The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Well, I picked up my second Steelfish last Friday, and for the most part I am absolutely thrilled with it. My second one was sold about a year ago, and I kind of regretted it.
Anyway, soon as I got it home, I remembered what had bothered me about it. It's the crown and the crown movement. I find the crown to be extremely stiff, and the design is hard to grip. The Seawolf is much easier. Locking the crown again is another thing that I feel could be better engineered. It is so tight, I usually have to tighten it up using my fingernail to get it in position.
I must admit the Rolex is spoiling me for that. I have owned two: a Milgauss which I sold to a friend, and my Explorer which I wear every day. Without exception, any Rolex I have ever owned or tried has had an amazingly smooth crown movement. Admittedly, they should, at the price they charge. However, it is one thing that I think Breitling could engineer a little better. Don't get me wrong, the Steelfish is one of the sturdiest and most beautiful diving watches ever made.
Or maybe I am missing something? Sometimes, the mechanics of watches outsmart me. Is there maybe a sound reason for the tightness of the crown movement? Maybe some of you in the know could help me out on that.
Thanks,
Carl

_________________
'63 Omega Seamaster, 2014 Omega Speedmaster MarkII

"Those who possess a sense of entitlement are seldom satisfied"

I've noticed the exact same thing. Had a Steelfish which I wouldn't say was excessively hard to wind, but the Ti Seawolf with the larger crown was way easier and they use the same movement.

The Chronomat I have now is really hard to wind with it's bullet shaped crown

Agreed, Rolex's do spoil you

Yeah, the Windrider line! I forgot to mention that as well. I tried on a new Galactic 41 - black dial - truly a gorgeous looking watch! They have finally matched the background of the date window to the dial colour, at least on the black dial. However, the shape of that crown put me off - not looks wise, it looks great - with not being able to get a decent grip on the thing. Granted, if you wear an automatic every day, you will very seldom need to undo the crown, except to change the date once in awhile, and maybe synchronize the watch every so often. Still, to me it is almost a flaw. Maybe I am being petty, but I do have to admit that it bugs me.
Cheers,
Carl

_________________
'63 Omega Seamaster, 2014 Omega Speedmaster MarkII

"Those who possess a sense of entitlement are seldom satisfied"

I've owned 3 Steelfishes over the years and yes I agree the crown is a little less "grippy" than other Aeromarine models. I also agree that the Windrider crown is a little more slippery than some others to grip, but ultimately neither detracts from the watches IMO.

I'm prepared to accept the slightly reduced ergonomics on the Windrider crown because it looks so damn good! And as you say Carl, the crown isn't used on a daily basis anyway, so form over function is fine in that area IMO.

In contrast the Steelfish crown isn't overly aesthetically fantastic, so it would probably would benefit from being changed to the more standard Aeromarine crown if only to improve function.

But as I say, I personally don't find the crown to be a major issue on any watch.

_________________
Driver8

Site Moderator

Do you think that the stiffness of the crown has anything to do with the great water resistance, which, if I am not mistaken, is second only to the Seawolf, compared to other models? Could it be a kind of protection?

_________________


- This is Ghost Rider requesting a fly-by. - Negative Ghost Rider. The pattern is full.

Do you think that the stiffness of the crown has anything to do with the great water resistance, which, if I am not mistaken, is second only to the Seawolf, compared to other models? Could it be a kind of protection?[/quote]

Well, I found out that it's totally the crown. Michael, at my AD, said that he has noticed on the Steelfish the same thing, just the crown design. Also the Windrider line with the rounded crowns, as stated by Driver8.
Anyway, I had a few other issues with the Steelfish, and was able to get a full credit at my AD, and ended up with a Seawolf. The crown design on it is amazing, extremely easy to grip, as I believe all the Avenger series.
I noticed quite a gap between the crown and inside edges of the lugs on the Steelfish. The width between the lugs looks to be about the same as the Seawolf, and I wonder if it would be possible to put a different crown on it?
I realize that I am being extremely picky. But I guess one has to go for what makes one happy!
Cheers,
Carl

_________________
'63 Omega Seamaster, 2014 Omega Speedmaster MarkII

"Those who possess a sense of entitlement are seldom satisfied"

I don't have a problem with mine. also, anything >44mm (*cough*seawolf*cough) is overkill unless you're 6'3 250lb


oh wait,.....im on a breitling forum

Cheers,
Carl

_________________
'63 Omega Seamaster, 2014 Omega Speedmaster MarkII

"Those who possess a sense of entitlement are seldom satisfied"