Hello all,
I thought I would put on introduction after joining the 'ling gang quite unexpectedly.
I'm a 39-year old finnish man living in Helsinki, Finland. I work in the IT industry, although I am currently evaluating on my career options.
It all happened one day when I was with friends having a pint at my local watering hole. A friend had just recently bought a vintage Heuer watch off a pawn broker and had gone to service it at a watch dealer nearby, who mostly sells second-hand vintage watches and older models (Tag Heuer, Rolex, Breitling, Omega, Panerai etc). To my friend's delight (and complete surprise!), he eventually walked out of the shop with a Breitling in his wrist! And it was his Breitling that caused an uncontrollable drooling reaction in me when I laid my eyes on it
I am currently not sure which model his was, a gorgeous polished steel number with a white face.
Previously I've mostly been very utilitarian with my watches. I have used quartz watches due to their low maintenance need. I've had a thing for diver/pilot watches with their chunky size, "busy" dials and have insisted always on a chronograph functionality. Before this I have used a Revue-Thommen Airspeed quartz with a steel bracelet, which has served me well. I had been looking at Hamilton watches for a new one, but had not proceeded in buying any yet.
Encouraged by my friend, I decided to have a look at this second-hand dealership's web pages and immediately spotted a couple of Breitlings that raised my fever even higher. After a couple of days, I just had to go visit the shop! Upon entering, I announced to the salesman that I had a watch fever (maybe bad for any price negotiation tactics) and was interested to check out some Breitlings that would have a aeronautical theme in them. At first the salesman suggested some Tag Heuers, but somehow I just don't like their "let's sponsor Hollywood star X to pose in black-and-white pictures with this watch" -image (yes, I know that many watchmakers have their "spokesactors"). After my grumbling, the guy pulled out three Breitling boxes for me to check out and like a beacon in fog, I immediately locked my eyes on one of them...
The
Super Avenger. (
cue sun rays from the window and a choir singing in the background)
I was first struck by its huge size compared to...well...
anything I was used to! But once the salesman (like a good hustler indeed!) strapped that beast on my wrist, I knew this was the one. It was a 2007 model with the arabic numerals on blue background and steel case+strap. Comparing it to the other alternatives (I think there was a Chronomat B01 and a Super Ocean on the table) made the others look puny compared to the SA.
After the aching desire came the dull reality of affording it. I really had no actual intention to go shopping at that date, but getting so close, I inquired on the price and stated that my budget (which I really did not exist when I stepped in the shop) was around 2000 euros. The price for the SA was 2590 euros, but the guy was willing to come down to 2300 euros without any vigorous haggling. So like a punch-drunk boxer, I pulled out my credit card in a daze and became a new Super Avenger holder. The watch came with the proper papers and boxes.
Having now spent a honeymoon of a couple of weeks with the SA, I still get a micro-orgasm when I glance at the beautiful piece of craftmanship on my wrist. This also being my first automatic watch, It's nice to have the "excuse" of needing to wind it now and then...just to be able to fiddle with the thing.
Only after getting my SA, I began to look for info about Breitling watches and came across this site (since I am not rolling in money, I didn't ever think I'd be able to buy a Breitling!). Being a sceptic, I was of course slightly worried about replicas, the forum postings and examples here were valuable reading for me. I now make it a habit of checking out all the replica postings and "educating" myself of the things to look for. This site seems to be a excellent source for information and seems to have a good community spirit. I doubt I'll be an active poster, but will mostly be an avid reader.
Thank you.
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