The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Decisions, decisions.

I "need" (i.e. want) a simple black dial on stainless bracelet, and I can't get the IWC Pilots Chrono (3717-04...on the SS bracelet) and Ingenieur lines out of my head. Even if I decide on an Inge, there are so many choices.

I am attracted to the Ingenieur because the face is just so amazing. The contrast between the highly shiny markers and the black patterned dial is very impressive. The Pilot's Chrono would not have this "shiny" aspect to the face, but it is still an incredibly nice looking dial.

The other problem is which Ingenieur do I pick? I have to admit that I like the display back of the ceramic model (3234-01) and the Big Is. You can get a Big I SS bracelet and put it on the ceramic model as shown in this TZ thread: http://forums.timezone.com/index.php?t=tree&th=1248064&mid=4332256&rid=0&rev=&reveal=. That is the best of both worlds (plus the watch is 44m vs. 42 of the regular Inge...44mm is a good size for my 7.5" wrist), but I still find myself wanting the "clean" look of the regular Inge. A bonus to the ceramic, however, is that it does not pick up scratches, which I have heard is a common complaint of the Ingenieur.

Or I could get the Big I...it's a lot more money, but you get the 7-day reserve and display back. And ooooooh the pics of the new Big I Chrono do look good! I am a big person (6'4" and 7.5" wrist) so the Big I might look pretty good. This thread here has a pic of the 44mm Steelfish on my wrist: http://breitlingsource.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=8864.

I know a lot of you out there own IWCs. Which model would you recommend for my first purchase?

Mofongo

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There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness." --Dave Barry

Based on all of what you said, you should definately save up longer and get the Big Inge, if you have not seen it in person the pics simply do not do it justice. Truely amazing watch, and that Pelatton winding system!

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Certified watch nut.

Can't go wrong with any of them.

If you have to pick one, and you can stretch to it, I'd say the BI as well.

Tell me more of this Pelatton winding system.

I have gotten even more undecided since I learned that the standard Ingenieur has been discontinued by IWC (ref 3227...not sure if they applies only to the regular or both the regular and the AMG. Also not sure about the Chrono). The 42mm always seemed a little small to me.

They are coming out with the "Ingenieur Mission Earth" which is the same movement as the current Ingenieur but is 46mm (0.5mm wider than the BI). No clue what pricing will be. But if it is in the same price range as the current Inge, I would probably like that one better.

Indecision is good, though, because it keeps me from spending money while my wife and I are trying to buy a house.

Mofongo

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There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness." --Dave Barry

My vote would be for the Big Inge, this is just a beautiful watch. If it's a price thing than my second vote would be to go for the Titanium version of the Ingenieur Automatic AMG. I have seen this watch before and it is also nothing short of stunning. Have you looked at the Vintage Collection, which includes the Vintage Ingenieur Automatic. The black dialed version of this watch is very attractive. This might be worth taking a look at if you. Good luck with your decision, take care.

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- Nathan
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Breitling Avenger Skyland (Black)

The 3227 reference only applies to the non-AMG, non-chrono version with an in-house movement. It is very well-regarded and a lot of Inge fans are not happy that it has been discontinued. It's a classic so worth considering if you can find one. Tend to agree about the size though, I'd rather have a BI.