The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Stopped by a local AD today to try and get the revised Canadian prices (still not available - they don't believe Breitling are going to issue revised booklets), and of course picked up my truly wonderful red OR (some expressions of interest, nothing definite yet so be quick!!). While I was there I picked up the new Zenith catalogue. Didn't expect much, just a few changes to reflect the new ones.

Well, I guess my love for the new Chronomaster XXT Open Grande Date (it's still awesome), led me to ignore some of the other ones. They have some truly remarkable new watches this year.

The Academy range is still incredible - open tourbillon perpetual, a minute repeater that's just as nice.

The Chronomaster has the new Open Grande Date of course, but also a couple of moonphases and a tourbillon day / night moonphase.

The Class range also has a moonphase as well as a classic dress watch and the addition of a minute repeater to the Traveller.

The Port Royal have an open Grande Date as well in a regular and a concept trim.

Defy has the well publicised Zero-G tourbillon addition to the Xtremes and both Classic and Xtremes have some new blue dial 'sea' versions, and the Xtreme also has some versions with red trim.

I thought that the Grande Date would feed my need for a Zenith, but these new watches are simply amazing - Zenith are really stepping up, and I have to say - it makes Breitling look like they're standing still.

maybe this should be a new topic, but...

I have to ask: What do you think Breitling could do better?

The easiest thing in the world to do is make marketing materials like brochures, catalogs, price lists etc available via electronic download. I can set up the chronolog as a downloadable pdf in no time at all

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Yeah, I guess they probably don't want to put the price lists on the net, but the chronolog as a pdf would be a good idea (although much of the text on the website is the same). I was checking out the Bell & Ross site yesterday, you can view a pretty slick 200+ page virtual catalog there.

Anyhow, back to the thread, Zeniths: didn't know much about them until fairly recently but the Chronomaster XXT and the Defy range are certainly eye-catching. I'll have to find an AD and check out the new ones.

We've had a few threads on what more Breitling could do, so I'm not going to hijack my own thread by getting too deep here, suffice it to say that the new models Zenith are introducing are bringing something different to their offering, and I don't see that from Breitling except perhaps the Bentley GMT (I don't like it, but it is different). Breitling still only offer one tourbillon, currently only one perpetual and only two moonphase (and they use the same movement).

With Zenith the range is smaller so it's easier to bring something new, but I see true innovation there. The Zero-G tourbillon is just incredible, the entire Academy range is exquisite and a perpetual tourbillon - well who wouldn't want that. The Sea range of Defys is really just a new colour, but even there the Classics have a wave effect dial to bring variation.

Zenith is pushing the boundaries, and that will always tend to bring a love it or hate it response. I love them, I'm not sure I could live with some of them on a daily basis, but they are gorgeous as far as I'm concerned.

I really like a number of the latest Zenith models, and I totally agree that they push the boundaries on design which I really like. The two I have a particular liking for are the Class Traveller Open El Primero Multicity -

http://www.authenticwatches.com/zenith- ... -c492.html

and the Chronomaster Open Grande Date XXT -

http://www.authenticwatches.com/zenith- ... 1c611.html

Just too beautiful for words.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

I've made no secret that the Chronomaster XXT Open Grande Date is on my list, but I'm seriously thinking of adding to it. The tourbillons are out of reach unfortunately, but these are speaking loudly:

Class Minute Repeater - http://www.zenith-watches.com/scripts/g ... geid=3_3_1

Mega Port Royal Open Grande Date Concept - http://www.zenith-watches.com/scripts/g ... geid=3_4_4

Defy Xtreme Grande Date Stealth - http://www.zenith-watches.com/scripts/g ... id=3_10_13

And this from someone who a few months ago said I couldn't live with an Xtreme!!

OK - scrub the Minute Repeater from the list, just found out list price is a little over $600,000

Apparently it's been around since 2005, just not in catalogues as they produce around 3 a year.

It's crazy that Zenith has some $189k watches

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You didn't read my previous post!

Holy crap! That's a premium all right. Audemars Piguet type of pricing. There are some on ebay for $695k

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I never thought you'd get onto the Defy Xtremes, Roff!

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Driver8

Site Moderator

I know, and to be honest I'm even contemplating the Open Sea.

I think as the collection expands I'm more willing to look at less practical watches. If I had the money I'd have a Zero-G already.

Errr.... isn't that a ladies watch? You certainly are expanding your collection Roff!

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Driver8

Site Moderator

If the lady is 6'2", 240lbs - maybe - http://www.zenith-watches.com/scripts/g ... eid=3_10_6