The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Ever since trying on a B&R last week I can't seem to convince myself I don't want one. The 01's were too big and the 03's seemed perfect. I really am drawn to the Phantom, but wonder if I might tire of it over time. I have read several posts online here and at other sites and it seems like a love it or hate it sort of thing. Not much in between. I really like the contrast of the black/white and overall simple design. The BR03-92 in steel seems classic and more practical, but I do like the carbon. If I were to go carbon it just seems like a natural progression to go Phantom. If I were to go steel, I really did the large date on the BR03-90 Power Reserve, but go back and forth between liking the complication of the power meter at the bottom. Like the added look above the "6" but the idea of how wound up my watch does nothing for me...the function of the power meter seem rather silly, still if I were to go steel I like the overall look a lot. Finally the 03-94 chronograph in black/white is slick too.

The dates on the 92's seem rather small and sort of an after thought.

So you think it is a long term keeper or flavor of the month watch? Conflicted on my end.

I think that in the long term it's a niche piece. As a daily wearer or frequent watch then I suspect that the novelty would wear off and / or tastes would change. But if you have a collection where there is room for more occasional wear pieces then I think that you can do worse, although the common complaint of high prices for essentially unmodified movements comes in again.

I would avoid the blackened cases because they are only PVD and therefore not as resilient as some other processes.

As the owner of a BR03 Phantom, I can attest that it's a cool watch and easily the most comfortable watch I own. The flatness of the case and the wide rubber strap is very comfy. I don't wear it often but when I strap it on it makes me smile. Don't count on reading it in the dark. The lume is not very good on this model and doesn't last very long either. But a cool watch.

_________________
Breitling Steelfish(black)
Breitling Steelfish(silver)
Panerai PAM 312
Bell & Ross BR03-92 Phantom
Steinhart BreitlingSource LE #5/15

Roff,
Only "real" watch is a Steelfish with steel bracelet, black pro diver 2 rubber strap, black calf tang and gold calf deployant. So I can mix up the look a bit but always the same watch. I was thinking 2-3 days a week I might wear the B&R with the Steelfish still getting more wear.

I share your concerns about the PVD...but still really like the look of the Phantom. Much more than any black steel Breitling. I for sure want a chrono some day, but probably more along the lines of an Omega or Breitling, still do think the B&R chrono is nice witht the orange hands, but think at that point I am getting away from what draws me into the B&R to start. Steel body, black face white numbers is really doing it for me. The various colors (blue, green, white, etc.) for the B&Rs leave me flat. I keep goign back to the large date on the 03-90 and it only comes in a steel case.

AD offered me what I feel is a pretty good discount on the Grand Date Power Reserve (BR03-90). However on that I am not sure I am willing to give up the 3 and 6 on the face in favor of the B&R name at 3 and the meter at 6...but that bigger date below the 12 really sings to me. That date is more prominent in person than the pix I posted. And having the complication does set it apart a bit. Not sure but I would guess the steel body, white number, small date BR92-03 is pretty common.

Bronco, I have read that about the lumes. I guess I have resigned myself that watches are more jewelry than tools for telling time. I think the helium release valve on my fish is way cool, but it is never going any deeper than the deep end of my pool I would guess. Perhaps it should be an all or nothing kind of thing. Forget the carbon - Steel body or Phantom, nothing in between.

What about the radar model?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3kcut78ng8

Very neat idea, saw one in person and liked it...but don't think it is for me.

That last one is pretty sharp... with the hints of orange... nice...

_________________
"I don't got the bright watch I got the right watch" -Jay Z

I like them for the most part. I'm a big fan of the 02's and the only
03 I like is the 92, just something very simple but different, kinda like a base PAM. but if you like the phantom, also a very cool looking watch, then don't settle for anything less.

_________________
"Leave the gun, take the cannoli."

I tried on this green military version and thought it was really cool. I was very light and comfortable also. I just couldn't get passed the price.

_________________
Regards,

Peter

BREITLING for Bentley Motors T & Mark VI, Aerospace
ROLEX Submariner Ceramic116610LN
OMEGA Plantet Ocean 8500 42mm Orange arabics
OCEAN7 LM-3

OK, that one's pretty cool also.

_________________
"Leave the gun, take the cannoli."

+1

Is that on NATO strap Peter? Because if it is, it really suits it, unlike Breitlings IMHO .

_________________


- This is Ghost Rider requesting a fly-by. - Negative Ghost Rider. The pattern is full.

I had an 03 carbon case and the black coating chipped very easily. I like most of the dial designs but would stick to steel if were to get one again. The steel power reserve, big date model looks good as does the steel 03-92 IMO (if like me you really like the big arabics). I did not like the wide rubber strap as it was too stiff around the lug area, thus not very comfortable. I put a straight 24mm canvas strap on it and it wore much better. Also, my 03 kept good time. Good luck with your decision!

_________________
Chrono Jetstream
Montbrilliant 1903
Aerospace E79362

i have the green and blue one both in stock, i like them a lot, id buy one if they were 01's but really cool.

It's a nylon Velcro strap that comes with the watch along with the rubber strap. It's super comfortable.

_________________
Regards,

Peter

BREITLING for Bentley Motors T & Mark VI, Aerospace
ROLEX Submariner Ceramic116610LN
OMEGA Plantet Ocean 8500 42mm Orange arabics
OCEAN7 LM-3

My brother bought what I believe was a BR03 in OD green and I liked it better in person than seeing it online, but still not my style. The Compass model was the only one that ever really caught my attention, because it's a very unique concept and a very cool way of telling the time. I'd agree on it being niche, you either "get it" or you don't.

_________________
Patek Philippe pocketwatch -- Rolex Sub LV -- Hamilton Khaki X-Wind -- Oris RAID Chrono -- Slate dial Skyracer