The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Im in the market for a new watch, but cant really make up my mind and I guess im looking for ideas.

My constraints are:

It can cost up to 3000 EUR
It has to be new (not used or pre-owned)
It has to be a mechanical watch.
It has to be a "wearable" watch, so not so far out there. Classy.
It can not be any larger than 44mm as I have pretty skinny wrists.

I would like it to be a chronograph as I like the busy dial watches. But I also like the very clean and classic dials.
I have been looking at the Omega Planet Ocean, unfortunately the chrono version comes only in 45.5mm which puts it outside of my range and its a bit more expensive than my budget.

I have also looked at the IWC Portofino, very classic look and the Omega Seamaste 300M. Though it leaves about one third of my budget.

I find the PAMs very sexy as well but above my price range.

What else is out there? Any ideas and tips are greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Blingal

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Navitimer, Steelfish, Colt GMT, Aerospace, Chronospace, Chrono Superocean

Standard advice is always to look at Oris - well under your price ceiling and a lot of variety.

have you considered hamilton?

Some of the Breitlings in the Aeromarine range fit those conditions.

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[Witty signature here]

Thanks all, Oris is definetly an option, I like the way the BC4 Chrono looks like. Would like to try it on though. Have found an AD in the next town and will have a look at the next opportunity.

I have previously looked at Hamiltons, didnt really get stuck at them so I guess they are out of the race. I already have 2 Breitlings from the Aeromarine line so this time Im looking for something a little different.

I was at an AD this weekend comparing Omega DeVille Prestige, Planet Ocean, IWC Portofino, Breitling Chorno Cockpit. I would have wanted to take all of them home but the Prestige and the Chrono Cockpit are out of the race.

Since then I came across the Zenith Elite Class Reserve de Marche.... is it true that Zenith uses only in house moevements?

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Navitimer, Steelfish, Colt GMT, Aerospace, Chronospace, Chrono Superocean

Yes, but the Elite is the 'lesser' of their two movement series. The high beat El Primeros are considered to be the premium movement, with of course premium prices.

Elites are still in house though.

Thanks Roff, how does this moevement (685) compare to the ETA movements currently in the Breitlings? Or even Omega's Coaxial? Or does it compare at all?

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Navitimer, Steelfish, Colt GMT, Aerospace, Chronospace, Chrono Superocean

It's not really a fair comparison.

The Coaxial is something unique so I would set that apart. The ETA are more proven because there have been so many for so long, the Elite is more exclusive because it's in house. I'm not aware of any fundamental problems with them.

Youre not helping Roff Im trying to make up my mind here.... Portofino, Planet ocean or the Elite?..... Damn this is hard

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Navitimer, Steelfish, Colt GMT, Aerospace, Chronospace, Chrono Superocean

My vote is with the Portofino!

I love Zenith's, but if you are going to get one shoot for the ElPrimero movment. Plus the Elite power reserve model is too small for ma taste - 38mm is it??

Since getting the P.O. XL, non-chrono last Thursday, I haven't been able not to wear it. This is the one with dark orange 6/9/12 arabics and the contrast stitching on the strap. Black bezel. I am now a huge P.O. fan - for what it's worth.

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SHARKMAN

Also I have the BC4 Chrono and while it is a nice watch, it's not in the same league as the other watches you mention. I got mine from Amazon for $1200 US.

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SHARKMAN

The elite im looking at is 37mm, I realize it may be a little small. Though I had a Breitling Vintage 2525 that was 35mm and that looked gorgeous on my wrist. Would need to have it on my wrist to see how it feels.
I think the Primero's gonna be far above my budget, and besides I really like the look of the Elite, its classyness and sleekness. Again I have to wear it first though....

The PO is definetly a gorgeous watch and it is something I will get at some point even if its not in this race

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Navitimer, Steelfish, Colt GMT, Aerospace, Chronospace, Chrono Superocean

HOW ABOUT BREITLING WINDRIDER COCPIT SERIES; NON-CHRONO. GOOD DEALS OUT THERE NOW; AS IT IS "MORPHING" INTO THE
NEW GALACTIC 41...... IWC? HOW ABOUT SPITFIRE AND MARK XVI ?

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Keepin' Time...

I have become quite partial to my Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece It is priced around (or below) your price-point as well as your sizing requirements, AND, uses the trusty Valjoux 7750 movement. They have numerous options in their Masterpiece line. Just a thought...it's not for everyone.

The second picture gives you an idea of the size.

Regards,

UofRSpider

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Breitling SuperOcean Steelfish - 2009
Breitling B-2 - 2002
Rolex DateJust 18k/ SS (1984 vintage)
Omega Seamaster (1958 vintage)
Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece MP6318 - 2003
Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph CV2013-3
Victorinox DiveMaster 500