The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi. Recently, I got bit by a watch bug and now I'm going watch crazy. I am a proud owner of a Hermes H Hour TGM Diamond Watch with an orange alligator strap lol. However, I want a new watch to add to my collection. I've always admired Breitling because where I am from, Breitling is almost unheard of, a quiet luxury within a society filled with Rolex, Omega, Franck Muller, Hublot, and Rado. Right now, I'm interested in the Louis Vuitton Tambour GMT Automatique because its a beautiful and special watch in my opinion and louis vuitton watches are never sold anywhere else apart from their boutiques. However, I love Breitling too. Right now, my eyes are on the Chrono Evolution, Space Avenger, and the Montbrillant. Info about me is that I'm in college and I tend to gravitate exclusively towards leather straps hence my admiration for the Montbrillant. However, the SA and the Chrono Evo looks pretty nice in my opinion but Montbrillant is hands down my favorite. I'm new to Breitling so I'm just wondering which one is better? Like user friendly, better quality(if thats the case), easier to maintain etc etc? Thanks!

Welcome to BreitlingSource.

Virtually any model can be put on a leather strap so no issues with model there. You need to try these models on, there is a huge difference in size between a Super Avenger (I assume that's the one you mean) and a Montbrillant. Maintenance will be the same - service every 5 - 7 years as with any mechanical watch, and assuming that you aren't talking about the in house Montbrillant 01 the costs will be equivalent (in house would be more). Other than that it's personal taste and lifestyle - the Montbrillant has virtually no water resistance so isn't going to be practical for any activities where it may get wet.

Just realizing the zip of the Super Avenger, I don't think its for me. Dial design wise, the Montbrillant appeals to me the most. Correct me if I'm wrong, pilots wear this model? I'm obviously a newbie so I could be terribly off with that assumption. I thought the Montbrillant has a 3 ATM water resistance? I don't swim or dive so water would be rain/snow. So now, I'm deciding between Chrono Evolution and Montrbillant. I like the Chrono too but I feel like it might not look too good on a college undergrad?

Pilots wear most any model I am sure, but the Navitimer range (including Montbrillant) were designed as pilot's watches. 30 metres / 3 atmospheres water resistance (which is static water pressure and therefore much less in the real world) is fine for rain, but you shouldn't shower with it on or expose it to the full pressure of a domestic tap / faucet.

The Montbrilliant and other Navitimer line models are probably the most unmistakably Breitling pieces. I apologize if I sound too simplistic with the following, but I'm taking you at your word that you don't know Breitlings. One reason they became known as pilots watches was because of their functionality, specifically the ability to use the pieces to make manual flight-specific calculations. All those numbers on the outer ring are a circular slide rule, used by rotating the knurled bezel, or outer edge of the watch case. Breitling provides a "how to use" guide with each one they sell. You can also do simple math calculations, as with any slide rule, though I doubt many of us who own one actually do-- it's just a beautiful and uniquely styled watch.

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Scott

AP Royal Oak 15400, silver
Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Classic Cars
Vintage gold Corum
Rolex DJ 36 TT, oyster dial, oyster/smooth
Baume & Mercier Riviera 200m, silver dial/aquamarine bezel
Breitling Superocean 57, rose/stainless

Thanks for the detailed info!

Yes its definitely unique. Probably why i got hooked to Breitling. Its very unique, so far, unlike anything i've seen. I did not know that I can do math with a watch lol. Thats funny and interesting. What are your thoughts on the Aeromarine Colt GMT Automatic vs. Avenger Seawolf Automatic vs Navitimer like quality and aesthetic wise. I have very limited knowledge about watch movements and my view on watches come mostly based on design aesthetics but for my next watch I want to gain a little bit more of the movements.