The Breitling Watch Source Forums

What is your feeling about Breitling watches? I believe they utilise an “in-house” movement, are Certified Chronometers, and have other unique characteristics.

If I had to describe my feelings toward Breiting in one word, it would be a resounding “Meh.” To be clear, most of their watches do NOT utilise in-house movements. In fact, the vast majority of Breitling use ETA/Valjoux movements, just like Franck Muller. They have released an impressive chronograph movement in the past year or two, but it has only been rolled out to one or two models, including the Chronomat -- the ugliest watch they make. So, if you want to spend $8,000 (roughly the same as you would on the Rolex Daytona!) on an ugly Breitling, then sure, you can get one with an in-house movement. I will say, even though it uses an ETA movement, I have nothing but love for Breitling’s Navitimer. That, dear reader, is the Breitling you want.

http://au.askmen.com/fashion/mens-watch ... -snob.html

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I need more watches....

So Archie42 baits another hook with the worm of controversy generation.....

Let's hope no-one bites, eh guys?

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Driver8

Site Moderator

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Al

“Quis custodiet ipsos custodes"

YAWN!

Indeed.

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Breitling navitimer super constellation LE
Omega Ploprof 1200m
Bremont supermarine
Rolex milgauss GV
Olivant and Botsford 40mm Gold edition

Watch snob is the worst watch blog I have ever read. Damn you for putting a link here.

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Al

“Quis custodiet ipsos custodes"

Watch Snob dixit "No self-respecting man above the age of 25 should be wearing anything less than a $5,000 watch, with an in-house movement of course. If you wear a nice watch, you’ll be surrounded by successful people and live a lucrative life."
That's why I'm sourrounded by losers (scammers and drug dealers)... because all my Breitlings are ETA movements.
I'm gonna sell them all and buy a Patek Philip.

Don't bother - Archie has a PP (as we all know) and a search of his posts from a year or so back proves that it doesn't work (although his job and money worries in Australia were the fault of the US Government apparently). Guess he's the exception that proves the rule.

No-one listens to me.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

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Al

“Quis custodiet ipsos custodes"

Roff, what I don't understand is... (and I'm asking to you because you know more than me and I think you're an expert) is an in-house movement better than an ETA?
There are so many movements and they are all different, they have their pros and cons.
To compare two similar movements... is Rolex cal3135 better than B17?

Yikes, that's a lot of hate for the Chronomat. I actually like the Chronomat the best! Yes, I know the Navitimer is a classic and I'll probably end up getting one eventually. But, for a first Breitling/Daily worn watch I think the Chronomat is the better option. Even better now that it has the in-house movement!

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Chronomat B01

"Better" is way too subjective a word and the answer entirely depends on what your definition of "better" is. If better to you means "cheaper", then ETA is the way forward. If ease of maintenance/availability of parts constitutes "better", then again ETA is the way to go. If reliability means better, then again ETA may come out on top (although not always).

However, if better to you means "exclusivity", then in-house is definitely "better". (Some people - myself included - like watches that contain movements that you won't find in any other watch). If "better" means longer power reserve (e.g. 7 or 8 days) then some in-houses offer that, while no ETA does. To some people, better means "totally hand made", or "more and/or unusual complications" or "unusual features" - all of which may be offered by some in-house movements, but not by any ETA.

It's the age-old car analogy - if you want a reliable, cheap runaround, you by a Ford. If you want something more exclusive, you buy a Ferrari. Sure the Ferrari is costly to buy and own, and may not be as practical or have the reliability, but that is of less importance to buyers compared to exclusivity and performance.

It entirely depends on what you want and what your own definition of "better" is.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Yes, that's what I was talking about.
I'm happy with my ETA watches, especially with the b17 and b13.
Thanks for the reply Driver8