The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I spent some time in LA this week for work and, on RJRJRJ’s advice, took the opportunity to do some watch shopping at Feldmar Jeweller’s. That is one cool shop and has a good selection of a large number of major brands with discounts in the 30% region (no I don’t work for them or get anything from them). I had a lot of fun in that store, there's nothing like this in St Louis; the following are my thoughts/ramblings:

Bremont – I really really like these watches. Modified ETA/Valjoux movements, COSC certified and very stylish in what are predominantly diving and pilot cases. My all time favourite is the ALT1-Z and I am sure to add one to my collection within the next 12 months or so. Retail is pretty high at $5,450 so ideally I’m waiting for a second hand market to open up. From what I hear though most people who purchase the Bremont’s really like them so that may be harder than I originally anticipated.

Bell – Thought I’d like them better than I did. Quality and dial were okay but wasn’t a big fan of the bracelets. Mid-range prices.

Montblanc - So so but that could be the snob in me reflecting on the fact it’s a montblanc. Name aside it actually wore pretty well. I don’t know a lot about them but it was worth trying it on.

UN – Tried on the Maxi-marine chronometer and liked it. Altair’s review pretty much sums it up. Good quality and price point but nothing truly outstanding about it for me. I did however like the look of them which, as Altair states, is sporty yet stylishly elegant.

IWC – tried on the Aquatimer and the Portuguese models. I still really like the Portuguese chrono and I am seriously looking at either this or a JLC master control world geographic or chrono sometime in the next 12months also (my next serious watch). Will be interested to hear what people think of IWC vs JLC?

The Glashutte original watches were very elegant and wore well. Price was a little higher than what I was looking for (mostly north of $7k) but classy and elegant.

Chronoswiss – I’ve been looking at Chronoswiss for a while. I like the look of them, they are really well made quality pieces and the price is really pretty good for the quality. I don’t have a favourite yet but do like the regulateur. The only problem is there are watches I’d probably buy first.

In the end I bought my wife an Omega Seamaster Aqua Terre, back dial with the diamonds and I purchased a second hand Hamilton Khaki chrono. I liked the quality of the Hamilton and decided it would make a good beater, particularly at that price point.

I’ve reorganised my legitimate watch list now, which happens weekly really Now I like:
1. JLC Master Control World Geographic or Chrono or IWC Portuguese Chrono
2. Bremont ALT1-Z.
3. Chronoswiss (regulateur) or Dornbluth and Sohn for that elegant piece.
4. Another Breitling – Chronomat perhaps.

In reality I’ll probably only collect one of these in the next 12 months, perhaps two if a second hand piece comes available. With my new Steinhart on its way and the Khaki still being worn in I’m pretty happy.

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

Interesting to read your opinions on some lesser known watches. Thanks.

If you're taking votes, I love the IWC Portuguese range so that would be my pick.

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For more information on identifying Breitling replicas, please visit my web site
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Interesting read Tim. What company do you mean by Bell? Bell and Ross or some other brand?

Your revised list looks great, The JLC will knock your socks off!

Good luck on your next purchase!

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Certified watch nut.

Sorry meant to type Ball


I am taking votes so thank you for that Sharky

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

Interesting to read your thoughts, Tim.

Seeing as you're taking votes, from your list I would choose the JLC Geographic in a heartbeat. Or maybe the JLC chrono... Of the other brands you mentioned, UN is the one that gets me going at the moment.

Re JLC v IWC, both are brands that I really like, but I can't help feeling that JLC has a bit more clout by virtue of using all in-house movements, and having such a huge range of them. I love IWC, but the one on your list (which has a generic movement) is no match for either of those Jaegers. If it were the 7-day auto or the vintage Portuguese, my vote might have been different.

I vote JLC, although I do like the IWC Portuguese as well. My biggest complaint with JLC is that their watches tend to be about 40-42mm in diameter. After wearing a Chronomat for a while, I don't think I want something that small. The only JLC I've found that fits my size requirement is the Master Grand Reveil.

Have you considered Zenith?

-Craig

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

I'm leaning towards the JLC's as well bozman but appreciate the votes towards the IWC also.

I have considered Zenith but to be honest haven't found a piece that I really like. For some reason they just don't do it for me. However you've inspired me to go and re-look at the catalogue to see if there isn't more of an attraction. Thanks for the idea!

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