The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I'm not usually one to post or even comment on the "XX vs YY" type of thread but, I am particularly interested to hear people's opinions about some potential next watches.

I am looking for a mechanical chronograph to add to my collection and so naturally I've been looking at the Breitling offerings. I've focused mainly on the Navitimers and there is something very special about the standard Navi that makes it a classic. We all know about the virtues of the Navitimer and I think it's a classic that anyone would be proud to own. I'd be looking for it with batons, and a two-tone dial.



I've also been looking elsewhere, and recently found Bremont. The watch I'm interested in is the Bremont Alt1-C, with a dark grey dial. This watch and brand are also aviation themed and there is something about the aesthetic I enjoy very much. The case construction for this watch is very interesting (they call it Trip-Tick) and the water resistence is superior to the Navitimer. There is also a display back which isn't a bad touch.



I believe these two watches are right around the same price, and both use modified Valjoux 7750 movements so there isn't a substantive difference. I also understand that watches are a personal choice, and that you can't possibly make this choice for me.

So, my question is, which would you chose and why? Would you choose a third option in the same vein as these? General impression of Bremont/Breitling as a brand are welcome.

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“The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once.” - Albert Einstein

I checked that Bremont out at my AD, and its very nice. Its also has a very nicely decorated movement and display back. Case construction is well done, and there are a few contrasting materials, textures, and colors. Touch choice. Youve got the classic, timeless Navi, and the up and coming Bremont that has a lot of innovation. Id probably take the Navi, but that could change on any given day.

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-RJ

Navi, buti this is coming from a person who's nick is navitimer

There's a Bremont AD about 20 miles from me, and I must be honest but they've never done anything for me in person.

They're like Ball for me : I think they look good in pictures, but just very ordinary in person. Not bad, just ordinary. Hence, it'd be the Navi everyday and twice on Sundays for me.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

I am going to say Navi all the way. It is just a more interesting watch in my opinion.

This site's likely to lean heavily towards the Navi and i have to admit I'm not exception. The Bremont seems a bit bare to me. Nice enough but seems to lack something to my eye.

Can't buck the trend - Navi for me as well.

Nothing wrong with Bremont, but pales in comparison.

Ive experienced exactly the opposite. Never thought much of them in pics, but was really surprised in person. 10x better in the flesh.

Ball, on the other hand, ive never liked in pics or in person

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-RJ

i think that im going with the herd ono this one. count my vote for the Navi. IMO i just dont know much about Bremont as a brand.

My vote is for either the Navitimer or Sharkman's IWC Spitfire Chrono!

R/

Navitimer For Me!

Cheers,

Enezdez

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IWC - Big Pilot 5002 - 01
IWC - Pilot Chrono 3717 - 04
Panerai - 183
Omega - Speedmaster 145.012 / 67
Rolex - Explore II (Black Dial) - 216570
Rolex - Explore I 114270
Blancpain FF 5015

Some other options that you've may already thought about:
1) Omega Speedmaster moonphase (3576.50)
2) UN Maxi marine chronograph
3) IWC pilot chrono (3717-01)
If a white dial / blued hands is of interest, Omega Speedmaster Broad Arrow, 321.10.42.50

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Chrono Jetstream
Montbrilliant 1903
Aerospace E79362

I really like Bremont, my favourite is the Alt1-Z, however I just can't bring myself to pay that much for a new one; I'd really be interested in an offering from the secondary market, which is really quite small at the moment. Between the Bremont and the Navi, it's the Navi no question but since I have the navi....anyway I like the company, designs and final engineered product and their aviation theme is strong which is a plus for me.

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

Thanks for the opinions guys. Much appreciated, and I'm not entirely surprised that the Navi won out.

There isn't a Bremont dealer near me so I'd really be taking a plunge by buying sight-unseen. Having seen the Navi in-person, I know just what I'd be getting and I really like it.

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“The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once.” - Albert Einstein

As much as I like Bremont designs, their panda dial appealing to me, I'd never choose one over a Navitimer.
You just can't get anything that looks close to the Navi (unless its a 'homage'). Whereas with the Bremont, I might just lean towards IWC for something similar....?

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Oyster Date '78, Blackbird chrono DLC '10, Blackbird chrono' 02, Navitimer Fighters '02, Aerospace Evo , Seamaster Chrono Diver 300' 02, Carrera cbm2110