The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hello everyone,

I have been looking on the site for a while now, but just signed up and this is my first post.

My name is Lee and I have been an admirer of Breitling watches for many years now, but from afar as the price has always been prohibitive to me what with other commitments including Kids, an Ex-wife and all that goes with that. Now over 40 and in a position to finally own a Breitling I am now finding myself torn between what to actually get. For years now I have hankered after the Aerospace, I saw one years ago and just loved the looks, I was always a big fan of digital watches from as far back as the 70's when my father got one of the very first LED versions. Seeing the combined dial and digital displays of the Aerospace just seemed unique and I decided that I would have one one day.

Then some years ago after looking at the Breitling range I saw the B-1, ever since that time I just can't help but think the B-1 is a better looking watch but for the fact that it does not come in Titanium (I prefer the flatter finish). Now that the B-1 has been discontinued I just don't like it's replacement the Airwolf as much.

So, before I take the plunge I would really like to hear from anyone that has knowledge of the above models with any advice, I could buy new, but my feeling at the moment is to keep an eye out for a B-1.

Thanks
Lee

_________________
B-1 Superquartz Black Face
Navitimer World, Black Face, Black Leather Deployant

Just go for one that speaks to you the loudest.

Hi and to the forum.

Great that you're in a position to go for it now.

I was first attracted to Breitling about 8 yrs ago (ish) when I saw the Emergency.

Couldn't afford one (or hope to do so) at that time so after a little investigation I started to lust after the Aerospace.

After a few years I got my first 'Ling - the Aerospace Ti/18k and was over the moon - still am of course.

Now I have a B-1 too (along with my Monty) and felt that it is a great choice too.

Hard to advise about which to go for between the Aerospace or B-1 as the B-1 is (as you say) out of production. This is due to the fact that it is of course best to try before you buy and looking at photos and reading reviews (even very comprehensive ones) is no substitute for having one on your wrist.

If you can't get your hands on one to try it's a hard call - maybe (if you let the members know where you are) a fellow B-1 owner can help out.

If you go for the B-1 (and I can't think why you wouldn't) you also need to consider which to go for. Do you want the SQ (super quartz) model or would you be happy with the basic model (as I have) - which face will you go for? Black - Blue - Grey?

I have a Blue face and love it but also had a Grey one for a week but gave it up to a mate who was after one I loved it and will add another to my collection when I get the chance (maybe even a Black one too!).

Sorry if I've made the choice harder but if I've helped then I'm glad to be of assistance.

Any more questions please ask - there are quite a few B-1 owners and enthusiasts here so there will be plenty of advice.

Good luck.

Oh - and too, what bnewbie said.

_________________
Aerospace Titanium & Gold - Grey Face
B-1 on Fighter/Blue Shark - Blue Face
Emergency on Pro - Yellow Face

To complete the collection:
Navi 01 46/Black leather - Black/white
Montbrillant Datora/Navi - White face


LEARNING.......EVERY DAY

Welcome to the site.

I must admit I was one of those "I can't believe that they replaced a classic like the B1 with that thing" people when the Airwolf first came out. I'm not a fan of digital so I wouldn't buy either, but it just seemed like a disappointment.

The Airwolf is growing on me, and the makeover helps, but I still think the B1 is the better watch, and if that's the one that you really have a passion for then you are going to be disappointed with anything else.

They are still out there, you're likely not going to find one still at an AD, but they are reasonably available on the secondary market.

Welcome aboard! It's virtually impossible to make the wrong choice so just go for what feels right... you can always get more down the road

_________________

Welcome and good luck with the decision!

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

Enjoy your time here Lee.

I think the B-1 is one of the best watches Breitling have ever made. You would not be disappointed if you pick one up.

I've not had an Aerospace and whilst I'm sure it's a fine watch, I would always have been wishing it was a B-1.

Keep your eyes open here and on TZ-UK and one will pop up before too long.

Thanks for all the welcomes,

I just got back from visiting Goldsmiths in Southampton and beleive it or not they told me that they sold a brand New Old stock B-1 just 2 weeks ago...

The chap I spoke to was really helpful and has promissed to try and source another for me. I want a Blue Dial if possible as my first choice, he called me just a few minutes ago to say that he has found a Black faced Brand new B-1 and that he could send this off to have the face changed to Blue. I have read on here that things seem to take a long time to come back when sent off to Breitling for work. I just want it on my wrist.

Cheers
Lee

_________________
B-1 Superquartz Black Face
Navitimer World, Black Face, Black Leather Deployant

Hi Lee, from one south-coaster to another, welcome aboard!

I don't know where they must've had that NOS B-1 hidden because whenever I'm in Southampton I drop by Goldsmiths and it's been a long time since I've seen a B-1 in their display. Maybe they had it out the back as it's a discontinued model.

Anyway, just to echo the comments from one or two of the other guys - make sure you try any potential watch on before buying as what looks great in a picture, or even in a shop window can look loads different on the wrist. And if you haven't tried it yet, give an Airwolf a go too - you may find that you like it more than the B-1 once it's on your wrist. Personally I much prefer the Airwolf to the B-1, but then I'm not a digi fan anyway, so that pretty much counts me out of ever buying any of them!

Good luck with the hunt!

_________________
Driver8

Site Moderator

There are 2 BNOS (1 Black & 1 Blue) on Watchfinder:

http://www.watchfinder.co.uk/Breitling/B1-Watches.aspx

Ask for their best price before deciding - you'll probably get something off the price they initially quote.

They show a retail of £2420 - you email them for an immediate quote then when you get that you email back for their final price.

They're OK to deal with - just make sure you ask all the questions you can think of - do a search in the "Feedback Forum - Stores, Sellers & Traders" first to see if there are any hints on what to check out if buying on the Grey market.

_________________
Aerospace Titanium & Gold - Grey Face
B-1 on Fighter/Blue Shark - Blue Face
Emergency on Pro - Yellow Face

To complete the collection:
Navi 01 46/Black leather - Black/white
Montbrillant Datora/Navi - White face


LEARNING.......EVERY DAY

£2420 for an old pre Superquartz A68 model? Lee, Superquartz A78's retailed at only £1985 when they were discontinued. I know you are looking for a new one, but if you're paying full price, be sure you get the Superquartz model with "CHRONOMETER B-1" on the face and the serial number on the back is A78362. If possible get the AD to remove the bracelet from the south interhorns and get their magnifying glass, and you will see 4 numbers a letter and a number. The first 2 numbers are the week, and the second two are the year the case was built.

Hope this helps.

_________________

Have
B-1 Black Dial+UTC
Emergency Black+UTC

HAD
B1Vulcan+UTC
B2 Black+UTC
C.A. M1-Team SEB in the Volvo Ocean Race+UTC
Emergency Ti -Yellow+UTC
Mission -Black
Old Navitimer -RAFAT

No, 2420 isn't the final price. They basically give you a better price when you call to order. Who knows what it is though

_________________

_________________
Breitling Super Avenger White, Steel
Breitling Superocean Heritage 46 Black, Ocean Racer
Rolex Submariner Bi-Metal, Yellow Gold/Blue
Panerai 112, Black Leather (Soon Hopefully!)

I already posted in the general forum that I now have my B-1 and I am very happy with it. I just wanted to say thanks for all the great advice from all.

I did try the Airwolf on and yes I was suprised that it definately did look a lot better on my wrist than in the display cabinet (But still not as Nice as the B-1 in my opinion).

Driver8, The B-1 was not at the Soton branch. They had it in the chain somewhere (I think it was in Wales). The chap was real helpful and rang around other branches looking for one for me.

I am now off to enjoy my new watch.

Cheers
Lee

_________________
B-1 Superquartz Black Face
Navitimer World, Black Face, Black Leather Deployant

Welcome. There is something about the B-1 that interest me as well. great choice.

_________________
- Nathan
_________________
Breitling Avenger Skyland (Black)