The Breitling Watch Source Forums

As some of you might know, I was considering either an IWC Perpetual Calendar or a three watch combo, I obviously opted for the three watches with the first being the AP Safari, and here is the second one:

I was always interested in UN, though never so much as to actually pull the trigger on one, the Freak is a great watch with a price to match, the Marine line is too small, others a bit too out there etc etc. However as if by pure accident UN produced a watch that is both aesthetically pleasing to me and at a introductory price I am comfortable with.





As you can see by the above picture, the watch is a somewhat dressy piece with the Romans and simple styling but the minimal red text, oversized UN lettering, and PR indicator as well as the large small seconds hand add a sporty and casual feel to the watch. To me the key words when describing the design of this watch is "casually elegant". It's size also supports that role very well for me, as it is 43mm and not very thick so it can be worn with a dress shirt or a T shirt all the same and still look great.



The watch has a coin edge bezel, but it does not rotate so I think they where just trying to add a bit of interest and not have the large dial end directly with a smooth case.

Here is a picture of the bezel:



That picture also take me to my next point, the strap is awesome! I mean really excellent stuff here!! Fits the watch perfectely and has a very high sheen which matches the polished case nicely, also the hide has obviously been well chosen to not contain any webbing which I like very much on a dress watch!

Unfortunately though I do not like the deployant, it is very uncomfortable to me as it tapers severely and I suspect it was designed for much smaller wrists, it looks like it will be very comfortable for smaller hands though, but not on mine.



The movement is very minimally decorated, which was a let down! I am sure this is not an indication of UN's capabilities but I was hoping for a bit more, there where some nice touches such as the engraved rotor, sunburst wheel, and a couple blued screws (why are only two of them blued??) but my general impression is that this movement is a very reliable, minimally decorated, workhorse movement. I guess I had high expectations but at this price it is not fair to criticize too severely I suppose.

Wrist shot



Caparison shot



All in all a very good watch at a fair price. It is shocking to me how down the middle this watch is between the IWC Portuguese and Chronomat Evolution!! In almost all aspects: It is not as sporty as the Chronomat nor is it as dressy as the IWC, the finish quality is just in between as well as the price. It really does seem as if those two got together and had a baby!

Another odd observation; the packaging of the watch is shockingly similar to that of Panerai! Same outer cardboard box, inside of which is a piece of paper covering a cleaning cloth and a wood display box. Hmmmm

Anyways, here is a very bad video of the unpacking, sorry for the awfull quality but I was holding my camera with one hand and did not have a tripod!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybfTvAQd3sQ

_________________
Certified watch nut.

Congrats Altair, good to see you breaking into UN. I'll be interested to see how you get on with the cyclops - they always bug me, but I've never tried a UN cyclops. I suspect that the blued screws is representative of ebauche vs. modified.

Great watch - it's turning into a good week

Yup no complaints here, plus this week is still going

I really should stop though

About the cyclops, it is not on the crystal! But built on top of the dial itself so it is not a huge issue.

_________________
Certified watch nut.

Yeah I figured that there was still one to go.

Didn't realise that about the cyclops - that changes things. You're starting to get ahead of me on recent acquisitions this year Altair, I need to get going

The race is on

By the way it is the same thing on the AP, the cyclops in under the crystal.

_________________
Certified watch nut.

Don't tempt me - I signed a big contract this week and the wife doesn't know quite how big yet

Won't be getting an AP, that's not for me, but have a few possibilities for the next few months....

Great piece Altair! Congratulations!

Love the AP but i have a "penchant" for the UN. Don't get me wrong, i know they are two very different watch. I guess the UN just speaks to me more!

NICE!

_________________
Mat

Breitling Navitimer 01
Omega Seamaster 300mc
Omega Speedmaster Pro "Mitsukoshi Mod"
Seiko Prospek Orange Samurai

Another great looking addition there! Can't wait for the next one!

Cheers

_________________

Currently:
Avenger Skyland(Black)
Super Avenger(White)

Moved on:
Montbrillant Legende(Silver)
Panerai 312
SOHC 125th Ann. LE(Silver)
Navitimer World(Pearl)
Panerai 441

Stunning watch. I tried to trade for one of those not long ago, and I wish it had worked out because I really liked it.

Well done on picking this one up.

I tried that same watch on earlier in the week and I have to agree with your analysis. Good price point, size and quality without being absolutely outstanding in any way; I do however like how it does look 'different'.

It didn't grab me in quite the same way but still a very nice piece. A worthy edition to your collection for sure.

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

Thanks guys.

Tim, I agree the watch is not extraordinary in anyway other than it provides a level of quality and a unique design for its price point, but it is certainly not a must have nor does it wet my appetite for more UN. That said I would still but it if I could go back as it adds diversity and suits a more casual elegant gap in my collection.

_________________
Certified watch nut.