The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I don't mean to turn this topic into a B01 bashing, because I happen to love the B01 movement, and I understand why some watch enthusiasts prefer it over any other Breitling. It's certainly a milestone, a benchmark, a revolutionary model. But why do you think the B01 is "truly a Breitling" ? A "true" Breitling (I'm talking about the era of 1984 to 2008) has an ETA or Lemania movement (not an in-house one), proper rider tabs and an etched bezel (at least in the Aeromarine and Windrider lines). I'm not saying the B01 not a Breitling, but if you take all other Breitling models -- except for the new Galactics --, the B01 does look a bit out of place in their lineup. Just like the new SuperOcean II looks completely out of place among other Breitling models.

If you break Breitling's modern era into two sections, one from 1984 to 2008, other from 2009 to date, and you put the current Chronomat, Blackbird, Avenger (etc) into the old era, and the B01 and the Galactics into the new era, then the B01 could be a "true" Breitling. Probably 2-3 years from now Breitling will revamp all their existing models, get rid of the proper rider tabs, the etched bezels, and add the new font onto all their Windrider and Aeromarine models. But then that Breitling will not be for me, mostly because in my mind the etched bezel with proper rider tabs define Breitling. To me those little design cues make Breitling what it is.


I can't understand why after buying a B01 one would need to "step up"? Is it wrong to buy a less expensive, simpler watch after a B01? Would it be wrong or inappropriate to buy a SuperOcean or an Aerospace after a B01?

If you mean movement-wise, then I think I know what you mean. That is actually why I'd like to see the B01 movement in other Breitling models as well, e.g. a Navitimer World with B01 movement, and especially a Bentley with B01 movement. That way if you consider the in-house movement a major part in your decision, then you'd have a way to step forward from a Chronomat B01. But on the other hand, I can understand why Breitling would probably keep the B01 movement exclusive to the Chronomat B01. Then they need to come up with a B02 movement, and put it in something they pick...

Completely behind you Roff. Thanks for the great read.

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Mat

Breitling Navitimer 01
Omega Seamaster 300mc
Omega Speedmaster Pro "Mitsukoshi Mod"
Seiko Prospek Orange Samurai

Wow. What a great 10,000th post. I'm completely behind you. Nothing would make me happier than to see Breitling step up and reach the same level as IWC/JLC ...etc, but its just so heart breaking to see the direction the company is headed towards. Anyways, I just wanted to say thank you for making this place what it is (along with Driver8) and that's why i keep spending so much time here.

Nice job, Roff. I have to be less preoccupied before I do more than a cursory scan of your post next time.
Otherwise, I ADD out....Not a commentary on you, more my cave-man brain just trying to take it all in.

Sheesh, you are a smart guy!

In the immortal words of those two learned sages Beavis and Butt-Head "...words...words...words..."

From your profile, it looks like you live awfully close to BUSA. Perhaps you can hand deliver the letter on Roff's behalf. That is, if you're not a Breitling employee already . . .

-Craig

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

Great post Roff....congratulations on your 10,000th.

Thanks for all your time, effort and energy in making Breitlingsource the place it is.

It'd be kinda stupid for Breitling to get rid of the rider tabs and current bezel, for the reasons you mention: Lots of people are very attached to a Breitling with those design cues. I got the two watches I have because I liked that look. I like my Superocean, but if the new model was the only one available in 2007, I wouldn't have got it. If they do change up the Windriders and Aeromarines, I would hope that they'd keep at least a few models with the traditional look.

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[Witty signature here]

John's not a Breitling employee, but John can help me get the message to Breitling, let's leave it at that.

jbbb - no apology necessary, and feel free to pass my thoughts along at your next cup of tea if you feel it's appropriate (though one particular comment was not intended to score brownie points there).

At everyone, thank you for the comments so far. As I write this there have been almost 200 views of this post already, I hope that I didn't send too many people to sleep.

I'm sure that breitling will hear of this one way or another (likely multiple ways, but I think it's also important that they see the post here, in this thread. My post is sincere - that's obvious, but it's only my thoughts. Breitling shouldn't listen to just me any more than they should listen to just the small group that seem to be setting direction, it's the debate and discussion that will advance the brand. My thoughts should simply be a catalyst for debate.

In all reality...I consider myself a newbie here and with the "premium" watches in general. I have always had an attraction to watches and my short time here have learned a lot...thanks to you Roff! But in that short time, I have started to form some of the same opinions. Thanks for the great post and I really do hope they see it and act on it. I just bought a Bentley GT and already am thinking about my next watch but don't have a clue what to step up to, so I am, starting to feel your pain.

Firstly, my congratulations Roff on your 10,000th post. Many thanks for the time and effort you and D8 put in to moderating this board.

I'd been looking forward to you reaching this milestone but never anticipated such a epic post! I agree with 99% of your suggestions and I'm with you 100% in the sentiment of the post. If I remember my Marketing 101 correctly, a company is 9 times more likely to sell to an exiting buyer than a new one. It would be a wonderful legacy to this post if it was the catalyst for a new attitude within Breitling of talking to it's current customer base.

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For more information on identifying Breitling replicas, please visit my web site
http://f4buz.com/watches/breitling/fakes/fakes.html

Congrats on the 10K & heart-felt intelligent plea, Roff.

Does anyone know for certain what's going on in terms of sales at Breitling? The ADs I spoke with in Singapore said Breitlings are selling very well. Which begs the question, why would Breitling then need to do anything different?

Being a completely "WANT"-producing company, I don't see Breitling as having ANY responsibility (social or otherwise) other than financial profits to its shareholders (the family). So, if it sells, and sells well, there really isn't the need to modify their corporate strategy, no matter what we think or feel.

And speaking of us, the BreitlingSource family, let's not kid anyone. The true WIS is rare, the loyal one-brand WIS is rarer still. The very vast majority of watch buyers out there have absolutely no brand loyalty, and would buy any model from any brand that strikes their fancy. In fact I would argue the opposite. Most buyers who already have a Breitling/Rolex/Omega etc would buy a second or third from another brand to increase their "collection".

Breitling would not be making good corporate strategy imho, to "cultivate" current owners at the expense of the opportunity of grabbing new sales through a wider range of designs which appeals to a wider range of customers -- like those the B01 brings.

And speaking of B01s... don't you think us all -- the "existing" B owners -- somehow responsible for its exclusion in the 2010 Chronolog, what with our constant B01-bezel bashing??

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a few Pams...

YEP - We blame you and fiery et al lol -its all your faults- leave our watch alone! But irrespective of what you guys say we will not be defeated!

We will defend the honor of the B01 to the bitter end.

There is only ONE B01 only ONE - And its a beautiful watch- A True Breitling! Even for some of us who followed this brand for more than 20 years.

BREITLING

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Breitling Chronomat BO1 Riviera Blue Dial Stainless Steel Case and Pilot Bracelet

Wow all highly emotional stuff, from obviously dedicated people most of whom are very knowledgeable too.........you ask for change (or improvement) but you also mention pieces of a more expensive nature to become the norm ......will that improve or change your opinion of the brand, will that promote Breitling into another dimension.
There are a lot of people staring at AD windows who would love "A Breitling" but cannot afford one, based basically on what they have heard of the Breitling reputation for quality, so does the higher price improve the sales issue.
Maybe for the more wealthy among us ,but to spread the the Breitling message and make the brand more popular, rather than more exclusive is one for debate.
My lifelong desire to own a Breitling was realised in December of 2009, the very last day in fact after lusting for a Breitling for over 50 years........not for any of the issues that have appeared in the posts of this forum, or of any of your proposals for the future (well founded or not) i cant even comment on your ideas i dont have that knowledge ..........but i would take your post as gospel for any future changes.
My offering for change would be for the few things that did surprise me after waiting for 50 years......."the date change being a manual one,the unsure details re water immersion after offering depth figures way beyond a swimming pool or house shower, the length of time it takes for any repair or warranty claim" items like these with a price, even for the lower end pieces that is way beyond basic cheaper watches...these need to be rectified before more super models are introduced (in my humble opinion)....so i do accept your ideas and thoughts without exception........my thoughts are just without knowledge of the brand compared to your expertise.......which i have found to be very helpful......so congrats on your many posts .........long may many more appear...................a mere disillusioned SA purchaser......

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SUPER AVENGER 563 AIRFORCE BLUE
WHITE SUBS, PRO11 BRACELET

good post fiery, i agree 100% !


d

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Breitling Antares B10047
Breitling Chronomat B13050
Breitling Chronomat A13050.1 - pilot bracelet
Breitling Chronomat Blackbird A13050.1 - serie spéciale
Breitling Avenger Seawolf E17370
Breitling Chronomat EVO A13356 - pilot bracelet

are you a typical example of a one only Breitling watch owner, and this is B01?

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Breitling Antares B10047
Breitling Chronomat B13050
Breitling Chronomat A13050.1 - pilot bracelet
Breitling Chronomat Blackbird A13050.1 - serie spéciale
Breitling Avenger Seawolf E17370
Breitling Chronomat EVO A13356 - pilot bracelet