The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I can see the argument for the regular SuperOcean - that's the name that has the heritage, but the very fact that it's a debate between the two is an argument for the Steelfish in my mind. That a watch that lasted only 6 years, and only 4 years in the latest and most renowned version can compete with a name that has been around for more than 50 years gives it the nod in my mind. The SuperOcean was certainly in the running, but it would have been the original one over the contemporary one.

In terms of the Crosswind Special and BB, they are too close in my mind (and remember this is just my list) to the Chronomat family to deserve their own entry in a top 10 all time list, and I certainly couldn't bump the modern Chronomat for them, especially given that the original BB was a Chronomat anyway.

I think you're speaking for more than just yourself. You've pretty much summed up my thoughts on the matter, and if Roff's AD's lament is anything to go by, a lot of others feel similarly. The Steelfish is on my short list of all-time favorite Breitlings, whether it has historical significance or not. So, from my own purely subjective viewpoint, it's a "great" watch. I'm sorry to see it go.

IMO it lines up in comparison with the SO price point wise, but has the applied batons making it appeal to a wider range of consumers who do not like the Arabics on the SO and putting it into a different class of watch. It comes out of the sporty category and into the multi-purpose realm. Lots of people who are not particularly into watches or movements that I have met with Colt like them due to the aesthetics. They didn't walk into an AD looking for that particular watch, they were in a store that carried many brands including Breitling. At the price point was an attractive piece and they went with it. Lots of people like that don't know much about watches, or much about available discounts, they simply want a perceived good deal and something on their wrist. Those kinds of consumers keep good service available at AD's. A dealer selling the watch out the door for $50 above cost is not going to be able to afford to provide good service.

The Auto is a proper mechanical, (though the SQ models sell very well) and while it is not an innovative movement it is reliable and durable.

Finally, it's not so much money you can't afford to ding it while you are at work. It's not small or thin, but not overly large or heavy. It fits a wide variety of wrist sizes, and can be worn for extended periods of time. It has great WR. It doesn't need to be a safe queen. It's a very common Ling to see "in the wild" and IMO it's one of their "Greatest hits".

Another great "Top......" post Roff.

You give very strong and articulate arguements for all your choices.

I am finding these posts very interesting to read and very educational.

My only change to your list would be to swap the Titanium SeaWolf as my choice of ultimate Breitling Diver's watch. It is designed simply to do a job giving great understated aesthetics. The use of Titanium makes this oversized watch very light and comfortable to wear. Finally, and most importantly to me, Breitling were able to acheive amzing levels of water resistancy for a COSC rated automatic movement powered watch for the asking price. A true future collectable classic.

Once again, thanks for the great read Roff. Great work.

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Great post there Roff and really enjoyed reading all the comments too. Personally I would have had a White SA at no.1.

Cheers

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Currently:
Avenger Skyland(Black)
Super Avenger(White)

Moved on:
Montbrillant Legende(Silver)
Panerai 312
SOHC 125th Ann. LE(Silver)
Navitimer World(Pearl)
Panerai 441

I'd have a different list Roff

10. Breitling Emergency ..... Iconic.... THEE Breitling that people haven't ever stopped talking about
(no pic..... never owned one)

9. SuperOcean.....Classic , robust, and a nice everyday size


8. Headwind..... unusual... still looks modern even though long discontinued


7. Seawolf Ti ....brutally sized, tool of a watch. ..on a rubber...the perfect dive watch


6. Chronomat Evo ...combined rugged good looks with smarter dressy finish... best dial combo's ever


5. B-1 .... great functions.... that work really well


4. Chrono Avenger....imposing chrono chunkiness with super lightweight Ti


3. Aerospace (non-Avantage) ....an icon in its own right.


2. Blackbird (Mk1) Never owned one....but still on the look out for a nice one.

1. Navitimer 806 ...THEE Breitling that all others follow

Damn Roff. That original Chronomat is just beautiful. That's my new #1, then my Blackbird.

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"Leave the gun, take the cannoli."

One is the Chrono Superocean blue dial on ProII. I think no need to say the whys...

Other is the Datora, possibly the old one with steel case and Valjoux 72C or the Venus equivalent (Venus 200 if I remember correctly but not sure about this, anyway, the "Tri-Compax" chronograph with complete calender - no moonphases.

The third one is the Grand Premier, both the silver and the black dial one, I'd prefer here the silver dial version. The new Trans-Ocean might take its place one day, needs a similarly beautiful dial.

Best, Robert

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Chronomat 41 BEB, Steelfish Chrono BEB, 2x Grand Premier, Chrono Cockpit 39 mm, Aerospace Avantage 79362
IWC 3706, 3705, 376706, 371928
Sinn 103 plexy
For sale: Sinn 356 II, Porsche Design Titan Chrono Valjoux
Wanted: Breitling Blackbird 13353 on bracelet

Great list Roff, and informational as well. I own #3 & 10, so now I just need to persuade the wife to let me get the rest!

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Life is too short to have a crappy watch.



Navitimer o1 LE
SuperOcean Steelfish
Bathys 100Fathoms Aquaculture
RXW MM20
RXW MM25
Seiko Sumo
Seiko Orange Monster
Movado series 800 diver
Thanks
Terry

Cool list Roff, thanks for taking the time. It was a fun read particularly as I hadn't heard or seen some of the vintage pieces. I also agree with having the Emergency on the list, despite it being a quartz, as that is an iconic piece.

My favourites are the Datora Moonphase and Original Chronomat, very nice pieces!

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

Great list Roff, but how do you list the top ten? There are so many great pieces in my opinion. I wouldn't argue with any of your picks, but I believe the Blackbird is definitely one of the best, as well as the B-1. And, as much as a lot of people will NOT agree, the Super Avenger has made it's mark in Breitling history. I'm a 48 yr old Marine, and I love it. So it's not just for twenty-something wanna-be rappers. Anyway, great thread, and looking forward to more opinions!

Don

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An ever changing collection.....

Quite different from D8's list but very interesting nevertheless Roff. And for a relative newbie in the watch world like me that's more than a list, it's very informative and instructive.

BTW, your choice on the Steelfish doesn't surprise me as I really valued your opinion when I was struggling between that and the Seawolf. And boy, am I glad with the choice I made.

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

A question to keep in mind for future situations , what would be a good price to get a 1995 DB Comsonaute and the chrono avenger for ?

Cossie will be $3,000 or so - up or down depending on service history and strap / bracelet. If you mean the CA Ratty that Driver8 had on his list - your guess is as good as anyones. 25 in the world, never hit the market, gold bezel - name your price.

3000 is very do-able , are there enough in circulation ? Yeah thats the one I was meaning , since barring future releases by breitling , I think those are the only ones I would like to add to my collection. They never hit the market ? Wasn't aware of that , and how were they distributed ? I was just hoping for the off-chance one landed in Greece and if it did , it would sooner or later end up in one of the few specific good pre-owned watch spots and from there maybe in my hands . One can dream right ?