The Breitling Watch Source Forums

You HAVE to keep the Navi World as an exception. How can the co-Mod of Breitling Source not have a Breitling?

Aside from the need to keep the World as an exception, I certainly can't argue with your thoughts on your collection, even though I don't feel the same way. Everyone appreciates objects for different reasons. I am fascinated by movements, and I have an appreciation for the engineering that has going into creating these movements. But while I appreciate and respect the movement, it's not enough for it drive my decision making. But it certainly doesn't mean that I don't understand the importance of the movement to others.

Back to the car analogy - some people think a Ferrari is a piece of art on the outside, some think what under the hood in a piece of art, some think the whole car is a piece of art, while still others think it's just a freakin' awesome car that's insanely fast and can help you pick up hot chicks. And none of them would be wrong. And what's more, none of them should have to explain themselves to the others.

I'm looking forward to seeing how your collection comes together. And good luck with the sales (except of course on the World )

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Breitling Colt GMT
Breitling Navitimer World
IWC Portuguese Automatic
Breitling Transocean Chronograph LE

Haven't you figured it out? Not even after the B01-friendly posts from Driver lately?

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

Driver,
Thanks for the great post on your feelings about in-house movements. I admit that I'm a complete newbie when it comes to the world of watches and until a couple of months ago I never thought about the movements in watches at all, frankly I didn't care. If the watch looked cool and worked I liked it. I have to admit that it bothered me a bit when I first learned that the movements in Breitling's were basically a generic, though very good and somewhat modified, movement that you can find in numerous other watches.

That being said, I still want one, specifically an Avenger if you have one you wanted to sell , but I have also been looking at other brands that I never thought of before specifically because they have in-house movements mainly Panerai and IWC. Once Breitling starts putting the B01 movement into watches that I actually like, and I would like to see them make an in-house movement that isn't a chrono (B02) for maybe the Steelfish or the new SuperOcean, I will be very excited.

I understand both sides of this argument, Breitlings are wonderful watches with many different models to appeal to many different tastes and that is the thing that I love about them, but there is something special about a watch that is completely made from the efforts of a single company and that is different from any other watch that, to me, makes it stand out above a watch that has the same general movement as say a TAG. I'm sure that I've said something to piss somebody off so I apologize in advance if I've offended you.

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"Leave the gun, take the cannoli."

My dear Driver,

It's wonderful to hear how you can espouse the virtues of inhouse movements without sounding stuffy, pompous or ill-informed. I'm afraid that when I get on that subject I come across as a know-it-all-windbag who needs to be silenced with a roll of duct tape. In my other incarnation (when I was known as Drax) we had a number of lively discussions (and friendly arguments ) But I can't argue now -- I pretty much agree with everything you said.

But I must say, parting with all of your ETA-powered pieces is one bold move. I don't think I could do it. Of my small collection (five watches) only two currently are inhouse: my IWC Ingenier and Big Pilot. The others -- two Breitlings and one Omega -- are, of course, ETA-powered, yet very dependable watches. My Steelfish I don't think I could ever part with. But I must confess to an almost overpowering yen to get that third inhouse watch (probably another IWC -- 5001 Portuguese? Big Ingenieur?) in my stable. And that may require parting with my Skyland and Planet Ocean.

It's with some smug satisfaction I can say that in 40 years of watch ownership, I've never worn a quartz watch. But it's true. During the quartz crisis I was a staunch Rolex supporter, owning eight Oysters between 1978 and 1995. I was naive enough to believe that all mechanical watch movements were inhouse (although I wasn't familiar with that term at the time -- who was? ) My first Breitling (a Chronomat) was the first ETA-powered watch I've owned. A close friend currently owns that watch and can attest that it still runs perfectly.

Maybe snobbery is the motivating force that drives me toward that third inhouse watch. I really can't say. Alll I know is that whenever I strap on the Big Pee or Ingenieur a feeling of wellbeing spreads throughout me (God, I hope it's not some sexual thing! ).

Excuse my rambling. Driver, would you do us all a favor? As you thin out your collection, then add to it, could you keep us informed? I think we're all going to live vicariously through your future purchases. Such a wonderful watch world to chose from -- if only we could all afford it... Good talking to you again.

Steve

Hey Steve my friend - good to hear from you again, and many thanks for your kind words regarding my ramblings. Not sure why the "Drax" name has been retired - I always had this mental image of you looking a bit like Hugo Drax as a result, so the new screen name takes some getting used to - but never mind.

Much as it pains me to say it, I think there is indeed a bit of snobbery involved with the whole in-house thing , but I can console myself with the fact that outside of this forum, very VERY few people are privy to the full extent of my watch....er.... fetish. I buy watches for me, so the pleasure I get from knowing that the entire watch is made in-house is entirely for me and not for some sort of "bragging right" with random folks who probably wouldn't know a digital from an analogue anyway!

As far as living vicariously goes, I think Altair is the man to follow! His collection is a who's who of watch making now, especially with the almost casual addition of a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms recently. Altair is The Man! But rest assured I will post a few characteristically poor photos when I have something new to report. (I've actually just bought I new 5 series, so the watch-buying has been a little quiet lately - but hopefully things will pick up! )

All the best Steve and good to have you back....... even if "Hugo" has been blasted out of the airlock!

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Driver8

Site Moderator

I don't think wanting all in-house movements is really snobbish. If I could afford it I would probably do the same. There must be something nice about knowing that your whole watch is the product of one companies efforts. I kind of like that, but if I were to try to go that route right now I'd be able to go like one watch every ten years and I don't think I could handle that, plus I really like Breitlings.

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"Leave the gun, take the cannoli."

Lets see pics of that new 5 series. There is somewhat of a waiting list for them here in the states at certain dealers. Ive been looking at a 3 series convertible. Black on black.

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SA-Baton White Dial/ProII
Tissot Le Locle

It's not the latest 2010 model, it's the very last of the previous shape. I might post up some pics soon though anyway.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

good you better. im sure its still badass! The newest ones are awesome!!!

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SA-Baton White Dial/ProII
Tissot Le Locle

Going a bit off too topic here, but I actually find the latest 5 Series a little bland looking on the outside, so I went for the last of the old shape with all the M-Sport kit and toys for quite a bit less cash. I'm very happy with the outcome!

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Thanks, Driver, for the warm welcome back. I, too, miss Sir hugo, but the poor old chap has been relegated to the dustbin of horological history -- whatever the hell that means. Let's just say I've recently changed my address, my occupation (kind of), my marital status, my....well, just about everything -- except, of course, my passion for watches.

Interesting to hear about the 5 series -- but you always were a Beamer man, weren't you? It's funny, as my passion for larger watches grows, my passion for motorcars moves in the opposite direction. Right now I'm craving a special version of the Mini CooperS, which is putting out close to 200 hp. I drove one the other day (wearing the Big Pilot, of course ) and was in a state of pure nirvana. But I digress...

I can't wait to hear what your next watch purchase will be...

As for Altair, any man who can plunk down the cash for a Blancpain (alnost on a whim?) deserves a hundred of these

Both of you are an inspiration to guys like me...

Steve

Wow, nicely expressed Driver. I am 100% with you on the in-house movements. That's what initially attracted me to my first Breitling (B01) after 35 years with a Submariner. I see a watch designed and manufactured in-house as a complete and pure thing. Your automotive analogy about a Ferrari motor to me is the same, I would express it as "function as form" and "If you did not design and make all of it that you can, it's not your creation". It's like a Colt 1911 if you're into .45's, or an American Strat versus a Mexican Strat if you are into guitars. Does Colt buy trigger assemblies from some outside vendor? No. Does Fender outsource their necks? No. It's not hard for a manufacturer to outsource a bunch of components, essentially becoming an "integrator" rather than a creator, which is hard and costly.

I am an unabashed purist when it comes to this kind of stuff. I could buy an ETA ,etc. movement, design a dial, a case, have them manufactured or make them myself and try to sell watches that would at a minimum, keep good time. I could not design and manufacture a movement from the ground up without many years of study and great costs. Those that can have earned it and the instrument they produce is to me, the purest expression of a wristwatch.

Bravo to Breitling for the B01 movement. Consider the commitment to "do all of it" (essentially), rather than place a purchase order for "quantity 1000 of caliber xxxx".

What a great forum, you guys rock.

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GORT

Current watches:
None of your business!

I know we're a bit off topic here, but have you considered this D8?

http://www.bmwblog.com/2010/07/02/premi ... t-package/

http://www.bmwblog.com/2010/07/01/unvei ... t-package/

http://www.bmwblog.com/2010/06/21/exclu ... -revealed/

albeit for more cash than a E60 5 series, I grant you this.

However, it is the finest 5 series to date and something that surely keeps Audi top brass awake at nite. I test drove both the 530d and 535i for a weekend and it is light years ahead from the E60. But I just can't get those numbers correct at the lottery

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