The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hello Everyone!
I am fairly new to the Forum. I have a question if I may, concerning the quality of Breitling vs. Rolex? Rolex was my first nice watch. I have been wearing Rolex for 15+ years and I am in the process of switching brands due to size. I am 7' tall and weigh 320ish. I have been told that my Rolex's look too small (TT Sub, SS GMTII). I have fallen in love with the Super Avenger and will be receiving it within a week or so. I have looked at the SA closely and inspected it up close and have decided to move forward with my decision.
My question is: how is the quality of Breitling vs Rolex? Is it on par with Rolex? Is it as durable? I like swimming while wearing my watch! I am a pilot and love the size due to my 45 year old eyes. it will be a tool watch specifically.
Thank you for your time and advice (opinions)!!!
Tree

Build quality of Breitling is good, and the bracelet is better than anything Rolex had until the last year or so.

However, the SA is an ETA movement vs. an in house movement, although it is COSC certified. SA is good value for money, and will stand up to anything that you throw at it, but it's cheaper than Rolex for a reason.

Thanks Roff,
besides the "size" issue with the watch, do you think its a mistake to leave rolex for breitling?

No one can tell you that - it's personal choice.

I have zero Rolex in my collection and plenty of Breitlings. I also have other brands that I consider to be higher quality than Breitling, but they are also at a higher price point. The SA has no comparable in the Rolex range and if that watch is 'speaking' to you then go for it. It's not a bad watch by any stretch of the imagination, but there's a reason why it's cheaper.

Thanks again,
I wish i could find something "better than Rolex" the same size as the SA! I have a serious weakness for fine watches! LOL.
i really enjoy Patek, i just wish they made something that fits me!

Breitling build quality is comparable to Rolex. Rolexes just have a more exclusive (in-house) movement in them. Both should be similarly reliable and accurate.

Any modern Breitling has a superior build quality than a 15 year old Rolex. At your size, I think the SA is a perfect choice.
If you want to stay with Rolex, check out the Deep Sea. Its their most comparable model.

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-RJ

Not all large, and 'better than Rolex' is open to interpretation, but take a look at Panerai, IWC, JLC, AP, etc. Glashutte Original also have some larger pieces, and then there are the boutique brands - plenty of large pieces out there in high end watch brands.

Finding watches that are that big can be pretty difficult..."best" and "better" are also completely subjective terms. The IWC Big Pilot isn't my cup of tea, but it is another option for a big watch, if you happen to like it.

Do you mind if I ask what you fly? As a fellow pilot...I can't even imagine trying to sit in a cockpit for an extended period of time if I grew another foot.

They are pretty comparable in build quality, The only thing I like better about Rolex is the bracelet. I went from the Sa to the Deepsea ,and found the bracelet wears better ,and is more comfortable. The Sa has the SS bracelet which shows all the swirls,dings,marks , the Deepsea has the brushed bracelet which shows very little . The Deepsea is a great watch ,as is the Sa. Im sure you will like the Sa, its a great watch.

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One Watch At A Time.

Dont forget, he's coming from a 15 year old Rolex. Just about anything will have a better bracelet than that.

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-RJ

Is the DSSD (44mm/17mm) the largest Rolex you can get atm?

When I was looking for a fine watch I never really considered a Rolex because I always thought they were too small for my wrist.
I ended up buying an SA as well.

It's a shame that Rolex doesn't have a big watch in it's collection.

Though have to say that this DSSD on a Diver Pro 2 does look rather tasty

I am picturing a stretched out jubilee bracelet at this very moment, Im sure thats not on on his Subs , but the jubilee is one bracelet that I think looks awful once its stretched out

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One Watch At A Time.

Yes , The Deepsea is the largest they make . I don't see Rolex going any bigger either.

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One Watch At A Time.

The Yacht Master II is also 44mm

Both will last you a lifetime if you get them serviced when they need it and don't use them as a hammer. As far as one being better than the other, that's pretty subjective in my mind. Attributes that make a watch better to one person might not be as important to another.

Since you have a Rolex GMT and want a large watch have you seen the new Chronomat GMT? It's 47mm I think and has the new in-house Breitling movement. Personally I'm not a huge fan of it because I think it's too damn big, but I'm 5'8" not 7'.

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"Leave the gun, take the cannoli."