The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Easy decision. The PO is a perfect all-around watch.

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Steelfish GMT LE (white)

Omega PO, no question. I wear it whether I'm in a tux, 3 piece, shorts-and-polo, or flight suit... This watch is versatile.

As a relative newbie, I suspect it may blow you away with all the Breitling aficionados saying "get the PO". That's what's great about this site--you get honest, No-"homer" opinions.

I am far from a one-brand guy myself. And I agree that the PO is overall more versatile. It works better than the SOH as a true sports watch, and can easily pull off a business suit--IF that's what you want. The downside to that is, as you can see, this place, as many watch enthusiast sites, is full of people who own or have owned a PO. Overall I would guess it is only second in popularity to, and may even surpass, the ubiquitous Rolex Sub. Which means---you may see your watch, or ones that look a lot like it-- coming and going.

Your question piqued my interest because to me, you aren't completely comparing apples to apples here. You could have just as easily said PO vs. black dial, black bezel SOH. But you're looking at a while dial, black bezel. That watch, on the mesh, stands out in a way the PO never will. If you want a little flair, something a little different from everybody else wearing their black face-stainless dial Seamasters, POs or Subs, then I think the white dial SOH is a great choice. It certainly goes with casual, and if you don't mind it standing out a little with a suit, I think it is both appropriate AND distinctive.

The PO is an easy choice, and a great watch. I should also mention that it has a more sophisticated movement. If I thought I would own only one really nice watch, that might well be my choice, too. In a way, though, that's the problem with it. Its safe, and all that''s good and bad about going safe when you're spending good money on a nice watch. I'm clearly playing devil's advocate here, maybe because nobody else has, but I believe what I'm suggesting, too. Something about that white-face black bezel SOH has you interested. It's a great watch, essentially as good as the PO, and if you want a little distinction in your look, go for it.

Now, since I have taken the other side of the coin, let me go one more. If you're in the $3K market and don't mind going used, a stainless Chronomat EVO is a fantastic watch that can do it all. You have to be a little patient, but they can be had for a little over $3K.

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Scott

AP Royal Oak 15400, silver
Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Classic Cars
Vintage gold Corum
Rolex DJ 36 TT, oyster dial, oyster/smooth
Baume & Mercier Riviera 200m, silver dial/aquamarine bezel
Breitling Superocean 57, rose/stainless

Thanks man I do like the stainless Chronomat EVO quite a bit, but figured it was out of my price range. It's actually a little bit smaller then the PO and SOH, right? Any recommendations where I can find a good used one that you can be sure is authentic? In talking to some watch people where I live, I know their are a few dealers around here that have used watches, but I have yet to reach out to them.

You made some really good points about the PO and SOH. Do you really think that mesh bracelet can be casual? I like that it is unique and stands out, and I hear what you are saying about the popularity of the PO. Honestly, I never really thought of it until you mentioned it. I can see why it's so popular. The more and more I look at it, the more I like it.

Ok, so as I was looking at the chrono EVO, I noticed the Breitling Aeromarine Superocean. It looks a lot like the PO and SUB. What do you all think of this watch? How does it compare to the PO? How is the size of it, because from the specs it said it was 42mm. When measuring the face of a watch you measure from one end all the way to the end of the crown or just to the other end of the watch dial/face? It's hard to tell from a picture, but I'm concerned the face might be small.

To measure the diameter of the case, measure from the outer edge at 2:00 to the outer edge at 8:00. Don't measure the crown. It works best if you have calipers, but you can eyeball it with a measuring tape or ruler, too.

I'm gathering you're considering the 45mm PO, based on your other comments. (There's also a 42mm version.) At just under 44mm, the Evo has a slightly narrower diameter than either the 45mm PO or the 46mm SOH. However, it's 17mm thick, compared to the PO at 15mm and the SOH at 13mm. Therefore, while not as wide, it's quite a bit "chunkier," as it sits up higher on the wrist.

It seems to me maybe a bit ironic that we are thinking about a mesh band as dressy. I think they were originally intended as a sporty alternative to the classic leather strap or a more traditional bracelet. But since we now live in a world of rubber straps and leather bands with contrasting stitching, it probably does look a bit formal.

Concerning a used Evo: I haven't checked the 'bay lately, but just look up "FS evo" in the main search here and you can see prior sales of Evos on this site. Check here, of course, and also the watch index under Elite Deal Seeker, which takes summaries of a lot of site listings over the prior 24 hour period. The dealer sponsors here have had some as well.

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Scott

AP Royal Oak 15400, silver
Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Classic Cars
Vintage gold Corum
Rolex DJ 36 TT, oyster dial, oyster/smooth
Baume & Mercier Riviera 200m, silver dial/aquamarine bezel
Breitling Superocean 57, rose/stainless

PO also. The great thing about it is it looks great on the bracelet, leather, rubber, and NATO. Each option give the watch a different look so it's like having 4 watches for the price of one.

Like tbro said, it'll look good in all situations.

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Regards,

Peter

BREITLING for Bentley Motors T & Mark VI, Aerospace
ROLEX Submariner Ceramic116610LN
OMEGA Plantet Ocean 8500 42mm Orange arabics
OCEAN7 LM-3

It depends where in the world you are. Members in Britain say they see the PO everywhere. I've never seen another PO in the wild here in NJ and believe me, I look at everyone's watch.

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Regards,

Peter

BREITLING for Bentley Motors T & Mark VI, Aerospace
ROLEX Submariner Ceramic116610LN
OMEGA Plantet Ocean 8500 42mm Orange arabics
OCEAN7 LM-3

Another point concerning the Evo: it has been mercilessly faked, with very high quality copies. If you're considering a used one, be especially diligent in screening for fakes, and be sure to post pics of any models here so our experts can verify.

Where can I find this? Is it on this site, or some other site? Thanks!!

I agree 100%, i live in california and have yet to see another P.O. on someones wrist.

Actually, in the last 5 times I have been in a watch store, twice I have seen shoppers wearing POs. Not many watch afficionados in my office, but one was about to get a PO until either Tom or I helped re-direct his attention, and what did he get??--a pre-owned Evo he absolutely loves. I still see more old Seamasters and Subs on a day to day basis, but as for new present sales, I'm guessing the PO is doing pretty well. As a side note, I have seen more than a couple GMT II C's lately.

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Scott

AP Royal Oak 15400, silver
Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Classic Cars
Vintage gold Corum
Rolex DJ 36 TT, oyster dial, oyster/smooth
Baume & Mercier Riviera 200m, silver dial/aquamarine bezel
Breitling Superocean 57, rose/stainless

I gotta say, I've never let how often I see another watch influence whether or not I'd get one. I see subs all the time and I still want one. If I love it I'm gonna get it. I've only seen one other PO in the wild and it was a different model than mine anyway. If I saw one every other day I'd still love mine. The PO is a great watch that can fit in any situation and is tough as hell. If I had to choose between my PO and my Blackbird I'd choose the PO, though I do still love my BB.

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"Leave the gun, take the cannoli."