The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi, I am brand new to this forum and watch collecting in general. I am 30 years old, and just started a new business and want a watch that looks good, but not overbearing.

I am very active outdoorwise and like leather/rubber bands. I have a budget of $400, and I really need help here
Breitlings seem like a very nice brand to me (although there are several good brands).

Can anyone educate me here please. I am not looking to get scammed or buy junk, I just want a good, honest watch.

Thanks for your time

Jim

A noble question and one I understand clearly. First off - you aren't going to get into the Breitlings for that price. That said, it doesn't mean you can't get a very nice watch for the price.

It depends on a few other factors besides just price, though. Do you prefer automatics or quartz? Analog or digital? What kind of activities do you do? Hiking, diving, mountaineering, spelunking, etc? Do you want to have any features besides just timekeeping? I think we can help you find something great but we need more information.

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

Have a look into Oris watches and best of luck!

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PAM359M | PAM311L | PAM305L | PAM219M | PAM292K

Wow..what a great response time....thanks guys

I hunt, fish, workout, spelunking, hiking, very active, but also am a business guy 8-5. I really like the look of the Hublot Big Bang. Chronograph look really, but doesnt have to be.

My only real requirement is Swiss made, Swiss assembled.
I really enjoy looking/researching watches and can see myself easily in 5 years spending $5000 or more on a watch, but right now, I would like to start with $400 and have a watch that I can use every day until then.

Not really wanting Swatch or Victornox, but love the looks of Breitlings.

Thanks so much and used is NOT a problem and I love a deal

Well, it sounds like you'll want something on a bracelet if you're going to try and dress it up for work and still have it work for your outdoor activities. Of course, bracelets aren't super well suited to outdoor stuff - there will eventually be damage. The Swiss requirement and the penchant for chronograph looks are good bits of info though, as they rule out the Suunto suggestion. They are right in your price range, can dress up if you are a big enough guy and get the right model, but provide a ton of rugged outdoor features when you're having fun.

Now, in the world of high or even mid-range watches, the chronograph always carries a higher price tag. More complex, higher maintenance costs when the time comes, etc. Breitling is of course well known for their chronographs, but you can find a ton of different options out there.

I see Jay suggested Oris, which is a downright wise suggestion given your price point. Personally I don't think I've ever seen an Oris that jumped out at me as a really "wow!" watch, though. That said, they are good quality, come in a wide range of styles and should fit the bill - especially secondhand.

It is also worth checking out Hamilton, they are a classic American marque that was incorporated into the Swatch group some years ago, and they are a good quality Swiss made watch. Amazon sells a good number of their models.

There are also things like the Marathon SAR series. Those might bend your budget a bit, but they are military-spec, rugged, good looking, Swiss made, Tritium lumed, and will last forever. And don't be put off by the military spec - on a bracelet, they are just as attractive and dressy as many other divers.

Now, if you're willing to consider Japanese watches you open the wide world of Seiko. Don't let the name put you off, they make some truly excellent automatic timepieces with the build quality and accuracy to rival ones costing ten times as much. And, since you're just starting out, your budget would let you get two of them - one to dress up, one to have fun.

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

First, when I think sport watch I usually see dive watch. Second, it’s hard to find a new automatic watch at $400. And third, new or used Breitling is out. As is virtually the entire Oris line at that price point.

But assuming it’s automatic (self-winding) you want there are some you can get into for around $6-700. Boschett has a couple models you may like. Steinhart has a diver on leather or rubber. Dievas, Prometheus, Ocean 7 are within that general range too. For about $800 Benarus has a GMT diver that comes with rubber, leather, and fabric(Zulu) straps.

If $400 is your top and quartz is OK – look at the entire Luminox line. I really enjoy their watches, have a couple, and they are sporty and fine for most business affairs (many might disagree). I wouldn't wear one with a tux(!!) but the range of watches acceptable with a suit is much broader than it used to be and the right sport watch on a rubber strap is considered just fine in most settings. And the tritium gas filled tubes give you endless lume.

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SHARKMAN

The sharkman is never wrong... I have seen Oris lately on WUS for the 500ish range but agree that absolutely, anything new is out of the picture at $400.

Luminox is cool as hell but the dress factor is definitely subject to taste

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

Agreed, but fortunately not a problem for me as I have none.

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SHARKMAN

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

There's a member selling one here viewtopic.php?f=3&t=20495
for just over $500. Might look into it, then you'd have a .

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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

If you want swiss made you can also take a look at Movado.

They have some nice SS pieces in your range and the new 800 series watches are really quite nice. They range from $400 - $900. couple of em even equipped with chronograph features. I like em!

http://www.thewatchery.com/Movado/Watch ... s_800/Mens

http://www.movado.com/Watches.aspx?Id=c ... ries%20800


Hope it helps.

-E

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Collection..
2013 Rolex DAY DATE II 18kYG + Champagne Dial.
2009 Breitling CHRONOMAT EVOLUTION - MOP Diamond Dial + Diamond Bezel.
2005 Rolex SUBMARINER 2Tone 18k/SS + Blue Dial.
1984 Rolex DATEJUST 2Tone 18k/SS+Black Sunburst Dial

There are people on here that know a hell of a lot more about watches than I do, but for what you're looking for I'd suggest checking out Wenger watches. I've had one for about 7 years and I've never had an issue with it other than having to replace the strap after about 4 years, but that was easy and they sell replacement straps on their website. They're Swiss made and most of them are Quartz, so the price will be lower, and they have a bunch of different styles so you wouldn't have a problem finding one to suit your needs. Overall I think that they're an outstanding watch and would fill your requests of a rugged watch for outdoor activities and still be able to be worn to work. I'm also a big fan of Hamilton's, but most of them will be a little over your budget. Good luck with whatever you choose, let us know what you get.

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"Leave the gun, take the cannoli."

Lots of good ideas so far Jim. . .Let me suggest you start your research by checking out the Poor Man's Watch Forum (geared toward watches under $1000), and the Affordables forum on Watchuseek. The only truly Swiss made watch at your price point (new) is from Debaufre. They are outstanding value for money, if you don't mind the largely derivative designs. If I were you, I would not limit myself to new, Swiss watches. Be willing to buy used, and definitely consider Seiko as an option. Something from the Alpinist line would be perfect for you.

Good hunting!

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1967 Cosmonaute
Other vintage pieces. . .

May I suggest you also look at Boschett? They do a Swiss movement in the cave Dweller series (which is awesome) but closer to your budget is the Miyota auto.

A whole lot of watch for the money and not your usual run of the mill item!

http://www.boschett-timepieces.com

Stef

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Hmm let me take a different approach then others here have. You seem to be in love with Breitlings and higher end swiss brands. If I was you, then I would sock back $50 or however much you can a month and save for an entry level used model. Based on your wants, the first watch that comes to mind is the Steelfish. It's Breitling style, sporty, and can be dressed up nicely. If you have patience, then excellent condition used models can be found for $1350-$1650 on the sales forums here, timezone, watchuseek, etc.

Also, remember that 99.999999% of society will NEVER look at your wrist. As sharkman said, it's also more acceptable to wear whatever you want with a suit. If you MUST get a watch, then I wouldn't blow the whole $400 on it. I'd instead opt for a cheaper sport watch to hold you over temporarily. The initial $400 makes up a big chunk and great down payment for a true Swiss watch.

If you have your heart set on a Breitling, then don't compromise. You will never be happy with it. If you need help on a used piece to see if it's a great deal, real, etc then feel free to PM me as I'm more than happy to help out. I remember when I was younger and saving up for my first nice watch like it was yesterday. It's part of the fun and makes it that much more rewarding when you pull the trigger on you first piece


P.S. Consider a Seiko Monster for a temp watch. They are FANTASTIC pieces that have the Breitling heft for around $100-150 on the used market!