The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Simply personal taste. There are models I like and dislike in both lineups. I have heard some raves about the accuracy of the 8500 movement. Both have iconic models. I can't say if one is more reliable than the other as most of both have used eta movements and both are now perfecting their own in-house movements after teething pains. At some point, a collector will or should probably have a Speedmaster or Seamaster, as well as a Navitimer or Chronomat. Hard to go wrong with either brand, though I've owned more Breitlings.

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Scott

AP Royal Oak 15400, silver
Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Classic Cars
Vintage gold Corum
Rolex DJ 36 TT, oyster dial, oyster/smooth
Baume & Mercier Riviera 200m, silver dial/aquamarine bezel
Breitling Superocean 57, rose/stainless

On the Omega side, I'm quite fond of the Seamaster Pro I got not too long ago... A brilliant little everyday watch with quite some caracter.

I can not really say as much of the AT, or the PO for that matter, as they are styled with too much restraint in my taste... So far as I'm concerned, they look like they've been designed by committee after some market research and lack both that slightly artsy side and the heritage, the mix of which is what makes a watch more than a mere time telling object.

They're thus a bit "dry" IMHO.

It's a bit like a Marlborough. Without the Cowboys, it's another generic cigarette.

The Breitling TOC on the other hand has at least some of the Cowboys, to rebound on my example. Granted, it is a sober, dressy piece. But somehow, due to some very subtle styling cues, you just feel like you're boarding a 50ies Super Constellation when you put it on... Which I find, makes it rather unique and noteworthy. I could really see myself owning one at some point... Even though the lugs are a tad long for my liking.

That being... There are other Breitling that I find at least as "dry" as the aforementioned Omegas.

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Cheers from Switzerland,

Fred

Funny, I think the same about most Rolexes and plenty other brands for that matter... Each to their own.. Another reason this forum is so good.

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sco
Breitling Chrono Superocean
Omega Aqua Terra 8500
Rolex Submariner Date Ceramic

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An ever changing collection.....

I am still searching for my ideal first luxury watch. I again tried on the Aqua Terra 8500 (41.5 mm) this week (White Dail with Brown leather) and loved it. The retail price is $5,400, but I feel like it is a lot of value for the money: inhouse movement, display back, excellent fit and finish. I tried it on in the boutique. In your opinion, does it ever make sense to buy at a boutique? Are there any particular advantages at a boutique versus an AD? For example, is the Warranty extended or any other advantages? The boutique would not move off of the list price. In your opinion, do you think I could get a discount from an AD on this watch? If so, about what range could I expect a discount?

Thanks in advance for your assistance or advice.

Boutiques don't discount they try to make up for it with swag and the experience. ADs will discount.

Thanks for the post Roff.

i think Omega is a cool brand. in terms of which one is better, to me its a toss up. you have fanboys for both sides. I can say though that Omega produces more watches than Breitling so interpret that how you will.

I need to add an extra line to your quote Boogiebot -


...... that I like at the moment!

Never used to be the case but it certainly is at the moment.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

yes they have carved out that number 2 producer spot by a fair margin. personally I do not see breitling catching up anytime soon.

I agree with a lot of this. I have both and like and appreciate both. I think everyone should have a speedmaster and/or seamaster and navi/chronomat in their collections. Iconic watches. Hard to go wrong indeed.

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Happines is Good Health and a Bad Memory.
"Ingrid Bergman"

+1, though my "should have" model selection is probably a bit different.
Navitimer 806, Chronomat 769, Speedmaster 105.003, Seamaster 165.014

I'm vacillating between these at the moment. OTOH I like the Seamaster 300 GMT, which has a clear caseback; but I don't like bracelets and am not sure what else it would sit well on. OTO I like the fit and function of the new Speedmaster Racing but just wish it had a clear caseback.

I'd say that generally speaking Omega is more understated than Breitling which is clearly more "bling". There are exceptions of course.

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life's too short and you only live once