NOW OHPT - (Off Forum) - thanks to BS as always.
Gentlemen,
One for the aspiring Pilots out there...
For sale is a Titanium Breitling Aerospace from 2007 (i.e. the post-Avantage model, with 'Chronometre Aerospace' on the Dial). It is the very smart 'Volcano Black' Dial version, and is in extremely good condition - indeed it had a full Breitling overhaul in April last year (paperwork included), which included best possible refurbishment of the case and bracelet, and replacement of the Display module, hands etc.
This is a bit special compared to your standard Aerospace though - as it also comes with the matching 'Co-Pilot' UTC Digital Module, also Titanium, integrated into the full size Titanium Pro II bracelet.
The Breitling reference for the watch is E79362 (E7936210/B781). The 'Co-Pilot' is E80172 (E8017210/B999).
This Chronometer certified Aerospace incorporates the Breitling 79 SuperQuartz movement (based on the ETA Thermoline). The thermocompensated SuperQuartz movement is officially accurate to 15 seconds per year according to Breitling, or just 10 seconds per year according to ETA! In most cases, the Superquartz exceeds even those figures - I've had this since early April, and it hasn't gained or lost a second.
For those unfamiliar with the Aerospace SQ, it was the predecessor of the current Aerospace Evo, which uses the same movement, and has similar features: Analogue Time; Digital Time with 12/24 Hour Display options; 4 year Perpetual Calendar; 1/100th second Chronograph; Second Time Zone (GMT/T2); Dual Alarms (Main time and T2); Countdown Timer; Selectable Hourly Chime; Digital Display Off option; Minutes Repeater (audible Time); Quick Timezone Adjust; NVG Compatible Backlight; Battery EOL indicator.
Selection of the various features is all achieved through the Crown, turning to select the 'mode' and pressing to 'action' - it's all in the manual, and great fun to play with...!
Then you've got the UTC 'Co-Pilot' module as well - it's the later Digital type that displays an independent UTC (set to BST at present, so synchronised with the watch), and also features a Chronograph and a Flight Time (Take-Off and Landing) display.
Official Specs and more details about the watch can be found here: http://www.breitlingsource.com/watch_de ... l_184.html
More details about the UTC are here: http://www.breitlingsource.com/watch_de ... al_32.html
CONDITION REPORT:
Crystal: The flat Sapphire Crystal is in perfect condition. The anti-reflective coating is terrific - up close I can see some tiny flecks, but nothing you'd notice in normal wear .
Dial: 'Volcano Black' Dial, dual Digital Display Windows, Applied lumed markers/steel Arabics at the quarters. The Chapter ring has a minute marker track with the 24 Hour clock numerals. Immaculate condition, lume is very good.
Hands: Hour and Minute hands are slim steel 'spears', with a luminous fill. Excellent, and again, the lume glows brightly, and lasts for a good spell.
Case: The Titanium case is in the classic diver-style. Condition is excellent, - there may be the slightest 'shiny' area to an edge, but certainly no obvious marks, nicks or dinks. The lugs are equally good. The watch has been mounted on the Pro Ii Ti UTC bracelet since purchase, so there won't be any strap-changing marks. Of course, Titanium is great for 'healing' itself, but I'm really struggling to find anything even remotely negative.
Caseback: The caseback is secured by 6 individual screws and features the classic Aviation Conversion Scale layout. Markings are clear, including Model and Serial numbers, with negligible tiny hairlines - see photos.
Bezel: The unidirectional bezel has the classic raised rider tabs at the quarters, standard elapsed time scale engraving, and a luminous 'pip' at 12. Turns as it should with 120 audible 'clicks'. The bezel edge has a signed in script 'B' at 53, and 8 polished screws. Condition is superb - I can't find any marks or even hairlines on the top or sides. The 'chimney' (the slim steel band to the inner of the bezel that touches the crystal) is also excellent - this area normally attracts the most obvious scratches and wear - but in this case, I can see some tiny marks at worst.
Crown: Original partially shrouded ridged-edge steel crown, clear 'B' signed. Appears immaculate, and works perfectly.
Movement/Running: I've had this since early April, and performance from the Breitling Calibre 79 SuperQuartz has been literally perfect - timekeeping is correct to the second, and all functions work flawlessly. The watch came back from Breitling after a full overhaul in April 2014, when the module was replaced (as were the hands), so in effect it's only around 14 months old. A new battery was fitted at the time, and as they last for 3-4 years, that won't be an issue until 2017 at least.
Please note that the watch has not been pressure tested since the service, so I'd certainly advise a fresh test if immersion in water is likely. The Aerospace is rated at up to 100m when sealed, as is the UTC.
Bracelet/UTC: Original 139E Titanium slash cut Professional II Bracelet - I'm fairly sure this is full size (with the watch and UTC, will fit a wrist of up to 8.6" (220mm+)). Condition is excellent - perhaps one or two tiny rub marks, but certainly no nicks or dinks, no flat spots. Not stretched or 'loose'. The Breitling-signed Foldover clasp with micro-adjustment holes is also in top condition, text and logo sharp and clear, negligible signs of use. The bracelet is marked with a reference of T2807, dating it to July 2007.
The Co-Pilot module uses the Breitling Calibre 80 Quartz movement. It's Titanium cased, with a clear Silver on Black digital display, and a Sapphire crystal. As well as the UTC time, the Co-Pilot features a Chronograph, and a very cool 'Take-Off' and 'Landing' Flight Time function. Condition is very good, some tiny marks on the casing, though the Sapphire is immaculate. Timekeeping is excellent.
Box/Papers: The watch is provided with its original Black/Yellow 'Propeller' Triple Box Set - outer Black/Yellow 2-piece box, large hinged Bakelite presentation box, and the inner leather display/travel case with display cushion. The outer box has a few bumps and marks, and the inner leather case has some slight fraying and light marks - the main Bakelite box is perfect (including fully working hinges...). Also included are the Breitling Instruction Booklets for both the watch and the UTC (perfect condition), and the original hang tags (again from both the watch and UTC). I don't have the original Warranty, or the COSC Certificate. The date code on the bracelet suggests that the watch was originally sold no earlier than July 2007, possibly somewhat later. The paperwork from the recent Breitling service is included, and itemises all the work done (and the price - £460 - at least that won't be an issue for a few more years!). Of course, the Serial numbers match up to the watch and UTC.
Measurements: Width (without Crown): 42mm. (With Crown: 45.2mm). Thickness: 11.3mm. Lug-to-lug: 48.5mm. Lug Width 22mm. Weight: 100 grams (including UTC and bracelet).
Other: Though it's quite restrained at 42mm, the Aerospace seems to wear a little larger (it's 45.2mm including the Crown, and looks fine on my gorilla 8.25" wrist), but it's not overly deep at just 11.3mm, so looks quite sleek on the wrist, so ideal for more formal occasions, and no problem under a shirt. Being Titanium, it's very light (the watch, UTC and bracelet combined just touch 100 grams), so ideal for the more active types, and very comfortable to wear. The Digital display sections can be turned off, which is a useful option if a more traditional appearance is desired.
The watch has benefited from a full Breitling overhaul just over a year ago, so condition is excellent. These do just about everything except make the tea, and even if I say so myself, the condition on this one is about as nice as it gets. It's not totally mint (it's a maximum of 8 years old, probably a bit less), but I really think you'd struggle to find a tidier example. I've seen 3 month old watches that don't look as nice as this!
Price: On the 'bay, a good later Aerospace on the full size Ti bracelet would typically sell for around £1600. Add in the UTC Co-Pilot and prices start at around £2300 (bear in mind the earlier non-Chronometer Aerospace models still fetch well over £1000, and those with the older analogue UTC seem to start at around £1600). I've only found 2 comparable to mine - a US seller has one at £2391, and a well known UK reseller has one at £2450.
It's also worth mentioning that the current Aerospace Evo retails at an eye-watering £4550 - which uses the same Breitling 79 movement, and doesn't include the UTC!
I'll put this up at an extremely reasonable £1999. Bearing in mind that the UTC and Pro II Ti Bracelet purchased separately retail at $2860 (a little over £1800), I think that's a bargain! The price includes next day Royal Mail Special Delivery for UK buyers - It's a heavy package (just under 2kgs). If you're overseas, you will need to contact me for exact Shipping costs based on destination - I'd estimate £25 for Western Europe, up to a maximum £38 for Asia/Australia.
I reckon that's a very good deal for someone out there, so the price is firm. Trades/PX offers welcome, but I'm trying to rationalise the collection a bit, so ideally would prefer a straight sale.
I've loads of Feedback on here, I'm a 'Top Rated' e-bay seller (3300+ deals, 100%, username 'goonermike'), and I've got plenty of Feedback on TZ-UK (username BigBird), so there are no worries there.
I'd prefer BT. PayPal if absolutely necessary, or for overseas, but I cannot accept PayPal Gifts (my account just won't accept them, and I get charged even on gifts). So if you want to use PayPal, it'll be via the 'official' route, and you'll need to add 3% to contribute towards the fees.
If I've missed anything, you'd like more info or pics, please feel free to PM me.
Cheers!
Mike
Pictures - spread over several posts due to bandwidth restrictions. Let's start with some head shots. Note that the Dial is a deep black, though some of my photos make it look a little blue (mainly due to my poor photography skills, though I blame the A/R coating on the Sapphire). I've 'scrolled' through the various Digital Display options - Digital Off, Alarm Time, Chronograph, T2 (GMT), Timer, Day & Date, Time:
