The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I posted this on WUS and thought I'd get good opinions here as well...

Im trying to round out a possible 3 watch rotation of daily wearers that gives me more diversity of watch types. Essentially, I have 3 divers so I've decided to part ways with the PO. This leaves me with my black Breitling SOH on mesh and my white dial Breitling Super Avenger.



I'm not a movement snob in any way but will certainly consider in house if I like the watch. I'm thinking a last resort max budget of $7k, though its not about the price as much as getting the right one. Ideally 1 diver, 1 chrono, and 1 dressier watch. Formal dress watches are not my style nor are smallish <40 mm watches.



Here are my thoughts

1) Pick up a Breitling Transocean (3 hander), Omega Aqua Terra, or maybe a JLC Memovox



2) Wait to collect more funds and buy a Panerai 351



3) Sell the Super Avenger and buy a Breitling Transocean Chrono which can run double duty as a dressy watch.



4) Punt! Just keep the two. Who needs 3? Other suggestions welcome.



Thanks for any and all comments.

Hi Leonidas,

Two ways of looking at this in my view, but there are other options too, of course.

I would have three watches. Full Stop. No compromising on two.

First Option. I would keep the 2 Lings you already have and buy the Transocean Chrono as a third watch. Three B’s, what could be better. This one would be your dress watch. I never feel an everyday wearer is special enough for those occasions that require a dress watch, even if they are just that; A Dress watch. Somehting to do with generally wearing one watch for most of the time that you then use to go to dinner in. What with general knocking around that an everyday wearer gets, I would opt to have one Chrono as a dress watch and separate from the other two. I would not bother with the Panerai as it’s not a dress watch IMHO. So many people buy this style of P for that purpose and I can’t see it (probably says a lot about me, but there you are).

Second Option. Buy an Omega Speedmaster (not the Seamaster) as in my opinion the SM is not special enough, and is only a centre second. If the Omega does not ding your bell, then go for Bremont Alti-WT, Alti-P or Alti-Z. The Bremont MBII is always a showy way of doing it too, but its only a Centre Second. Its definitely different, fresh and is so choice. You can’t lose on this one. I would also consider an IWC Portuguese as it’s a very clean Chrono, if a little on the expensive side,a nd always llooks good for dress pruspoes. The blue tint AR glass is so cool.

Jim

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Jim

"You have Control".

Hi,

I was in a similar situation to you as I have a breitling SA and a number of other sporty/chunkier watches and needed something a bit more sensible and "dressier" which I can fit practically under the shirt sleeve etc...

I had a look at a few options not mentioned already, Zenith Elite & a two or three from the JLC Master collection. Whilst the JLC were jaw droppingly beautiful to look at they just didn't feel quite right when put on. Sooo in the end I decided to go with an Omega AquaTerra 8500 (white face on brown strap) and I'm so happy with my decision.

I definitely wouldn't go down to a 2 watch rotation, need more choice!

3 B's is definitely a good thing. I don't know if I want 2 chrono's though. The Portuguese are amazing and a great suggestion. If I get that or a TOC, I'd need to drop the SA. The Aqua Terra 8500 on a croc strap is a nice and safe all around type watch and economically friendly for what it is.

Would definitely go for the Pam if you like it. I know I did

No, seriously, it is different enough from what you have to be interesting, whereas you'll always find a three hand dress piece later if you really feel you can't live without one. Watches are intrinsically unnecessary, so before you buy anything you think you need, buy what you want

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Cheers from Switzerland,

Fred

You never NEED more watches...right. We are all a little obsessive here for sure. Anyway, the PAM has been a one of those watches that I've wanted for several years. Unique and you make great points. I, in no way, want a traditional dress watch, just a simpler do it all piece that you can wear with jeans or a suit. The PAM might be able to do that. The AT or TO's for sure.

Well, so far as I can see you have two perfectly elegant pieces to put on at venues such as client meetings where some restraint might be in order... So why not get the Pam for the rest of the time...

It's like when you have a BMW and an Audi already... Would you really buy a Merc too? Or rather something really different like a Lotus... to have some fun?

Especially in Ti with the material's warmish tone, the beautiful hand brushed finish, the assorted tobacco dial and red gold hands... the Pam is very special and so far as i'm concerned, the only Pam I ever wanted... I love that thing.

Here it is btw:



PS: I wear the Pam with suits too... It definitely doesn't go under a shirt cuff, but then, you wouldn't wear a slightly extravagant tie under your shirt either... It's a Pam, it stands out... It's just the way it is. And life is full of opportunities where one can afford to wear extravagant ties... So why not a Pam...

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Cheers from Switzerland,

Fred

Just an awesome piece! There's alot to like about that watch (tobacco sandwich dial, gold hands, inhouse movement)...gorgeous! Thanks for sharing.

Have you ever considered a Rolex DJ 2 or milgauss? I think those fit the bill of what you are looking for.

Not really. I'm just not much of a Rolex fan. They make great watches but the look and size of most Rolex pieces leaves me cold. Thanks though!

I would go for Your variant 3.
Get ridd of the Super Avenger and go for the Transocean Chrono (maybe even for the 1461?).

That's the watch You will wear every day from then on.
The Superocean Heritage will only be for Watersports...

BG
Thomas

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http://www.ellert.at

looking at the pictures you posted I immediately focused on the transocean chrono and thought to the IWC portuguese also.
If you want to save some money can also consider tag heuer 1887, even if it may not be at the same level of previous two.

I'm faced with a similar decision and think I'll be going for either the transocean or the Transocean chrono for a dress watch.

Should round out my current two to three (Steelfish, Navi Cosmonaute....?transocean).

Thanks for the replies! The Transocean and Chrononat 01 or 04 GMT are in my future...someday. I am absolutely in love with the IWC Portuguese 7 day PR! Its spendy though. For its price I could almost buy a TOC and a Planet Ocean 8500! Inevitably I will sell my Super Avenger and buy the TOC. It's just too versatile a piece not to have.