The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Has anyone read the "Watch Snob's" column at Askmen.com? He's not a fan of Breitling, but I have to admit he's pretty amusing. Polarizing opinions, and he just blasts people who submit watch related questions.....

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Chronomat Evo (White, Arabics)
Avenger Seawolf (Black, Batons) INCOMING?

Yup, I stumbled on his replies and yes, he's comments are direct to put it lightly but entertaining. I got the impression he is a big Rolex fan.

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Alex
Breitling - Navitimer
Breitling - SuperOcean
Breitling - Chrono SuperOcean

I hadn't heard of him prior to your post, but just did a little reading of his stuff. Funny and bitingly accurate in some respects, not so much in others. But then, he isn't trying to woo anybody into agreeing with him.

Very entertaining, but if you read enough of his stuff you will start seeing contradictions in his opinions. He's a flip flopper, and I presume that its just for the sake of the shock factor and to get a rise out of people. He does make a lot of good points, whether or not I want to believe them. Oh, and he *HATES* Panerai.

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-RJ

Hmm...sounds like someone else we know.

I presumed the same, RJ. I find him very entertaining, even though he would hate half of my collection.

I love his honest approach and how could you disagree?
He loves Patek..... hates Paneria!

What could be false about that?

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I need more watches....

His apparent hatred of PAM's is about the only thing I can fully agree with him on. Otherwise, an entertaining little column.

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“The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once.” - Albert Einstein

Yes but at least WS is articulate.

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SHARKMAN

I think his PAM hatred is pretty dated; he just hasnt seemed to drop it yet though. Panerai used to be way overpriced, basic looking and functioning watches. These days they are one of the most innovative watch companies around. How else could they have created so many completely different models and only used two basic case designs? Their use of interesting materials, finishes, and in-house movements are something that I think other manufacturers should pick up on. While these guys are off making bronze and ceramic cases with brand new in-house movements and weathered dials, Breitling has a day care design school with 10 year olds sticking silly putty to the bezel of every model.

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-RJ

Well said, RJ.

I think a lot of reviewers of things are flip-floppers because they're so opinionated-- I remember reading something written by Jeremy Clarkson where he admitted to being one of those people who utterly despises something today but absolutely loves it tomorrow, which I have to say is something I'm guilty of, too.

That said, this guy definitely seems to be writing to get a reaction-- the last time he was mentioned on here I went to the site and read back through his posts in one sitting, and rather than changing opinion just once, he seemed to go back and forth on his opinions on nearly everything, so it definitely read like he was just trying to take potshots and piss people off. Then again, the posts in question were written several months/weeks apart so it is possible his opinions changed over time, but I think it's more likely that he simply focuses on the negative most of the time (regardless of brand) and a sad fact of life is that there are downsides to everything, so he makes a lot of good points.

I find Watch Snob to be highly entertaining. Yeah he contradicts himself at times, but I don't let that get in the way of an amusing read. And he actually makes a few good points in amongst his rants and tirades.

I think his rants against Panerai are just another example of his attempts at controversy, so it's best to take it all with a pinch of salt. And even if he really believes his Panerai stance, then it's just his opinion. It always amuses me when people get hot under the collar when someone else slags off their favourite brand. Everyone has opinions about things and they are rarely personal attacks.


I total agree this statement of yours RJ.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Three words:

Gymnasium. Wall. Clocks.



In all seriousness, I understand that PAM has been doing a lot of very innovative things lately but they just aren't things that I like. I feel the Bronzo 382 is super interesting, but ultimately just does not jive with what I find aesthetically pleasing. I've tried on lots of PAM's and they are great watches - I've eyed getting a Luminor-style PAM (the more tolerable of the two styles), but just can't see it being right for me.

All that being said - I'd agree that Breitling can learn a lot from how Panerai has been able to both maintain the core of their aesthetic style, while at the same time move forward. The jarring switch from the classic Breitling bezel to the Buck Rogers font, or these latest "Play Doh" offerings is an example of how Breitling has flat out blown it.

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“The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once.” - Albert Einstein