The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I'm looking around for a watch to scratch the itch, not too expensive, just something I haven't owned before. Admittedly I am a bit of a snob regarding quartz... but now I'm intrigued by the M1. It is a great looking watch, I'm starting to like the idea of not needing to wind it, service it as often, set the date etc etc. Just wear it and go. What can you tell me about the M1 watch specifically, features, superquartz... etc to push me over the edge? Are there any special features of this quatz chrono not typial of other quartz chronos?

Its impossible to search this watch as M1 is too short of a search term.

Mark

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Easy..

I have a plethora of automatic watches... but how does this help you defect to SuperQuartz?

(i might get flamed for these comments!)

1) you dont need to set the time after you leave the watch for more than 40 hours

2) you dont have to keeping unscrewing the crown - minimising wear

3) you can drop it, bang it and not worry about a lever or wheel becoming damaged (as much)

4) Quartz service has got to be cheaper than a mechanical one?!

5) probably more accurate over a long period of time than a mechanical?

6) SuperQuartz - thermocompensated - varying extremes of temperature

7) the M1 has the "rattrapante" style chrono minute hand in addition to the chrono second hand, not that common a feature with the quartz chronos. I believe this is a derivative of the ETA G10 movement

I'm currently selling my Chrono Avenger (not a sales ploy, btw), because (IMHO) my M1 is far superior in style and practicality

Convinced?

The only other mildly attractive (to me) quartz chrono is the Porsche Design Flat Six Chrono, using a similar movement.

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Oyster Date '78, Blackbird chrono DLC '10, Blackbird chrono' 02, Navitimer Fighters '02, Aerospace Evo , Seamaster Chrono Diver 300' 02, Carrera cbm2110

Thanks for the info. All good points. PM me about the CA, I might be interested.

What is a M1 Serie Speziale? How is it different?

How is the weight of the M1 on bracelet vs the CA?

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No problem! The M1 Serie Speciale; well as far as i know this one being a yellow dial, has the regatta markings on it. Mine being one of 100 produced. Not that many yellows have the regatta markings. There was the Volvo yachting editions (also yellow) but I think they are a custom made dial - like the ones made for various Air Forces and Squadrons etc.

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=6383

The weight, you'll find it in the Models page - but it is lighter than the CA, but not by much!

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Oyster Date '78, Blackbird chrono DLC '10, Blackbird chrono' 02, Navitimer Fighters '02, Aerospace Evo , Seamaster Chrono Diver 300' 02, Carrera cbm2110

I think its the only watch in the world with chrono pushers that are completely functional underwater all the way to 1000m.

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-RJ

I have the Chrono Colt, which is Superquartz. I agree with all comments posted above. The Superquartz is super accurate - I have not lost/gained one second in the last 4 months of ownership. Also, the M1 is the only Chrono watch fully operational to 1000M. Breitling developed state of the art technology using magnets so that the pushers would work at that depth. If for nothing else, they probably spent more R&D developing the M1 than any other watch, but that is just a guess.

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Breitling Chrono Colt II
Tag Heuer Professional

I wear mine to work. (M1),, I am in construction and wouldn't think of wearing one of my autos to the job. The titinaum is rugged and takes the light abuse that would ruin a SS case. Since I didn't pay 4000.00 for it I am not afraid to wear it in anywhere. I actually noticed it looked a little grubby this afternoon so I washed it with a brush and soapy water and it was good as new. The brushed finish is also easy to repair if you do scrach it. A very light abrasive pad, a sunshine cloth and it looks brand new. I almost sold my M1, I am glad I didn't now.

And what 1952 said,,,,can't argue those points!

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Rolex 42mm Explorer
IWC Ingenieur

A few others too.

My Emergency Mission was Superquartz. Loved it though it did lack "soul" as some people put it. Very accurate, sturdy.

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The other point about the M1 is that it's now discontinued so you'll have a watch that becomes increasingly rare.

Of course like all quartz watches it is a 'consumable' to some degree - there's going to be a point when the movement breaks and can't be repaired / replaced because the movements aren't available. Hopefully that's 30 years away, but it is a reality that some late 70s / early 80s Breitling quartz owners are now facing.

You'll have to set a date same like with an Auto.
Did you consider a new Chrono SeaWolf?
It also has under water fully operatable pushpieces.

The M1 is a awesome I had one .....but sold
I got it serviced at a AD it cost me 560 euro ppfff only battery and new Pulse sensors and testing the watch

But he if you own a you know it aint cheap ...to get it serviced and new battery

Good luck find you M1

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-Chrono Avenger ti-sold
-Blackbird-sold
Avenger m1-sold
Skyland
Seawolf

I think most of what can be said about the M1 has already been mentioned and most of it is good. It's titanium, light, also has quick set timezone change without stopping the seconds hand etc.

If you're looking for more time between services, the M1 might not be the best choice. It has a relatively shorter battery life of 2-3 years. I'd worry about that because I use the chrono functions quite a lot. Also, once the battery does go you'll only know about it when the watch is dead. The M1 has no end-of-life indication which is a bit of a downer.

Apart from that, great watch.

Good points there. I just assumed that all high end moden quartz had long life batteries in them. 2-3 years isn't much time between, when you consider a trip to the AD and pressure test each time... could get pricey.

I'm currently working on aquiring a Hercules, that might suit me better... but I never rule out any B'ling for future purchases.

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I think a new battery + pressure test shouldnt run you more than $100--likely less.

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-RJ

its more than 100 usd....
-battery
-Seals
-testing
.................this is don @ AD and not with watchmaker (non-ad)

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-Chrono Avenger ti-sold
-Blackbird-sold
Avenger m1-sold
Skyland
Seawolf