The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I have to admit that, for me, this one fell into the category of "didn't pay it any attention at the time". In fact I remember being critical when it was released because I thought Breitling was giving us gimmicks instead of exciting new models...

Over the weekend I looked closely at a picture of it for the first time, and guess what? It is really speaking to me.

I've never been a quartz fan but, as I posted in Altair's thread earlier today, I think the Breitling SQ models have a real appeal because they are genuine professional instruments and they represent something you can't get from other brands, and that makes them seem a bit special. I like that Breitling has committed itself to making watches so specialised and accurate when none of its peers are doing so.

I still hesitate at paying that much for a quartz watch, but who knows, I might get over that issue soon.

So, who else likes the Airwolf Raven? I know some of you will mention the bezel, so I'll say up-front that it doesn't bother me.

I love the Airwolf Raven!

Let's see... accuracy to within 10 seconds per YEAR (some people have claimed their Airwolf has lost less then 3 or 4 seconds a year!), alarm which is easily loud enough to be used as a reminder, and perhaps loud enough to wake me (haven't tried it), 2nd time zone, chronograph with pushers to activate, easy to set the alarm, countdown timer, GMT, alarm for 2nd city... I could go on and on! How many watches have all these features, wrapped in such an elegant package?

The detail in the dial is magnificent... I love checking the Raven's dial out in bright sunlight, to see all of the different elements. The watch also has great lume, perhaps one of the nicest casebacks on any watch....

It is a very well constructed watch. I use mine almost daily, without (too much) fear of damage. The crystal is near invisible with the dual AR coating.

As far as the bezel goes, I'm really not worried and I love the contrast between the black bezel and the chrome casing. I'm sure Breitling tested out the wear of the rubber bezel, as they're using them on numerous other watches. I find it gives the watch more of a tool look, while still keeping it looking sharp! Hey, if in seven, eight years I need to replace it, I'll spend some money and replace it, but I really doubt that'll be the case.

I was really looking at the Airwolf, at my local AD, when he showed me a Raven. Instantly decided I HAD to have it! Photos don't really do it justice!

Hey, what's not to love???\







By the way, Breitling REALLY thought this watch through (well, guess they already thought most of it through with the B1)...

When you switch the watch to chronograph mode, the seconds hand moves instantly into the 12 o'clock position. Start the stop watch, and you have a large hand, the seconds hand, which counts down the time for you. But, you also have a stopwatch which is within 1/100's of a second in accuracy, because of the digital display!

Countdown timer counts down from as far as 99 days!

And... if you turn on the backlighting, and start to turn the crown while it's on to change functions, the backlighting remains on, instead of turning off after six seconds, as it usually does!

Really a well thought out, great watch that's very easy to use and enjoy!

I'm not really too sold it. There's an awful lot "going on" on the face of it, lines, rings, colors, numerals, analog, digital, and that big 'Ol -9 3-. Also, the turbine bladed back seems like it would clog up with alot of "junk." IDK, maybe in person it would "talk" to me.

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UN Maxi Marine Ti
B01, BEB
SOH
Aerospace Ti
Chrono SO
Omega 300 Master Co-Axial Chro
Omega PO Chrono.
AP ROO Diver
Titan Black Rolex DSOD Honeycomb Dial

Hey Otto if the bezel (and the fact it's quartz) doesn't bother you then there's not much else to dislike! As Shel said most of the Airwolf has been tried and tested for years as the B-1 so you know exactly what you are getting.

However in my opinion (and this is just my opinion, so apologies to all Raven fans and owners) I think the rubber bezel is a million times worse than the B01 bezel. Apart from the possible wear considerations, I think the bezels biggest crime is that it cheapens the look of an otherwise fantastic design. It makes it look just a tiny notch higher than a G-Shock IMO. Sorry guys but I really don't like it.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

I have always thought about the idea of the B1, but I couldn't get over the quartz and style for the $ amount.

After Shel's mini-review I like this watch even more! I agree, I'm not so sure about the rubber durability as a true tool watch, but this one is pretty darn cool looking. I'm not ready to pull the trigger quite yet, but I'm definitely one step closer.

I like it. It's got a "tool" look about it and a lot of functionality. I think Breitling could do to come out with one or two multifunction superquartz pieces.

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[Witty signature here]

I like it, but I went for the regular Airwolf because of concerns about bezel wear on the Raven. Both look good to me, and if I had to pick one, I'd say the Raven's bezel looks a tick better. But it would bother me a lot more to have a scratched rubber bezel than a scratched stainless steel bezel.

As for paying for quartz, I guess it depends on how much enjoyment you derive from owning an inherently accurate timepiece that doesn't rely on radio signals to stay accurate. To me, checking the Airwolf 2 months after initially setting it against the atomic clock and have it still being spot on is as enjoyable, if not more, than looking at the smooth sweep and listening to the ticking sound of a mechanical watch.

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My Breitling team:
SuperOcean (blue, circa 2007)
Airwolf (black, circa 2009)

The Airwolf was the second Breitling that got me interested in the brand. The first - was an Aerospace. I liked having all the functions and accuracy of the quartz design. I still like the Airwolf/Raven/B1 and the rubber on the bezel of the Raven doesn't bother me. The thickness of the watch (16.7mm) I think was the main reason I didn't pursue it. One issue that I don't understand though is why a 'compass rose' bezel?

Overall a great watch and needs to stay in the Breitling line-up IMO!

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Chrono Jetstream
Montbrilliant 1903
Aerospace E79362

As I expected, a range of responses there! Thanks for the mini-review Shel, that was an interesting read.

I'm still not put off by the rubber bezel. Hey, it's a watch with a digital display, not a dress watch. I think the rubber suits it, and I don't really care if it might need a bezel replacement in the long term. It's also going to need a few strap and battery changes in that period, so it's not as though it can be left untouched for 15 years. Then again, I'm a big fan of G-Shocks, so that might explain things.

The cost is still a big issue for me, but my AD is having a sale so I think I'll go and have a look at one, see what it does for me in the metal. My girlfriend hates it, but she dislikes all digital watches including my beloved Casio Pathfinder.

I'll be curious to hear what you think when you see it in person Otto. I actually really like that Bezel, I think it's striking and suits the watch perfectly, well in the photos anyway

I've never been drawn to the Airwolf etc as I'm not a big fan of the digital element to thatline but the Raven is definitely a striking watch. Not enough for me to seriously consider one but definitely one I can appreciate. I'll be interested to hear what you think.

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

People might tell me to lay off the caffeine , but I need my watch to be ACCURATE!!! The superquartz fits the bill, a mechanical watch being a second or two fast or slow would drive me crazy! The Airwolf truly is an instrument for professionals and that appeals to me the most! The Raven version is a bit too sporty for me, I really love my striped Airwolf, to me its a bit more refined.

Keep taking your meds merli, it'll be alright. You won't be left behind the times.

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UN Maxi Marine Ti
B01, BEB
SOH
Aerospace Ti
Chrono SO
Omega 300 Master Co-Axial Chro
Omega PO Chrono.
AP ROO Diver
Titan Black Rolex DSOD Honeycomb Dial

I like the Raven, it's a very sporty and stealthy look with the black bezel.

I felt the same way about paying so much for a quartz watch and the rubberized bezel. I had a friend that I flew with who bought one last fall and pledged I would never pay that much for a non self winding watch, but low and behold I went ahead and pulled the trigger and got a Airwolf Raven yesterday. And I can't be happier, it is a sharp watch and one of those where you have to see it in person to appreciate it. The SC is definitely appealing knowing I won't have to constantly readjust my watch to sync to GPS time. Plus the illumination is much welcomed during night ops. If you haven't seen one in person go ahead and see it for yourself.

navyterp
Congratulations! You are NOT going to regret your purchase!

Now, let's see some photos!

Hope you have years of enjoyment from your new Raven!