The Breitling Watch Source Forums

They may call it that, but it's like saying "almost immortal." It doesn't go together. Perpetual does not admit of degrees - it is either perpetual or it is something less than perpetual. Not "almost perpetual."

Also - not knocking MLC, just pointing out that the MB Olympus with an actual 4 year calendar plus moon phase plus chronograph is a very complicated watch compared to the MLC. Which further speaks to IMO the amazing value of the Olympus.

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SHARKMAN

Even the Jaeger LeCoultre Master Calendar (which I love) doesn't have a 4 year calendar or a chronograph...and it's a $9,500 piece.

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

A shop very near me actually sells MLC and I was in looking at a different model recently, a titanium something or other which I liked, but didn't grab me the way the Aerospace does.

I had actually gotten so preoccupied with the calendar functions and the slide rule that I had completely forgotten the Olympus was a chronograph. It is definitely the best value of the bunch, I think, although for the price I could buy the MLC and the Aerospace.

(As it happens, I don't actually mind having to manually set the date at the end of the month since I don't have a winder as yet and I have quite a few other watches now so it's likely I'd have to re-set whatever one I do buy periodically anyway...)

Mfserge -- That JLC was the one I saw in London, you have very good taste.

The JLC is a great watch, can't knock it, they make some of the best movements in the world...BUT the Olympus is packed with a lot more features. I am an Olympus fan...up until last month I had two in my possession.



Look at the level of detail in this watch!!!!!!!!

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

Or for that matter the Zenith Grande Chronomaster XT Moonage - which isn't even an annual calendar and costs more still. Of course it has the mighty 5 Hz El Primero movement.

I too do not mind changing the date over a few times a year. The fact that so few watches do not require that again is a testament to hrte reasonable price of the Olympus.

I'm sure their may be exceptons, but true perpetual calendars command serious dinero.

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SHARKMAN

That's still my favorite watch in your awesome collection....that's the ultimate dress watch for me with an incredible movement..and Roman Numerals IMO that was such a good call returning the other chronomasters for that lovely piece!!

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

Sharkman-- if you find one, let me know. ;D It would be nice to have one in the collection, but I feel it's sort of wasted on someone who doesn't plan to wear it all the time.

For reference, I did manage to take a pic of the JLC but it's obscenely large on me and I couldn't get it to sit right even for a photo due to the size of the strap--



That said, it really is a stunner of a watch for someone with a larger wrist. I looked at quite a few JLCs while I was over, and I have to say, I was very impressed with the quality of the finish, I'd never had the chance to try one before.

Maurice Lacroix is good brand, it used to be very underrated and inexpensive, but in the recent years they increased prices and it's overpriced in my opinion.

In the past they ML used modified ETA movements by adding their own complications, as of recently they developed their own movement.

I used to own early model of Phase de Lune, it can be found around $1,000 used:



They released several modifications of this watch, the on you posted is one of intermediary models - it's few years old. You can find it for mid-high $1,000 used.

This model is automatic and is 40 mm in diameter.

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Chronomat :: Evolution Red | Evolution Frecce Tricolori | Longitude
Navitimer :: Montbrillant Eclipse | Old II | Current
Professional :: B-1 | B-2 w UTC
Colt :: GMT

Maurice Lacroix has two more models with Moonphase:

1) Tonneau, automatic, about $2,000:



2) Retrograde, manual wind - the most expensive one, $3,000-4,000 and up:

Older


Recent:

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Chronomat :: Evolution Red | Evolution Frecce Tricolori | Longitude
Navitimer :: Montbrillant Eclipse | Old II | Current
Professional :: B-1 | B-2 w UTC
Colt :: GMT

Technical terms are four year or semi-perpetual.

There is an article in December's Watch Time about the four year calendar Breitling's. Might be of interest to you.

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Breitling Aerospace
Breitling Chronomat Evolution
Breitling Bentley GMT Midnight Carbon LE
Corum Admiral's Cup Black Flag LE
Rolex Datejust
Tag Heuer Aquaracer
IWC Portuguese Automatic 7 day
VIP Time Italy ref-15043
Glashutte Original Panoinverse XL

That's an ultra rare limited edition of only 250 watches. Good luck finding it and for the price you can buy a Patek or an A Lange Sohne...



That's only about 80k but you get a perpetual calendar.

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

I wear it with the bracelet more than with the strap. Guess that with the strap it looks a little more "dressy" and with the bracelet a little more "racy". I would prefer the white/black dial anyday over the white/navy.

I have the same watch that you and shark have, is the dial white and black or is the stripe navy blue? I always thought it was navy, maybe I'm wrong.

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

It's black. Suitable to be worn with a Tux. Or a T-shirt.

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SHARKMAN