The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Two weeks ago I got a Ferrari Rattrapante at an incredible deal. But in the end, I determined that although it was a great looking watch, it just didn't speak to me at the level I needed it to for that price point. Really, if it were $2K cheaper (and probably not a ratty) I would have kept it. But in the end, I was able to sell it and use the money to buy a watch that has been speaking to me, from afar, for many many months.

I know I am far from the first here to get an example this fine timepiece, but I couldn't be happier with it. It's a Zenith Chronomaster Open Grande Date. I don't think I've seen anyone else's in black, though. I am quite happy with this color dial. Although the silver dial looks neat, the readability is much better with the black.

The other great thing was that it was a local deal. I just met the seller at my local bank, inspected the watch, and gave them a cashiers check that was made by the teller in their presence. I wish all transactions could be that simple.

I'll post more pics in the gallery once I have time, but here is one I got from the seller:


///M

_________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness." --Dave Barry

That's a beauty!

The Ratty would've been a beauty too, EXCEPT for the Ferrari logo IMHO. Now if it'd been a Pannie Ratty..... well, that would've been a different thing all together!

_________________
Driver8

Site Moderator

Great decision, and as the resident Panerai nutcase, thats saying something!

The Ferrari marketing splashed over those watches is just awfull IMHO and ruins what might be a fantastic watch.

That Zenith however is destined to become a classic and I vastly preffer the black dial version, looks superb! Congrats!

_________________
Certified watch nut.

Lovely watch and correct choice IMHO

_________________
"It's not how it's written it's how it's read"

Now you're talking! That is a great watch, well done.

Clearly the right choice - but then I had to say that didn't I

And a virtual smack round the head for badmouthing the silver dial version

Thought you were taking a break

Congratulations, very nice. Quite the collection you have now!

_________________
Happines is Good Health and a Bad Memory.
"Ingrid Bergman"

Well...I remember reading about lack of visibility of the hands from a review that was written here round about October. I was just agreeing with the author on that one. But, yeah, that review is pretty lame.


Yeah, I did, too. My new year's resolution was not to buy any more watches more expensive than around $1000. However, since I technically broke my new year's resolution before the new year actually started (by buying the Ferrari) I am still on the straight and narrow for 2010.

///M

_________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness." --Dave Barry

I knew that was coming back at me!

Yeah, the black is very nice, I just have way too many black dials.

One thing I had not realized is that the outer date wheel is actually two wheels: one on top with 0,1,2 and 5,6,7 and another one hidden beneath with the 3,4 and 8,9. The outer wheel rotates from 0 to 1 to 2 then once more to a cut-out that reveals the "3" beneath on the bottom dial. Then the bottom dial rotates from 3 to 4. Then the top rotates again to cover up the 4 with the 5. And so on.

I am guessing the reason they did this is because they couldn't fit all 10 digits on the outer dial. (?) Pretty, cool.

///M

_________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness." --Dave Barry

That really was a wise move!.. love the Zenith mate.

_________________
PAM359M | PAM311L | PAM305L | PAM219M | PAM292K

absoloutly Beautifull! well done mate! TAKE PHOTOS! LOADS

_________________
Pain is only weakness leaving the body.

Correct. It's also fairly unusual to have that big date arrangement. The more usual arrangement is to have two dials next to one another (as in the BB and 6.75) rather than one inside the other.

It's a pretty complicated way of doing it, but it is indeed very cool.

That's an absolutely stunning piece. I think you absolutely made the right choice.

-Craig

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