The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I'll restate what I've offered on similar threads - the divergence here proves the presence of a market (not referring to diamondworks watches as this thread has taken the flavor of prior ones on related topics) for different tastes. So be it.

I do not like the B01 bezel, but there is nothing objective to my personal likes or dislikes. If I had more money than God I wouldn't buy a diamondworks Breitling (unless Elvis came back and invited me to dinner). But that is merely my subjectivity at work.

And I don't agree at all with those who believe the sky is falling by adding diversity or "brand changing," depending upon you particular viewpoint. As a Breitling newbie I viewed the Superocean as a model stuck between a Colt and Steelfish. The new superocean simply makes more sense to me. But again - the caveat - this is my subjectivity in play.

And to conclude with my own experience - after I bought my first Breilting and started paying clsoe attention to the brand, I thought the Navitimer was the ugliest watch ever made. Now I think it's one of the most beautiful.

People have different tastes; people's tastes change; brands try to accomodate these things; Bretiling is fine.

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SHARKMAN

And +1 on D8:s post too.

People just take these things too seriously. That implies a personal importance on the subject. That´s great for Breitling as people care about the brand.

... but still, from a wide range of models if few new ones isn´t your cup of tea, it doesn´t devalue the brand or other models.

I couldn't agree more - my sentiments exactly, on both of your points. The Navitimer is all dial, and it's extremely busy. But, it speaks to the true heritage of the watch (they actually have a function!) and I think the minimal case and maximal dial makes them truly elegant. If you look at some of the other aviation/navigation offerings from other luxury manufacturers, it becomes clear how beautiful the Navitimer actually is.

I also love the Superoceans, both past and present. The Steelfish is bound to go down in history as a true classic, and I think despite the divisive nature of the New Wave SO, it will prove to be a hit once people get used to it. At the same time, I think some of the Montbrilliant and certainly the DiamondWorks are hideous.

That all said, this is all my opinion - which speaks to sharkman's other point; taste is everything. Panerai produces incredible timepieces with a rich heritage and top quality, but they all look very similar to one another. Their history and unified design language has produced a highly recognizable and simplistic watch, and it works for them. Breitling's heritage lies in aviation and navigation, and "bling" aside, I think they're staying true to it.

I choose to think of it this way: money is tight in the world these days, and companies need cash to survive. If catering to the over-the-top market where the diamond B01s sell is what allows them to keep making the watches that the rest of us love, well...

Rant over!

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

I wonder if the problem with Breitling sales in the USA is their designs/lack of ideas/capital or the American people? It seems these days Americans would rather own 25 Invicta's then 2 or 3 well crafted watches. Just makes me sad...

That's an absolutely ridiclious comment. Americans would rather own 50 Invicta's? Come on....you say you have a number of 'beaters', why would that make you sad if others did the same? It shouldn't matter if a watch is high end or low end...as long as the owner gets enjoyment out of what is on their wrist thats all that matters.

Maybe the problem with sales is the 10% unemployment rate?? NAH

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"I don't own any watches, I just lease them"

The same could be said for just about any society on earth. Most people think owning a watch that costs thousands of dollars is absolutely ridiculous.

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-RJ

This has been an interesting post for sure. Although I'm new to this forum, I'm on TZ quite a bit. Back to the subject, I agree with most that some changes do need to be made. To each his own, but I prefer the sporty tool watches. My two favs are the Chrono Avenger and Hercules which have both been discontinued, so what does that tell you. The Navitimers are fine as they are, but the professional line does need some new ideas. For God's sake, why did they discontinue the B-1?? There hasn't been another in that line that could replace it in my opinion. The chrono-evo is perfect, and so is the current blackbird. I like the B01 the more I see it, and hope to get one someday. Not a fan of the Galactics or diamond bezels either. However, Ron's chronomat is beautiful. I like the new chrnospace, but think it would be perfect at 43 or 44mm.

-Don

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An ever changing collection.....

I agree. Heck, most guys in my generation don't even wear a watch. Any watch.

"I just look at my cellphone."

Watches are still required equipment in the Army, though.

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