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B-1 versus Airwolf for 2nd Watch
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Author:  grabens [ Thu Sep 22, 2016 6:40 am ]
Post subject:  B-1 versus Airwolf for 2nd Watch
I am getting an itch to add a new piece to the collection. I currently own an early version B-1 (non-super quartz) with black dial. I am contemplating adding either another B-1 Superquartz or Airwolf with a blue dial (2009 model with stripe texture on dial, not the radial pattern). I think most people seem to prefer the B-1 over the Airwolf, but I like the Airwolf and think it would add something a little different to my collection since I already own a B-1. I am also possibly considering an Aerospace, but I think I like the chronograph buttons on the case of the B-1 and Airwolf. I also love the turbine case back on the B-1 and Airwolf. But, I don’t own a titanium watch and the Aerospace is starting to grow on me. I am curious as to what the forum members would do in my situation. Thanks in advance for the contribution! Guy
Author:  avantgardetime [ Thu Sep 22, 2016 6:55 am ]
Post subject:  B-1 versus Airwolf for 2nd Watch
I owned the Airwolf (2011 limited edition). The pro II bracelet is better than the fighter bracelet in the B1. The case work of the Airwolf is excellent. Most B1 fans have an issue with the compass bezel and cut off six at the bottom of the dial. For me it was a non issue because I already have an Aerospace with countdown bezel and the LE version of my Airwolf had no numerals but it was full applied lumed markers all around the dial.

The Airwolf I got was only 6 months old with plenty of Breitling warranty left. To
Me considering a B1 was going to be a 10+ year old watch with no warranty and used B1 prices are ridiculous to me. I got my Airwolf for a few hundred less than an used SQ B1.

Other than that, they are both the same concept and both use the SQ same movement, the venerable Breitling 78.

I loved my Airwolf but it was a heavy piece and could not wear comfortably more than a day's length, around 9-10 hours. Also the mirror polished finish while Beautiful had a propensity to pick up fine hairline micro scratches. Finally, I was not overly impressed with battery life as I tend to use the alarm and backlight a lot. Breitling charges $200 now for a full battery service and 4-5 weeks turn around time.

Sold it to help fund a new Breitling B50 Cockpit Night Mission.

Bottom line, get the Airwolf if you like it. The tuxedo blue and white dials were some of the best in that model iteration. Breitling doesn't make these professional shiny polished steel multifunction Quartz pieces anymore.


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Author:  avantgardetime [ Thu Sep 22, 2016 7:12 am ]
Post subject:  Re: B-1 versus Airwolf for 2nd Watch
The Aerospace is far more comfortable. The watch head alone only weighs 38 grams! Even with the velvety pro II titanium bracelet, you'll soon forget you have the watch on your wrist.

Because of the lack of pushers in the Aerospace, the ergonomics are more compromised because everything is done via the crown. The function set is also more limited and the Aerospace does not have a perpetual calendar in the sense that it doesn't recognize leap years.

On the flip side, the Aerospace is iconic, incredibly comfortable and versatile. You can dress it up and down with no problems. Battery life is better and also helps that the movement lacks a second hand. A bit more calming watch too. The Aerospace is a better everyday watch IMHO and it is rated to 100m water resist making a great travel companion.

If you prefer functions, better ergonomics, more bling and enjoy the heft of steel case and bracelet, then the B1 and Airwolf are no brainers. But you will have reduced battery life and also reduced water resistance because of the sound chamber built inside the turbine shaped case back to help increase the alarm volume.


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Author:  zak57 [ Thu Sep 22, 2016 7:26 am ]
Post subject:  Re: B-1 versus Airwolf for 2nd Watch
I have both, a 1999 B-1, grey dial which had the newer 78 movement installed by Breitling in 2014 and a 2010 black dial Airwolf. I like them both and to me they are very different watches despite having the same functions and pusher layout. It's hard to say which watch is the better and I guess it's down to personal preference. The Airwolf feels substantially bigger on the wrist and from that standpoint the B-1 is more 'wearable'. If I had to keep one, it would be the B-1, I think it's a more iconic piece but quite frankly, I don't want to part with either. Here's a pic that's a couple of months old.......

Image
Author:  SCD [ Thu Sep 22, 2016 1:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: B-1 versus Airwolf for 2nd Watch
I have both, with blue dials. My Airwolf has the blue radial dial, but with a solid minute hand. I like them both, but the Airwolf gets more wrist time. The case is a much more beautiful shape, it's essentially an Avenger case. All of the criticisms of the Airwolf are on point, but given the basic shape of the case and the bezel, it's just a better-looking watch.
Author:  avantgardetime [ Thu Sep 22, 2016 2:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: B-1 versus Airwolf for 2nd Watch
The Airwolf case was shared also with the Skyracer


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Author:  rebel_1 [ Fri Sep 23, 2016 6:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: B-1 versus Airwolf for 2nd Watch
Airwolf was my first Breitling. It is also my only Breitling now. The Pro II bracelet is indeed very comfortable. I don't wear it much now, especially because it reminds me how bad my eyes have gotten over the last couple of years. The one thing that bugs me is the cost of service. You can easily spend more on service than the watch is worth, quickly. My last battery change, BUSA said I needed a new movement because my movement had a high battery / voltage or something like that. I said, just change the freaking battery. They said, we cannot change the battery with a faulty movement. Total cost about $500. This was its second battery. Same bullsh#t the first battery change. When this battery fails, I'm not sure what I'm going to do.

This is what has caused me to shift away from the brand. Service cost vs overall value seems out of wack.
Author:  SCD [ Fri Sep 23, 2016 9:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: B-1 versus Airwolf for 2nd Watch
Just send it or take it to a good independent watchmaker. I just took in two ana-digits, new batteries, pressure tested, 15 minutes, $35 (for both), see you next time.
Author:  Damnfoolman [ Mon Sep 26, 2016 11:33 am ]
Post subject:  Re: B-1 versus Airwolf for 2nd Watch
I bought an Airwolf, liked it, but it was somehow not as comfy as the B1

Sold the wolf, still have the B1. Love it and always will.

D
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