The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi all,

I came upon the forum when doing a bit of research on Breitling. First let me say, thanks to all who participate here and provide new folks like me with a wealth of information. I've looked over various threads and done some searching, but I figured it might just be best to start a new thread for my specific situation.

So, I'm not a watch collector or even someone who intends to be. I have a few watches that include solid choices for when I'm going out all dressed up and when I'm in business attire. I also have a couple of Tags that I use for everyday (both quartz movement) for about 8 years or so. What I'm looking for now is to find a new watch for everyday and I've found myself drawn to the Breitling style. Specifically, I think the Bentley line holds the most appeal for me. I'm just not sure how well it would fit in with my daily activities.

I'm a stay at home dad so my watches get some abuse doing related activities. I reserve the nicer ones for when I get dressed up to go out or have to wear business attire for various meetings. That being said, I don't see anything wrong with wearing a nicer watch day to day. I'd likely just make whatever one I choose for that use something I wouldn't worry about keeping pristine. Still though, it's probably smart to think about the general durability of any watch finish. I know I could choose one with a rubber band for that purpose alone, though I do like the metal band look more.

So, what feedback can you offer me on issues like how a model from the Bentley line (I like the 6.75 as well as the GMT) would hold up as this kind of daily use? I'm thinking the water resistance allows me to not worry about it at the pool, but I do wonder about how often I'll have to wind it, how easily it will scratch (I know, that's subjective based on the particular impact), how susceptible the movement might be to daily abuse, etc. Any thoughts would be helpful. Thanks!

Jeff

Welcome to BreitlingSource.

Movements are ETA based so as proven as anything else, no worries there for every day abuse. The polished finshes will get scratched, that's unavoidable, but it adds to the character and an occasional polish with cape cod or sunshine cloths (search will show you the many topics) will bring it back to a shiny finish. The only thing that you need to be comfortable with is the size of the watches, they are both pretty big watches, especially the GMT so just be sure that you are happy wearing that size as a daily watch.

In terms of winding, if you wear it every day then you won't have to wind it at all, if you don't wear it then 30 turns every 24 hours will keep a full power reserve, or get yourself a watch winder.

Good luck with the decision!

That's very straightforward and helpful feedback. Your comments about the size certainly do resonate with me as that aspect has drawn me to the watches in general but how that aspect impacts day to day wearing wasn't something I was thinking closely about. In the store it felt good but that is different from wearing it day in and out when a larger protrusion is more likely to get bumped or catch on something, etc. I'll have to give that some thought.

While you're considering the impact of size, you might also consider weight. A number of Breitlings are pretty heavy, and the effect over time can be tiring. How well the watch sits on your wrist can also be a mitigating or exacerbating factor. If it sits up high, then the weight will shift more easily from side to side, which will make it that much more evident. Some people are fine with it; others aren't. My first Ling - a Chronomat Evolution - weighed in at half a pound with bracelet, and sat up very high on my wrist. It actually ended up causing my wrist to hurt due to the weight and fit, and I ultimately unloaded it. I don't have a huge amount of experience with the Bentley line, but the ones I've tried on seemed to fit fairly close to my wrist, and didn't seem as heavy as other Breitling models.

Wow, that's another key factor I wasn't thinking about. Sure, it felt good in the store for the brief time I had it on but the cumulative effect of added weight over time as well as the center of gravity issue could result in discomfort. The watches I have been wearing don't protrude as much and are likely lighter than the Bentley models I have been checking out. So, the difference over time could be substantial. I'll absolutely keep that in mind. This is the Lind of practical feedback I was hoping for. Thanks!

I had an additional thought. How practical is it to have multiple bands for the same face and swap them out yourself? Is it hard and, perhapsore importantly, do people actually wind up bothering to do it (vs what seems like a good idea in concept). I'm thinking here that while I like an all metal band, I could also get a rubber or leather one to save weight when I want and for less concerns about banging it around. Thoughts? Thanks.

People do that a lot. Some companies, like Cartier and IWC, have a "quick change" function that makes for very easy and fast changes. Breitling, like most other companies, hasn't gone that route. They still use the standard push pins that require a tool to remove. I haven't done it myself, but a lot of members here do it, and say it isn't that tough once you get the hang of it, although some bracelet models are trickier to change than others.

Thanks for all the very helpful feedback. I'm going to try and spend some time to really see how different this line is from my current dailies (Tag CL111A and WL1116-0). I do also like the latest Tag Link line, though that's not really much of a departure from what I already wear. The only other one that has caught my eye is in a different price point. It's the Piaget Forty Five Chronometer. It's an awesome watch but it should be for the price.

If you are considering the Bentley line, you're already in the Rolex range, price wise. Have you considered a Submariner, GMT Master II, or Explorer? They're all reasonably sized, not too heavy, well-made, accurate and durable. Personally, I happen to find the Sumbariner to be the perfect watch for any occasion, although I'm also developing quite a fondness for the Explorer, as well. Less expensive, but also good are Omega Seamaster Pro and Planet Ocean. The new Titanium Planet Ocean is pretty spendy, but also pretty nice, and being titanium, will not be too heavy at all. Not to dissuade you from a Breitling, but since you're mulling over options, Rolex and Omega might be ones you want to check out.

Don't worry about the weight of the watch having a cumulative effect - if anything the weight becomes much less noticable over time.

Always go with leather or rubber strap options with any Breitling you purchase on a bracelet. They completely change the look and give you 2 watches. I am forever swaping the bracelet and brown croco on my Chronomat Evolution.

The models you are considering are well into the Bling Zone, but if that is what you are looking for, go for it.

Finally, you are a stay at home Dad and considering springing for a Bentley? Does you wife have any sisters?????

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SHARKMAN

I think this varies from person to person. For me, the weight becomes more noticeable over time. It could just be me, but the the ache caused by the weight only gets worse, never better. However, so many others here have no problem with the heavier Lings that clearly it's not a hard, fast rule. Unfortunately, there may be no easy way to tell whether one is prone to weight fatigue just by trying a watch on at the dealer. The problem didn't present itself until after I had been wearing the watch for a number of months. After two heavy Lings - first the Evolution, then the Chrono Superocean - I'm having to be very aware of weight with my next purchase. For me, going lighter is a necessity...even if that makes me a wuss.

For me, my first impression has steered me towards or away from certain brands. Rolex just doesn't interest me and Omega is just luke warm. Breitlings though have caught my eye for a while now. The Bentley subset certainly is a different take on the line in general and the extra that I see in these models has really drawn me in. That isn’t to say at all that I wouldn't consider other models and I certainly welcome any suggestions as I don;t know all that much about the watch market. I will readily admit though that I am no one's example of high style. As a tech geek, I find this extremely cool, though I know it's probably way too geeky for most folks:

http://www.hd3complication.com/en/#home

Thanks for these thoughts and I can see what you mean about the weight. It's certainly true that some things you wear seem really noticeable initially but fade into the background over time. I guess the way the watch sits could have an impact on that, though if the fit was correct and it doesn't move around on the wrist excessively, that might limit the potential problems. As for my bling interest, yes, I have been guilty of that in the past! My wife is especially guilty n that department and she's the one who suggested the Bentley versions that I wasn't aware of previously. Though, I can like a sleeker look a la that Piaget



Also, thanks for the comments about alternate straps. It is an interesting possibility that I hadn't given much thought to before but could be really useful. As for my wife, yes she does have a sister she's also taken!

Damn. I guess I'm back to stalking Pippa.

I have a 6.75, work from home, have about a 7.5" wrist and the watch feels fine, but I would never wear it every day for just around the house stuff. I actually wear it on a very limited basis but that's what I prefer because it's more satisfying for me - plus it keeps the watch in excellent condition.

I have three watches. A G-shock as a real beater, a Helson Shark diver for pretty much everything that I don't feel risks damage, and then of course my Bentley for certain days out. I'm very content with these three and probably won't change anything anytime soon.