The Breitling Watch Source Forums

With the draft pick of my top player I figured I would post a poll since I saw from old threads that several contributing members have owned both models.

What were your thoughts on the fit and finish of these models? Which would you consider for a prime spot in a two watch rotation?

Boy, this post ought to get some action.

I'll say this--you are definitely going big. Trouble is these two are so different. I have tried each on at some point but never at any time close to each other, or with the thought to directly compare them. The GMT is classic, solid, now a great bracelet, nice lume and of course the GMT function. The IWC is substantial, oozes class, has the ridiculously long power reserve and to me has just the right amount of gold. I have heard complaints about IWC in-house movements which I will leave to others here. The Rolex--no such issue.

Personally, I think the Rolex is a better watch in terms of reliability and durability, but the IWC is a more elegant, more impressive piece. I just couldn't have a strap watch as my lead watch. If you can, more power to you.

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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

Pretty much Scott made some solid excellent points... if it's going to be the big boy in the box, it's gotta be the GMT... I like Rolex's two tone but of course that's subjective to other members and obviously ultimately you're the one that likes it but can't beat that 3186 movement... no quickset date but the hour hand setting makes up for plenty of it.

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

man you made this hard Thomas. usually its a no brainer for me when you stack most watches against a Rolex (yeah im a fanboy), but in this case these are 2 amaizng pieces. im hard pressed to choose.

Hello

The rolex is a well known brand and they have good movments and can be worn all the time and still look good because they are well built. Where as the IWC is I think for special occasians, But the Iwc is less seen on the streets compered to rolex.
I would get the Iwc.

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Rolex GMT 2
Breitling for Bentley GT Racing
Ball World Time Diver
Rolex precision oysterdate
Breitling chronometre bi metal
Omega seamaster professional chronometer
Ball fireman
Rolex datejust diamond bezel
Rolex Explorer 39mm
Omega James bond 50th

Even with the potential of getting a seriously fast movement in the IWC, I'd still go for that over the TT Rolie.

Two reasons - firstly I'm not a huge TT fan anyway, and the TT GMT II just doesn't work for me colour-wise - gold, silver, black and then the green GMT hand. And secondly, while I like a number of the new generation Rolies - the Subbie, the GMT (in steel!), and the Deepsea - I still think they are too much of an "obvious" choice. The IWC is just more interesting, more rare on people's wrists, and (dare I say) more classy.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Tough choice as both are real nice. But if it was my money?

I've often thought one day I'd like to strap on a 7 day Portuguese and never thought I'd like to strap on a two-tone GMT. A stainless GMT maybe - but I wouldn't pay the extra for the gold.

So I voted IWC.

And it is cool that it's a watch person's timepiece not just a timepiece for a person with money who wanted a watch, which I sometimes associate with Rolex even though they clearly are also superb on merit.

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BREITLING - SKYRACER - PRO II Bracelet
(No rubber)

The IWC for me, I'm just not a fan of two tone.

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Justin
Please contact me via PM for the contact details for Govberg Jewelers
Govberg is an AD for over 50 fine Swiss and German watch brands.
Visit them on the web at http://www.govbergwatches.com or call 800-528-8463

IWC without a doubt! I love my GMT IIc but I hate it in TT. The IWC is a beautiful watch, I miss mine very much

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"I don't own any watches, I just lease them"

I agree about the TT GMT. I really dont like it. Rolex TT has always seemed like an old man watch to me (no offense to any old men here ).

Still though, I just dont think the IWC is versatile enough to justify purchasing. I hesitantly throw my vote in for the Rollie.

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-RJ

Thats it Driver I have now officially reported you to the Rolex Gestapo.

Well I did say there are 3 models that I do like! Oh and the YM II, so that's 4!

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Wasnt expecting the results to be this lopsided toward the IWC, but I guess the TT is pretty polarizing, and in particular there are several who felt like this model did the mix poorly. That being said I loved the GMT on my wrist when I tried it on a couple of weeks ago.

The rolex is a bit more versatile and can be worn in sporty or dressy settings, but I certainly dont think the 5001 is too dressy for a casual day/night out, even though I am mostly looking for a work watch to compliment my CM24, which will be the lone holdout of my current collection.

Lots of great comments and I am even more confused than before but all I know is I want to get my #1 starter on the mound before the All-Star break.

Any other watches in this range I should consider?

I'd look at some JLCs as well, something like the Master Chronograph, Master Georgraphic, or even the Master Calendar. You could look at a VC Overseas Automatic as well.

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Justin
Please contact me via PM for the contact details for Govberg Jewelers
Govberg is an AD for over 50 fine Swiss and German watch brands.
Visit them on the web at http://www.govbergwatches.com or call 800-528-8463

I should have mentioned I am looking at second hand pricing and need to stay under the $8500 mark if possible. That is a stretch for all of these but definitely possible with the two I have already marked.

As for JLC...the ones I have tried on are really sweet, but they seem a bit thin and maybe too dressy for a one of two watch. Maybe I should head back and check them out because in this class of watch they can compete with anybody.

How is your new addition coming along? Any ideas JN?