The Breitling Watch Source Forums

As my other post stated, I have a bit of watch fever again and I am looking to fill an empty spot in my watch case. The problem is that I haven't seen much (in my price range) that I love.

I have 3 watches that have struck my fancy, but I'm looking for other ideas and inspiration. So....what would you buy? What do you think would be a nice compliment to my collection? I know, I know - it all boils down to personal taste. Again, I'm just looking for ideas.

VERY general guidelines:
1. Retail cap of $15,000 USD
2. Preferably 40-45mm (42-43 is my "perfect size")
3. I'm not the type that buys/sells a lot of pieces. Looking for something that will compliment my collection.

Thanks for your input!

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Breitling Colt GMT
Breitling Navitimer World
IWC Portuguese Automatic
Breitling Transocean Chronograph LE

With that price range, I'd go for an AP 15400 and that's probably the only watch I'd consider. Retail is higher than your limit but the sale price should be less.

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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

Second that, it is a bit of an easy choice though.

I'm in a situation not too different and I'm leaning more towards a 40 mm Yachtmaster I.

Or a Navi world, but for very different reasons.

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Cheers from Switzerland,

Fred

AP all the way!

Unles you are looking for a dress piece and want to venture into yellow or rose gold

Depends a lot on how much variety you want. With the exception of the Colt, those are mostly-dial, small-bezel pieces you have.

If you don't mind some bezel, I am partial to the AP and own an old Jumbo 39mm. Also like the suggestion of a Yacht, which is what I traded to get the AP. I still think highly of the Yacht, but my particular AP was a rare find. I really like the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms and the VC Overseas. If you want to keep with a mostly-dial, look, one of the larger 42mm Glashutte Panomatics is a nice piece. I think the Breguet Marine might fit in here, though maybe a little small. It will be interesting to see other suggestions, as you do have a nice budget to work with . Good luck.

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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

AP ROO diver would certainly be something different.

Looking at the collection you have I would be looking at an Omega, PO perhaps and than save the rest for another watch. Another option to consider is a Rolex if it tickles your fancy.
The funny thing about Rolex is that I would like to add at least one to my collection but nothing really "grabs" me

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"It is just a matter of time!"

I guess I'm the only person on the watch forums who's not impressed with AP Royal Oaks. When I look at one, it just doesn't move me at all. I know I'm supposed to like them, but . . . emperor's new clothes, perhaps?

Now a BB FF, on the other hand — wow! That's the one I would go for, and it would round out your collection nicely.

I like Scott's suggestion of the Breguet Marine Big Date. Certainly right in the sweet spot of your price range and size parameters. Beautiful watch.

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SHARKMAN

I'm not a Rolex or AP fan, so I won't recommend anything from either of those brands.

A few pieces do come to mind, though:

- Blancpain Fifty Fathoms (old version)
- Breguet Type XXI
- Panerai 233 (hand-wound GMT)
- JLC Reverso Grande GMT (if you like rectangle face watches)
- JLC Master Compressor Navy SEALs
- Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time (would need decent discount to get down to $15k)

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Chronomat 01- Sierra Silver/Steel
Navitimer 01- Limited Edition #1337/2000

Thanks gentlemen, I appreciate the input. I shouldn't be surprised at how many votes there were for the AP Royal Oaks, but I'm in Sooner and bozman52's boat - that one just doesn't do it for me. Every time I see it, I think I should go get my wrench and sockets.

I generally find Panerai too bulky on my wrist, and the same goes for the Fifty Fathoms. As for Rolex, I've never quite found one that I "love" (the Deepsea came close, but just doesn't look and feel right on me). Again, it all comes down to personal taste.

Scott, you raised an interesting point about bezels, and I had never really looked at my collection that way. I had been approaching it more from a complication (lunar, big date), dial color (white/silver), or utility standpoint (diver). Scott did hit on one that I had on my list. Here's the short list, in no particular order:

1. GO Panomatic Lunar - I really like this watch, but based on their website, I'm not in love with the current dial color options (gray, black). It doesn't appear that they offer the silver (white) dial in a steel case anymore (specifically, ref 90-02-42-32-05), so this one might take some searching. Part of my problem is the lack of an AD in MA, so I'm not sure what AD's currently have readily available. Keep in mind, I dread the thought of buying used.

2. the new IWC Spitfire Chronograph - I love this watch, but other than looks, I don't think it really brings anything new to my collection.

3. Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Open Grande Date Moon and Sun Phase - I know, I know, I've read all of the service horror stories. But considering what I've gone through with Breitling, my expectations are at least rock bottom! And I love this watch in the silver dial. I really think it would stand out in my collection - open escapement, sun & moonphase, grand date, silver dial. Not sure of the availability of this watch yet. Zenith recently added an AD to Boston, and I've been trying to find some time to head over to ask some questions.

The next step is trying to find some of these in the metal (or waiting for them to arrive at ADs) to help narrow down the field. Of course I'll good use of that time by also searching for others to add to the list....

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Breitling Colt GMT
Breitling Navitimer World
IWC Portuguese Automatic
Breitling Transocean Chronograph LE

Just out of idle curiosity, why?

Hi

I would go for a Rolex Yatchmaster, But if it was me defiantly a rolex.

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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

Just not my thing. Part of it is that I haven't had the best experiences buying brand new watches from ADs, and in my mind, you open yourself up to even more potential problems when buying used. I know there are many, many reputable sellers, but it would be a nerve racking experience for me. It would certainly help if I could see the watch in person and knew the seller.

Another part is purely due to my own quirks and OCD weirdness. I like the idea of it being "my" watch, and not a watch that someone else used to own. I know, weird.

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Breitling Colt GMT
Breitling Navitimer World
IWC Portuguese Automatic
Breitling Transocean Chronograph LE

The Yachtmaster is one of the few Rolexes that catches my eye. However, I have 2 problems with Rolex:

1. I can't find one that has everything I want. I'm really not a cyclops fan at all, so that rules out the Sub w/date and Yachtmaster. I prefer a watch with the date (so that rules out the new Sub). I could try to find an old Sea Dweller, but it won't have the new bracelet and I'm not a fan of buying used. I had hoped that the Deep Sea would solve my problems, but alas, it really doesn't feel right on my wrist. Too top heavy.

2. I work in the financial services industry and EVERYONE has a Rolex. I really have a hard time getting past that.

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Breitling Colt GMT
Breitling Navitimer World
IWC Portuguese Automatic
Breitling Transocean Chronograph LE