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Don't know if anyone has seen this watch coming out from Breitling at Baselworld 2015 - "B55 Connected"

Great looking watch (as is the B50) but seems to be just the B50 with Bluetooth and a fancy app.

After the nightmare that has been the B50 launch and rollout with it's numerous issues, crown, software, getting too hot etc. and since this uses the same system I hope the launch of this has seen these issues finally addressed.

Any thoughts?



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Only that, for the reasons you mention, one would have to be certifiably insane to buy one...

here's the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkFXJVCh8jA

actually not a bad idea at all (and a logical step), but with a failure rate of close to 100% like the B50 .....

Just received the update through facebook. With the I-Watch surfacing this week I like where they are going with this but as one of the people affected by the B50 issues (mine would jump functions) I have my reservations about throwing more software and tech into the mix. As stated above it's a B50 that talks to your phone.

I like the look of the B50 and the B55-i'm a bit unsure about that blue Bluetooth looking symbol on the dial and a little unsure about the blue strap as the all black stealth look is much nicer IMO. One to judge once I've seen it in the flesh. Pricing could be interesting. £7k?

My other thought was why didn't they wait a year, get the original b50 software right and then throw in the connectivity piece into one watch rather than two. (money and sales opportunities I guess)

Very innovative though....if they get it right.

Still very happy with my E2 since the switch from the B50 though.

Chris

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Breitling Emergency 2

Classic Breitling - when you have a misstep (there's an understatement) try and make up for it with multiple new models to draw attention from the problem. Fatal flaw, not for the first time, is that the new announcements leverage the very thing that is problematic.

I don't know why Breitling decided to produce an in house quartz piece in the first place, but if it is going to be a key strategy then at least get it right first. Of course announcing the product around the Basel marketing machine is not the same as releasing product to the public, and I'm sure that this will generate column inches, but it does rather ignore the elephant in the room.

The BreitWatch.
Can't say that I dislike it but it does not tickle me either.

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"It is just a matter of time!"

I'm a fan

Good grief.

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Jim

"You have Control".

As a concept it makes perfect sense IMO given the technological slant of B50. I also really like the look of it with the black case against the blue strap.

However, I really dislike the MASSIVE wifi logo on the dial (looks a bit tacky to me), but the main issue for me is the fact that the problems with the B50 haven't been ironed out yet, so loading more tech on top seems a little foolhardy and premature.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

So this is basically a B50 with bluetooth? Does it replace the B50 or do we now have both B50 and B55 models?

I'm not sure if I get the concept of the "connected" watch. I can kind of see where they're going with syncing data to the smartphone app, but in my mind, all the functionality should be built into the watch, and all the functions easy to use and presented in a clear, easy to read manner.

It's an odd one. I'm still not totally convinced Breitling fixed the B50 anyway, so I shall remain well clear.

Controlled via the app, no need to use the crown. Problem fixed

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"It is just a matter of time!"

I wouldn't mind seeing what's in that Breitling app; not keen to buy the watch to get it. Agree with Driver that the logo looks tacky.

Oh yes! It makes perfect sense now! When the crown falls off you can just whip out your iPhone and control the B55 from there!

Seriously though, if the watch is logging the flight time/time 1/time 2/UTC /chrono info I need, why do I need or even want to sync it to my iPhone when the info is already there on the watch? Is there any real advantage of a “connected” watch you can use via an app? How useful is it really? As a backup for the recorded flight data, maybe… or to check the battery life… even when the watch is. already. on. my. wrist… oh yes, ok I see.

Another example; you're traveling and you need to set the alarm on your watch.... Why the fe*k do you need an app on your phone to change the settings of the alarms when the watch IS RIGHT THERE ON YOUR WRIST?! Have I missed something?! Is the B55 just the most expensive iPhone accessory in history?

Someone please enlighten me. I understand it's a luxury “connected smart watch” (Apple Watch coming soon), but the more I think about it, the B55 actually just sounds ridiculous.

I think i'm just turning into an old, grumpy mechanical watch lover (like Roff )

Dunno why the hell I would need the watch sync if I use those (clever) digital features on my smartphone??? Main advantage of a Quartz/Digital/Multifunction watch (IMHO) is that I do not need anything else to use its features but the watch on my wrist. If I have to or have an advantage of the usage of a smartphone I will not use those features on my watch. So again, have an average-to-good smartphone and back to mechanics regarding wristwatch...
The only digital function I really appreciate is the minute repeater, when waking up in the middle of the night and don't want to switch on the light or open my eyes... unfortunately only the Aeropace is equipped with this in the Breitling line-up but some disadvantages always holds me back from buying one. Now a LED projector is the solution with an ETA 7750 driven chronograph on my wrist. As soon as the B01 will have a day-date or complete calendar version I'll shift to that one, packed in a Chronomat 41....
I'm waiting very much to see what else Basel will bring up....

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Chronomat 41 BEB, Steelfish Chrono BEB, 2x Grand Premier, Chrono Cockpit 39 mm, Aerospace Avantage 79362
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Sinn 103 plexy
For sale: Sinn 356 II, Porsche Design Titan Chrono Valjoux
Wanted: Breitling Blackbird 13353 on bracelet

That's a very valid couple of points there.

When you put it like that, it does sound pretty ludicrous - You're on a plane and look at your watch and realise you need to change the time zone. So instead of...like....changing it with the crown while it's on your wrist, you root around in your pocket or hand luggage to dig your phone out. Power it up (if it was turned off to save juice during the flight). Type your password in. Turn on Bluetooth. Find and open the app. Change the time-zone on your app. Hit "synchronise". Maybe there's a Bluetooth connectivity issue on the plane. Try again to synchronise. Wait for it to do it. Finally updates. Great - job done!!

That said, more functionality is better than less on these types of watches, so to me if you're going to own a B50 then you may as well get the B55 for the added functionality............provided you can stomach the MASSIVE Bluetooth logo, and provided it's not several thousand pounds more expensive.

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Driver8

Site Moderator