The Breitling Watch Source Forums

For reasons I'll clarify later this week, I've just completed a complete reduction of my collection. Gone over the past four days are four watches which has left somewhat of a vacuum. I still have my Breitling, that isn't going anyway ever, and I've added a new piece which will arrive on Wednesday (in place of another piece I had just picked up - I won't say what now but will post some wrist shots when it arrives). It's funny but I wasn't intending such a radical change but circumstances sometimes present themselves that can work out really well.

Anyway now that I'm down to only a few select pieces I've already starting thinking of what's next. For a while now I've wanted to add a more formal, classic piece to round out the collection. As there have been quite a few threads recently on this watch genre, I thought I'd throw out a question to the forum to see what people think, mainly because I'm probably not going to think of them all. And I thought it might be fun. So here are the criteria - the timepiece has to be for formal wear i.e. suit or special occasion and up to $10,000; it can be either a chrono or non-chrono. Not particular on metals etc and it can be more vintage i.e. it doesn't have to be modern.

Options that I like: GO Senator, JLC Master Chrono, Breitling Transocean.

Options that are too expensive: Anything from AP, A. Lange and Sohn, Patek Phillipe - you get the picture.

Options that fit but just aren't for me: Rolex datejust.

So what does the combined and extensive watch knowledge of the forum like that meets the criteria? Clearly it will be my decision, this is merely a fact-finding mission to see what watch options I may not have considered. Thank you in advance!

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

GO Panomatic Lunar XL or Panomatic Lunar (reg.) comes to mind.
IWC Portugese Auto.

I'll quit there, plenty of others will be contributing .

(p.s. - suppose your keeping that 1903 huh? )

terry

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Chrono Jetstream
Montbrilliant 1903
Aerospace E79362

Sounds intriguing Tim, looking forward to seeing the new acquisition. To try and offer something a little different, what about something from the Omega De Ville range? Not something that gets any attention here, but there are some watches there that would meet your criteria.

GO Senator Chrono, GO PML XL, JLC Master Compressor Chrono (dressy or sporty), IWC 7Day,

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

If I were buying a watch strictly for dressy/special occasions it would be the IWC Portuguese 7 Day. The white and black dials are both beautiful with the black being just a little dressier in my opinion, I prefer the white personally. If you haven't seen one go check it out. I always liked them but when I finally got to check one out in person and play with it I fell in love. The white dial would look great in a suit but can also look equally great in a more casual situation, plus the movement though the display back is just beautiful.

Of course all of that is just my opinion, there are plenty of other outstanding watches that fit your requirements, but the 7 Day is my favorite.

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"Leave the gun, take the cannoli."

Funny Im just doing similar.
Changing stuff out.
I love Jaeger Reverso for a classic look. I have a Grand Date and a Day/Night- love them both.
Actually debating on selling one of those to buy another new toy.
Question- why cant we stay happy with our lot? Would make life so much easier lol.

Wayyy too much out there to choose just one-decisions decisions.
Good luck.

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Breitling Avenger Limited Edition

Omega Planet Ocean Chrono

Tag Heuer Carrera & Aquaracer Chrono

Tag Heuer Monaco Chrono,

Timex, Skagen, Swiss Army, and a whole bunch of others -lol

Some very nice options there Terry, really liking the GO selection I must say and the IWC Portuguese truly is a classic.
The 1903 is indeed a keeper. No luck in finding another then?

Thank you Roff, it was an intriguing week indeed. A lot happened in a short period and all of it good!

I'm looking forward to sharing my latest and to clarify I'm not being deliberately cagey for any particular reason, I just prefer to share with a photo or two rather than just a name. It's not a rare piece by any means rather is a popular watch from a brand I've always wanted to own that has a tool-like aspect to it and by no means cost the earth.

I like the De Ville range Roff and they are indeed a selection I've been looking at closely and as you indicated they certainly fit the bill.

Brilliant Sergio, thanks for the selection. I had forgotten to include a couple of those models on my list. I should also have mentioned size. Off the top of my head I can't remember the size of those particular models but 44mm is probably a max for me. As I can't see in person a lot of these models as the AD's here don't stock them, I'm looking forward to my Vegas trip next month to try these all on!

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

I too prefer the white dial Roman and tried one on a couple of years ago. Great choice, it's definitely towards the top of my list!


Too true. To be honest I'm really happy where the collection is now from a numbers, quality and variety standpoint but I'd be lying if I said I still wasn't constantly looking for the next piece What is it indeed, maybe just too many quality pieces out there...and of course a forum here where so many members buy quality pieces every day.

Great that I'm not the only one going through some change. While I like the reverso's I don't like them enought to purchase one but they are still phenomenal pieces. Good luck it all!

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

I figured by your suggestions that you were looking for watches between 40-43mm. The GO Senator Chrono is 40mm, The PML XL is 42 (and is awesome, I wore mine yesterday) the JLC MCC is 41.5, and the IWC 7day is 42mm but wears much larger. It's funny, I have a few 42mm watches and the 7Day appears so much larger than all of them!! Also, I haven't had one issue with the timekeeping on my 7day, it's been extremely accurate.

Good luck and enjoy your trip to Vegas!

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

I tracked one down a while back during a trip to Texas, but it was not functioning properly and I didn't feel comfortable with the dealer/deal so I passed on it. Haven't been looking so much lately but it is always on my radar.

Good luck with your decision, hope to see pics of your latest acquisition soon.

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Chrono Jetstream
Montbrilliant 1903
Aerospace E79362

For a bit more, you can get a second hand Safari, which actually is quite dressy with the white dial and brown strap compared to the other ROO variants. In Vegas, dont forget to check out Panerai! I know you dont like the brand, but if you see one in person you never know!

The Glashutte Senator is an amazing watch, and an easy decision to make!

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Certified watch nut.

It's not that I dislike Panerai as a company, I'm completely neutral to be honest, and I know I joke about Panerai being 'the dark side' I'm not serious, the brand has just never personally called to me. I've actually tried on several, I can't remember which ones, and while they fit well, at this stage other watches call to me more loudly. Maybe one day my 'feelings' may indeed change.

The ROO Safari is just about as high on my list as it can be...except for the price, which even used may be just a little too high Still I can't wait to get one one.

Great choice on the Senator, that GO I have tried on before and loved it. To this day I haven't worn anything else from GO and plan to remedy that in Vegas.


Thanks Sergio, will do. Definitely a little jealous of your collection. Maybe I can try and catch up.

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

Tim...I forgot to mention another that may fit your needs. Check out the Zenith 36,000 VPH. Sharkman had one and it's absolutely gorgeous. Dressy and can be worn sporty as well and it's 42mm. If you wait until May, word is, that Zenith is reducing the retail price by about $1,000. You can pick that up for around $5000...for an El Primero??? Great deal. Just a thought.

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

Tim, if your leaning dressy.. how about a Dornblueth? Hand made and very nice. I still have this brand on my radar and its nearer to the top than the bottom of the got to have list. Price is very reasonable for what you get. Main problem is finding a used one to save a few bucks. They don't seem to come for sale very often. Still, new price isn't too bad.

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Breitling Steelfish(black)
Breitling Steelfish(silver)
Panerai PAM 312
Bell & Ross BR03-92 Phantom
Steinhart BreitlingSource LE #5/15

That's a very good suggestion. I would go direct to the family and get new, it's worth it for the experience and pricing is very reasonable for what you get.