneto issues (regulations, vibrations, "interference" from other sources, etc.). All that being said, an auto is, I think, still both preferred and say "expected" at this level of watch buying for whatever that is worth. For me, it really did not make much of a difference due to #1 and #2 above. I really wanted a chrono watch and the Superocean Chrono was $1,000+ more than the Chrono Colt II, so I compromised and went with the lesser expensive.

In the end, you can not make a bad choice, but do think carefully about what you want and what you can live with/without. After that, don't look back and enjoy the fact that you bought a very high quality, high styled, and very cool timepiece.

Enjoy the process, and when you decide, let us know. And, we really like pictures :D .
Author:  drax [ Sun Oct 26, 2008 3:20 pm ]
Post subject: 
Welcome aboard, Ryan!

First, there's no such thing as a silly question or comment
on this forum (and believe me, I know whereof I speak -- just
ask Driver8. But that's another story :) ).

Getting your first Breitling is a momentous event, so you must be sure
you've made the right decision (after all, that watch could
become a lifelong companion). Either watch you mentioned is a
wonderful timepiece, worthy of the title "My First Breitling." But like
many of the guys on this forum, I'm partial to mechanicals, so I would
be pushing for the Superocean, no matter which version. In fact, your
wrist size is not too small for the King of the Superocean family,
the Steelfish, but that's my own prejudiced opinion. :wink:

Of course, your first step is to get down to your local AD and start trying
them on...and on...and on. Drive the salesperson crazy (that's what
they're there for) until you've found the perfect watch for you.
You'll know when you've found it; it will speak to you in a language
that only you can understand. :)

Whichever piece you finally decide on, Good luck! and wear it with
pride. :D

Steve
Author:  carlhaluss [ Sun Oct 26, 2008 3:29 pm ]
Post subject: 
I personally had a SuperOcean for over 10 years, black face with stainless bracelet. I got it in 1997, and wore it literally every day for the time I had it. After the 7th year, I had to have the PRO I bracelet repaired, but can't really remember what it was - it was a very minor thing, though. Last year, the bracelet gave out completely, came apart and could not be repaired. At that time, I had the first complete service done on it, and had a Diver Pro strap put on it. Eventually, I traded it for my Blacksteel, but it gave me 10 years of excellent service, and I am sure is still going strong.
Since the update - I didn't notice the issue about the date, until you mentioned it - I would now prefer the Colt chrono over the new design of the SuperOcean. I wish they had put a square opening around the date, like on the Steelfish, I think the opening with the bowed edges looks a bit outdated.
I saw a couple of Colt chronos at my AD yesterday, and was very impressed. I personally have no problem with the thought of a quartz movement, especially the Breitlings which are all COSC certified. The Colt chrono is really a beautiful watch, and can go for years without a battery replacement. It is dead accurate, and I like the constrasting subdial colours very much.
While you're at it, why not give the Steelfish a try? I have a small wrist as well, and it looks great and very comfortable. I like the way the date is surrounded by the silver that matches the numerals and the round markers. The size is only a couple mm larger, but the strap is 22mm instead of 20mm on the SuperOcean and Colt, which gives it a much heftier appearance. Also a bit cheaper than the Colt chrono.
The looking and choosing is half the fun, so enjoy it and let us know what you get. I can think of very few things as exciting as getting a new Breitling!
Cheers,
Carl
Author:  RJRJRJ [ Sun Oct 26, 2008 3:35 pm ]
Post subject: 
They are both amazing, and reasonably priced. Get the one that suits you better. Of course, try them on and youll know (do I hear an echo in here?)..

According to the chronolog, the colt line has an 8 year battery. i think its the only Breitling with that kind of life.
Author:  johnr [ Sun Oct 26, 2008 4:10 pm ]
Post subject: 
Ryan

I had the same issue with the new SuperOcean face with the 15 being cut off, however I do like the SuperOcean in Red and the Wings are bigger on the new face. I also looked at the Colt but preferred the numbers over the hash marks.

I purchase my SuperOcean at an AD in Atlanta and easily got 20% off the retail for the older face which is 300 dollars or so cheaper than the newest SuperOcean face.

When I purchased my SuperOcean I thought the Steelfish was too large for my wrist. I went to an AD on Friday night and tried on the Steelfish and it feels fine now after wearing my SuperOcean everyday. I also tried on a SuperAvenger and that thing is bad to the bone but a little large, when I am ready to purchase my next ling it will probably be the model.
Author:  Ryan387 [ Sun Oct 26, 2008 5:05 pm ]
Post subject: 
Hi! Thank you all for your replies!

After reading what everyone said, I guess the most important thing is finding a watch that you can stare at every single day. Quartz or auto, as long as it's Breitling, it's okay.

I think a couple more trips to the AD are in order, and I'll add the superocean steelfish to the shortlist of watches that I'll be looking at.

Getting that first Breitling is absolutely crazy. I haven't stopped thinking about 'Lings for the past two weeks, and at this point, I'd rather be in a room filled with 'Lings than a room filled with Victoria's Secret models... :shock:

Looking forward to my first purchase!

Ryan
Author:  johnr [ Sun Oct 26, 2008 5:11 pm ]
Post subject: 
I think the real problem is once you buy your first Ling you want to buy more, it becomes an addiction.

It is hard to tell how the watch will fit you until they take the links out/tighten for you and you wear it for a couple of days.

Good luck and not matter what you decide you will love the watch!
Author:  jnelson3097 [ Sun Oct 26, 2008 5:31 pm ]
Post subject: 
Ryan,
I was in the same position as you about 6 months back and went with the Colt GMT. I was looking at the GMT, the Superocean, and the Steelfish. I went with the GMT for the polished finish and I preferred that dial to the Superocean. The newer Superocean dials were not available back then so I was only looking at the older dials.

When I went to the AD, I looked at the Steelfish again and the GMT. Having thought the Steelfish was too big for my wrists and I wasn't a huge fan of the polished finish, I went with my first choice of the GMT which I don't regret at all. I'm still planning on picking up a Steelfish in the next 6 months or so, but try them all the model you want on and then see what you can do for price. If you need a good AD, check your PMs.

Justin
Author:  drax [ Sun Oct 26, 2008 7:31 pm ]
Post subject: 
Ryan387 wrote:
Hi! Thank you all for your replies!

After reading what everyone said, I guess the most important thing is finding a watch that you can stare at every single day. Quartz or auto, as long as it's Breitling, it's okay.

I think a couple more trips to the AD are in order, and I'll add the superocean steelfish to the shortlist of watches that I'll be looking at.

Getting that first Breitling is absolutely crazy. I haven't stopped thinking about 'Lings for the past two weeks, and at this point, I'd rather be in a room filled with 'Lings than a room filled with Victoria's Secret models... :shock:

Looking forward to my first purchase!

Ryan


Gee, I don't know, Ryan...A room filled with Victoria's Secrets models?
Hmmm. Even at my advanced age, I'd have to give that some serious
thought. :)

Steve
Author:  RJRJRJ [ Sun Oct 26, 2008 7:40 pm ]
Post subject: 
Add the Colt AUto to your list. Its a great looking watch and the price is right on par with your other options.
Author:  nnikolaus [ Sun Oct 26, 2008 8:37 pm ]
Post subject: 
Good luck Ryan. You've have received some very good advice from the good folks here at Breitling Source. You are worrying me though with your comments about having more interest in watches than a room full of models. :shock: I know what you mean though, until you get your watch it's hard to think of anything else at times. :)
:breitling3
Author:  aleister [ Mon Oct 27, 2008 11:29 pm ]
Post subject: 
Ryan387 wrote:
Hi! Thank you all for your replies!

After reading what everyone said, I guess the most important thing is finding a watch that you can stare at every single day. Quartz or auto, as long as it's Breitling, it's okay.

I think a couple more trips to the AD are in order, and I'll add the superocean steelfish to the shortlist of watches that I'll be looking at.

Getting that first Breitling is absolutely crazy. I haven't stopped thinking about 'Lings for the past two weeks, and at this point, I'd rather be in a room filled with 'Lings than a room filled with Victoria's Secret models... :shock:

Looking forward to my first purchase!

Ryan


Welcome Ryan!

Good luck with your decision - you got great suggestions already and I completely understand your feelings when getting the first Breitling. :)
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