The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I just got a great deal on a Swiss Legend Tungsten watch. It's quite a beauty, and nearly indestructible. The quality of the bracelet is absolutely outstanding for the price (I paid ~$160), and it has a sapphire crystal. I was looking for a good but stylish "beater" and my curiosity about tungsten got the better of me. It's this model here:


The one thing that bugs me, though, is the reflections on the crystal. I have gotten spoiled by high-end timepieces with their anti-reflective coatings. Is there a way to add any sort of AR after the fact, or am I out of luck? I know the kind that Breitling puts on is baked on at a zillion degrees, so I am guessing that that is out of the question. But is there something that kind of works that is kind of doable?

Even if it's possible, I am sure it will cost more than the watch did, but we can't be penny pinchers when in pursuit of perfection.

Thanks!

///M

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

there is a company called Reynard Corporation that I found a while back online that does AR coatings for many different uses. one of their options is a "Cold Anti-Reflection" that can be applied to a variety of products including plastics and other heat sensitive materials (or watches )

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Breitling Emergency Mission-- Breitling B01--
Chronomatic 24H-- Skyland Blacksteel-- Navitimer World--
Emergency Ti-- Chronomat Evo-- Airwolf-- Skyracer Raven
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Jack @ IWW does it. I think its about a hundred bucks which might be uneconomical considering the price you paid for the watch.

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-RJ

You may get used to it. Not all high end brands use AR coatings. Rolex doesn't, and Panerai only does it on some models.

Nice pick-up! Got the same one too at that sale:


IMO, I don't think it's worth getting AR. Kinda ruins the unscratchable theme it has going for it (sapphire crystal + tungsten bezel, case, bracelet).

Yeah, that is another downside. As you did, I kind of got this for the ruggedness.

I really like the depth of the dial, however, and every time I look at it I can't help thinking how an AR coating would really help bring that out. I will try wearing it for awhile and see if I get used to the glare.

As for the price, if I paid $260 for it and it had AR coating, I would still be happy. To me it's about what would the total price be vs. the quality of the watch I end up with in the end. Just because I got a smokin' deal on this watch doesn't mean I shouldn't put more money into it if it gives me the watch I really want.

It's great to know that there are options. Thanks for the tips! I managed to find on IWW's page that they will do it for $85...not bad.

///M

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

Interesting, what kind of AR does Breit have? I was told they are a blueish hue, double coated?

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Panerai PAM212 | Panerai Diver Strap
Panerai PAM111 | Black Croc Strap
Omega Planet Ocean | SS Bracelet
Rolex Submariner | SS Bracelet (Sold, Awaiting Funds)
Breitling Navitimer Olympus | Brown Croc Strap (Arriving)

Wow that is good one. You really get a good watch as per price. As per my knowledge the price of watch is around 300$. Can you help me where exactly you find this clock at this lower rate. I am planning to gift this to my younger brother.

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atomic alarm clock

Got mine off of chronoshark.com

Last time I saw them pop up this low was at $199 and that was many months ago. Not sure when these would pop up again. Although I love the watch, kind of regret breaking my rule of not spending money on low end watches. I just never wear them when I have choice to wear my Breitling, Omega, Panerai, etc

Personally, I don't like the AR coatings on any watch. They are not that durable and I hate the purple reflections that they give. They also don't eliminate reflections, only reduce it as some angles. A Worthless feature in my opinion.

Rolex doesn't bother with it. Panerai has a 'ok' one. Breitling one is a blue gross one (at least on the EVO one my Dad has).

I would go with no AR before any AR honestly...

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Panerai PAM212 | Panerai Diver Strap
Panerai PAM111 | Black Croc Strap
Omega Planet Ocean | SS Bracelet
Rolex Submariner | SS Bracelet (Sold, Awaiting Funds)
Breitling Navitimer Olympus | Brown Croc Strap (Arriving)

Most luxury watches have AR coating at least on the inside. This is to cut down on the glare somewhat without compromising durability. I think the crystals on high-end watches also tend to be curved, if only very slightly, which cuts down on the reflections a lot.

This is probably more expensive to produce than a purely flat crystal, which is what is on the Swiss Legend. It really reflects a lot. A better option would have been to have the crystal not completely flat, but I wouldn't have gotten it at the price I did. Oh well.

///M

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