The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Thank God I have you guys to talk to! Not one of my friends, or family, could possibly relate to anything I have to say about timepieces.
All set to get my new Breitling next Wednesday, I paid an advance visit to my AD today, to finally make up my mind. I was set on either the Steelfish or Colt Quartz II. Before I went into the shop, my jaw dropped: There was a Bentley 6.75 with a bronze dial in the window. I had never seen one in the flesh, and I like it so much, it is actually my screensaver.
I never tried on a Colt Quartz II before, unfortunately they didn't have one in stock. I tried on the Steelfish again, then I was reminded that the prices had dropped to meet the American prices. Also I was going to use my SuperOcean as a trade, which will give me a substantial discount on any model. So of course I took the chance to try on a Blackbird, and also the Bentley 6.75. The 6.75 is nothing short of stunning, but it really did feel massive on the wrist and a littly bit to showy for me...perhaps. I still have not ruled it out completely.
Please Help! My choice is now: Blackbird, Steelfish or Bentley 6.75. I never even dreamed I would be able to afford the Bentley, now I put it on it does seem a little too much watch for me. The Blackbird is the most understated of all three, but what really gets me is the uniqueness of the design, the bracelet, the large calendar with black background, and the fact that it is understated. The Steelfish is also awesome, but maybe a little too close to the SuperOcean I already have had for 10 years.
Only 4 more sleeps till I get my new watch, but I still haven't made my final decision. I suppose I should consider myself very fortunate indeed to even have the chance to make such a decision, and I do. Remembering, of course, this is also an investment for me, and will likely be with me at least 10 years, as my SuperOcean was.
Any comments, as usual, greatly appreciated.
Cheers,
Carl

Go for the Bentley, I'm sure you won't regret it

Carl,

Get the Bentley or you will be back at the dealer a week later wishing you did. After a week with the Bentley it will not be too big anymore and you will be ready for a Super Avenger.

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LING MAN

Hey, I just realized after looking at your posting...the Bentley will allow me the privilege of being a "Full Ling" member!
To be honest, that would not be a reason for me to get the Bentley. However, I do think that it is a great asset to these forums to have such a status. The only reason I say this, is because it is done with such good intent, and the spirit of the thing is shared with good people who do not look down on the ones who do not fall in that category. Everyone on here seems to genuinely love the Breitling line regardless of what model or what pricetag, and is willing to support anyone who is interested in Breitling for whatever reason. In my case, this purchase is probably my last "kick at the cat" so to speak. I will be looking at living on a pension probably in about 5 years, so while I am still working and able to afford such a luxury, I will try to get the model that I will be happiest with for the greatest length of time. Thanks to all the members here, it is sincerely a great outlet for me to share my thoughts.
Anyway, I am leaning toward the Blackbird, Steelfish or Colt Quartz, because they are more able to stand up to everyday wear, and I will be able to knock them around more. I had my SuperOcean inside machinery (I work in a print shop), and wearing it while doing production work for over 10 years. It did get a few scratches, and I recently had it in for a total servicing, now looks like new. I don't know if the Bentley could take that much of a beating or not. I don't mind a few scratches, I like things to look a bit "worn", but I would tend to treat the Bentley in a more fragile manner. I still haven't ruled it out though.
Thanks again.
Carl

Carl,

I've had my Bentley for 9 months and it has been subjected to serious daily ABUSE. The Bentley will withstand the same punishment as any other Ling. I go back and forth between the Super Avenger and the Bentley and I keep both looking like new with the Cape Cod cloths.

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LING MAN

carl, i have to agree with acceldebt. the other lings are all fine watches, but the 6.75 is a cut above. the bentley line, especially the motors, the motors t and the 6.75, are all such beautifully finished pieces that all offer just a bit more than their "normal" ling counterparts. if money is not an issue, i would definitely go with the 6.75, otherwise probably the blackbird, it seems like you like the big date calendar, i do too.

jason

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chronomat evolution mop
bentley motors t black dial

Carl, i would go with the Bentley 6.75 i dont think you will regret it. As for the size issues i have a SA and at first it felt huge but after a few hours it felt just like a normal sized watch and im sure the 6.75 will be the same.
In fact my next ling will be a Bentley 6.75 hopefully by the end of the year

best wishes

Terry

If you have the scratch, I would get the 6.75. With the Blackbird and the 6.75 in the mix, the other two watches are quite outclassed, really... the Blackbird and the 6.75 are so much nicer and the price reflects that.

If its going to be something you need to wear daily and last 10+ years again, perhaps the Blackbird for someone who is used to the size of watch you are.. but if you can pull off a Bentley, then get the 6.75. To be honest, I find the larger Full Lings a little bit uncomfortable at the end of a day, but not that bad - I have 4 Full Lings

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BreitlingSource Admin
http://www.breitlingsource.com - http://blog.breitlingsource.com

Thanks for that advice. If I did have the $$$ I would likely get the Blackbird, and also the 6.75. The Bentley did feel real big on my wrist, and my wrist is not exactly small. The Bentley would also be pushing past my budget, but I could manage it if I was totally convinced. Like I say, this could be my last shot at an expensive watch, it's definitely gotta be a Breitling and one to wear daily. Forgetting the dollar factor, and the fact that the Steelfish is outclassed by the Blackbird, I am really torn between the two. Since it may be one of the last times I can afford a watch as expensive as the Blackbird, I will probably go that way. I should be able swing a Colt Quartz or Steelfish later.
It's a funny thing really, now that I think about it: I'm 58 years old, and although I always really liked watches, it's only in the last year or so that I really developed this passion and interest. I made it this far in life, and now I can't even decide on what watch to get! Probably in ten years, I will be so senile, I won't care which watch I have anyway!
If you had not started this forum, I would have nobody to talk to except my AD, who I must say has been very helpful and patient.
I am most grateful to you. By the way, how is the Cockpit with the grey dial going? Do you wear it often? It was originally the one I was most interested in, personally with the big date I was a bit put off because the background on the date was in white, and I felt it intruded a bit on the total space of the dial. Maybe I should give it a go again.
Cheers,
Carl

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'63 Omega Seamaster, 2014 Omega Speedmaster MarkII

"Those who possess a sense of entitlement are seldom satisfied"

Carl, just to add my 2 pence worth here too - if it's likely to be your last expensive timepiece then I'd say go for the 6.75. The absolute LAST thing you want to do is buy one of the others and then always hanker for 6.75. In terms of "specialness" then the Bentley beats the others by a million miles IMHO. Yes the Blackbird is pretty unique and a nice enough watch, but it IS quite ordinary looking at the end of the day. Same goes for the others you mention - all great watches (I own a Steelfish myself) but not enormously special. If you want to have one big "watch blow-out" then the only choice should be the 6.75, assuming you aren't going to sell a kidney to get it of course! (And trust me you will get used to the size VERY quickly!)

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Driver8

Site Moderator

What can I say... For the choice you have, I can just chime in with all other votes - the 6.75. You'll regret it later otherwise, and it'll haunt you.

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Collection: http://s540.photobucket.com/albums/gg32 ... mview=grid

Not very often at all. I do like the watch but it is a bit small, and wouldn't be my choice if I could only have one Ling. To be honest, if I could only have one Ling, it would be my Black Motors T or a Black 6.75. I love white dials.. more than black dials usually, but I am finding more and more that the black dials are more versatile and look better on my wrist.

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BreitlingSource Admin
http://www.breitlingsource.com - http://blog.breitlingsource.com

Ok well I'm outnumbered here with the votes but I'd vote for the Blackbird.

It's classy looking and not over the top. It has the big date complication like the 6.75. The size of the watch is manageable. It's rated at 300m WR so you can easily take a swim in it (you can even dive with it). Nice domed sapphire crystal.

I think the 6.75 is a very nice looking watch too. To me though, it says LOOK AT ME!!! So... If you like that style.

Get what pleases you the most. Forget what everyone else says.

~Brian

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Breitling Super Avenger
Fortis Flieger Chronograph
Rolex Submariner Date

I think at this point you've already talked yourself into it, but if you haven't, go for the Bentley! As you said, you never thought you'd ever be able to afford one... now you can.. do it! This opportunity may not present itself again.

It's like Christmas all over again, isn't it?

GOOD LUCK!!

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Breitling Cosmonaute
Breitling Wings Automatic