The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Between an overly hectic work schedule and my disappointment with the new Breitlings, I haven't been posting here much lately. Apparently the absence of Breitling fanatics in my life caused me to stray.....

My wife surprised me two weeks ago by booking a trip to Vegas for a few days. We went out there last Wednesday and just got back Sunday. This followed on Tuesday:










Before joining this forum, I had never even heard of IWC (along with most other watch brands ). But the more I learned, and the more I looked, the more I fell in love with them. The Portuguese in particular always stood out to me - elegant and striking in the simplicity of its looks. I loved it for the exact opposite reason that I love my busy Navi World. And yet to me, they are similar in that they are both classic, some might say iconic watches.

Never in a million years though did I think I would ever buy one (little pricey for me), let alone buy one on a whim while on vacation. But it happened.

I wandered into Bellusso in the shops at the Palazzo Hotel, simply to enjoy the incredible collection of watches that they had on hand - Urwerk, Breguet, Blancpain, JLC, Glashutte, and of course, IWC. One of the salesman approached me and immediately commented on my World. Next thing I know, I find myself in their IWC Boutique, and I have a Spitfire on my wrist. Again, this was only out of curiousity . I had already tried on some Rollies (ick) just for the sake of trying them on. I figured I would do the same with the IWC's. The Spitfire was nice, but it didn't do much for me and I thought it was quite heavy. That's when the Portuguese Automatic caught my eye.

Before I knew it, it was on my wrist and my wife was telling me how handsome it looked on me. I immediately knew I was in trouble, and the salesman I think smelled blood in the water .

I tried on a couple more, including the Big Pilot and the Big Ingenieur, but IMO, none compared to the Portuguese. I'll admit I started to get excited about the idea of buying it, but figured my wife would bring me back to reality once she found out the price. When we had a private moment, she told me that I should get it. And much to my surprise, after I told her the price, she didn't flinch. Instead she went on and on about how hard I had been working, and what good is it all if I don't have fun with my hard earned paycheck.

I couldn't agree more.

PS - sorry for the poor quality iPhone pics.

Cheers,
Keith

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Breitling Colt GMT
Breitling Navitimer World
IWC Portuguese Automatic
Breitling Transocean Chronograph LE

Congrats Keith on the IWC and the wonderful wife! I think it's going to be hard to not wear that everyday.

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Justin
Please contact me via PM for the contact details for Govberg Jewelers
Govberg is an AD for over 50 fine Swiss and German watch brands.
Visit them on the web at http://www.govbergwatches.com or call 800-528-8463

Very nice indeed! I don't quite agree with your comments regarding the Portuguese vs the Big Pilot ( ) but hey I'm biased! Apart from that you are dead right about how great IWC's are. Many congrats!

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Great story!!! More pics!!!

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SA-Baton White Dial/ProII
Tissot Le Locle

I just love this watch!

Congratulations and don't ever let your wife go... EVER!!!

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Mat

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

Very nice! Wear it well.

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Currently:
Avenger Skyland(Black)
Super Avenger(White)

Moved on:
Montbrillant Legende(Silver)
Panerai 312
SOHC 125th Ann. LE(Silver)
Navitimer World(Pearl)
Panerai 441

Thanks for comments gentlemen. I agree that I lucked out with my wife. But after the disaster that was my first wife, I think I deserve this one!

Justin - you're absolutely right. I'm going to have some trouble working out a rotation. It's a very steamy, humid day in Boston, and I wasn't going to wear it today. Figured that the leather strap might be a bit uncomfortable. Sure enough, I couldn't resist putting it on when I left the house this morning.

Driver - I really wanted to like the Big Pilot, but it just wasn't my thing. I still can't put my finger on what it was that bothered me, although I do know that the size certainly didn't help. I know - it's only a hair bigger in diameter than the World, but to me it wears A LOT bigger. The crown pushes it over the edge for me.

My only problem now is that I think I have IWC fever. I'm in love with the Portuguese Perpetual Calendar, but unfortunately that's out of my reach. I won't get into the Grand Complication.

On the other hand, the Portuguese Yacht Club Chrono isn't that much more than the Automatic.......

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Breitling Colt GMT
Breitling Navitimer World
IWC Portuguese Automatic
Breitling Transocean Chronograph LE

My dad has had his IWC since 1956 - hasnt missed a beat, had it regularly serviced over the last 50 years- its actually getting a full service now because he wants to give it to his his grandson and my nephew (Im spewing lol)

Anyway I also love the IWCs and its an ambition to get 1 if I can - the yacht club is the one Id really like.

Edited- I wrongly edited it the first time around. post has now been fixed up. My nephew is getting the watch.

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

Nephew?? I certainly hope he has something better lined up for his son!

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Breitling Colt GMT
Breitling Navitimer World
IWC Portuguese Automatic
Breitling Transocean Chronograph LE

If you had to stray, at least you picked a great destination. IWC makes some of the best looking watches on the market - I love the Pilot Chrono and the Aquatimer. Congrats!

For what it's worth, my wife always says the same thing as yours did - you've earned it, etc etc - but I always still feel awful

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Breitling Chrono Avenger E13360
Breitling Chronomat 808
Panerai PAM000
Paneral PAM372
Helson Shark Diver Bronze

Yeah! Now THAT is a great impulse buy.

I completely agree, by the way, I think my favourites are the ones I bought on impulse. There have been a few misses there too of course, but it all works out