The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi Breitling Source and fellow Breitling Enthuasists,

I've been coming to your forum for quite some time now.

I live in England, United Kingdom and this year I am hoping to finally realise a long lost dream of acquiring a montbrillant datora. I've been reading up on the international warranties, problems with crowns and the horrors of exorbitant costs of
after-sales/warranties service.

I'd really appreciate if you can advise (a) What you think of the Datora model, i.e. reliability, durability and functionality; and (b) Does the 2 year international warranty from an Authorised Dealer (AD) cover the crown, in the event of its falling off, as a mechanical failure?

Breitling Source - Many thanks in advance of your advice.

Ta

M.

Welcome to the forums Michael!

The Datora is an amazing watch - a long history, but a unique movement for Breitling today. As it's part of the Navitimer range it isn't as rugged as some of the other ranges - it shouldn't be submerged or worn in the shower and it's not as shock resistant as say an Aeromarine. That said, it's fine as a daily wearer in an office environment, and it's a Breitling so it's as well made as any other.

The dial is busy, so make sure that you are comfortable that you can easily read it before putting your cash down, but I like it very much.

In terms of the crown, I believe that technically the crown isn't covered by Breitling's warranty, although in practical terms I don't think that an AD / Breitling are going to argue too strongly about replacing a crown that clearly has not been abused. You also have to consider how often the crown will get used. The Datora doesn't have a screw down crown so that's one less part to wear out, and if it will be a daily wearer you will only use the crown to adjust the date five times a year, when the clocks change twice a year, any times you change timezone and the occasional time adjustment - it just doesn't get much use.

Good luck with the search!

Many thanks for the valuable pointers re: manual change of date and protection against water. I primarily intended to purchase if as a professional watch ideal for the office environment.

Can you advise of an alternative models (but similar in shape to the Datora) that is waterproof and can be used in the shower.

Ta much.

Michael.
PS when can I become a Ling Member, presumably when I've formally purchased one, I guess?

None of the Navitimer range is particularly waterproof - all rated at 30M, which is generally not suitable for showering. All of the other ranges are more waterproof, but nothing really looks like the Datora - besit thing to do is to take a look at the website to get some idea of what you like and then see them in person at an AD. SItes are www.breitling.com and www.breitlingforbentley.com.

Additionally, the Japanese sites have a tool that allows you to see the different model / dial / strap combinations (no Japanese needed) - www.breitling.co.jp/fitting and www.breitlingforbentley.jp/fitting.

Not sure what you mean about membership - if you mean the ranking of your username that's just based on number of posts except for the ones that start 'Contributing' which represents members that have donated to the upkeep of the site.

Advice and website references much appreciated.
I have surfed your website as an admirer but am now even more impressed by the accuracy and promptness of your advice. Many thanks. Michael.

He's just on a roll Michael.... It won't last!

No in all seriousness, Roff has given very good advice. Welcome aboard by the way.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Can't argue with anything said so far, but I also wanted to chip in a welcome of my own. Welcome!

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Collection: http://s540.photobucket.com/albums/gg32 ... mview=grid

Yes welcome Michael from a fellow Brit. When it comes to the time to buy it, pop back for some suggestions of where to go and where definitely not to go to buy it from! Very nice choice by the way, I was almost tempted last week for a Datora but in the end bought my Cosmonaute instead.

Stef

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Steff,

Many thanks to you, Roff, Driver 8 and others for making prospective new Ling'comers like me welcome.

What places, besides the usual established UK household names Mappin & Webb, Goldsmith,WOS, would you recommend for making that important first Ling purchase? Likewise any outlets you and the rest of the Ling fraternity would NOT touch with a bargepole?

As an aside, I've been looking at other models beside the Navitimer (Montbrillant) series and the Blackbird (Original) also caught my eye. So currently its a tie, but being old fashioned at heart, the Blackbird seems to have the edge. Any thoughts chaps?

Thanks again for the generous time and advice, offered in a forum of like minded Ling lovers!

M.

There is a company based in Lancaster that will deal via the internet and phone called Banks Lyon, although they don't have a buy online facility as this is against Breitling regulations, they have a very useful online chat facility where you can obtain the best price over and above what is advertised. Delivery is prompt and they really are a pleasure to deal with. If going down the high street route, then I would suggest a smaller independent type of retailer, you have the potential for better prices and a better relationship than the usual retail chains such as Goldsmiths etc.

I had a look at the newer brushed finish Blackbird last week and I really like it. I loved the bracelet and also the 'stepped' inner ring around he internal bezel, for me though it had a price disadvantage over the other models I was looking at.

It's on my future list at the moment along with a grey dial Avenger Skyland.

Stef

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Welcome, always good to have some more members based in the UK!

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Navi 1966 806 (Venus 178)
Chrono-Matic ref. 2130 (Cal. 11)
Navi Mechanique (Lemania 1873) LE Patrouille de France
Navi Old II (Valjoux 7750) LE Snowbirds (sold)
Tavannes 1942 Chronomat ref. 769 (Venus 175)