The Breitling Watch Source Forums

A23322 for the win. you're covering pedigree, utilitarian, dressy, classy, instant street cred. design form and function all in one Breitling.

biased Navi owner

Go with what's popular, get the Rolex......

_________________
Chronomat Evo (White, Arabics)
Avenger Seawolf (Black, Batons) INCOMING?

Everybody has their own reasons for wanting the watches they do. But I'm with you: I'm one of the loudest critics of the current Breitling lineup, but it doesn't make me dislike the past classics. Quite the opposite - I look at watches like the Crosswind or pre-Evo Chronomat and just get bummed Breitling isn't upholding that standard any more. I'd be happy to own those watches today, despite a lot of the junk Breitling is currently putting out.

If you can't decide, buy them all, start a collection. Read a lot about buyers remorse after buying Panerai.

Thought the comment about Rolex = Mercedes was funny. I have two Mercedes and a Jaguar, but never liked Rolex - just prefer heavier watches which is why I like Breitling, also feel it has a nice "bling" factor.

_________________
End of Discussion.

My response has been to go back to older, pre-owned Breitlings which were classics. I proudly own a GMT, have owned a Datejust, and may own other Rolex products, but my Navi is a great example of an iconic design, as much so as an Explorer, and I'll put my Headwind up against any Rolex for elegance and class. Breitling resurrected themselves to some extent on the concept of variety, but I think it ultimately limits the brand. Still, that doesn't make their best products any less good.

_________________
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

Thank you all for the thoughtful replies; points are all well-taken. I guess I probably will end up starting a collection and eventually buying two or three watches. I guess I still have the same issue of deciding what to buy first. I just recently started thinking about a luxury watch so I'm not familiar with Breitling's older watch models but it seems that most of those who have worn them for years are dissatisfied with the direction of the brand-similar sentiments were expressed in the rolex forum. I guess in the end I'll end up with the right watch, if there is such a thing. Thanks for the advice and suggestions....

My understanding is that Rolex at least make all of their movements, and Breitling use ETA for many of their range. That aside the designs of the Breitling are in general less appealing than the Rolex, and the first Airwolfs less than imprsssive with very cheap looking bezels. Consistent excellent is the mark of the best in any field of manufacure.

I'm sorry that was rather rude of me. I wanted to read your post and found that I could not.
Well done on passing the exam by the by.

_________________
Al

“Quis custodiet ipsos custodes"

Personally I find the SA to be way to big, but there are some people with gorilla arms that it fits perfectly (FEAR). I have 7 1/2" wrists and when I tried on a SA it looked ridiculous. If I were you and there were several watches that I wanted I'd go with something a little more classic first, maybe the SubC or ExpII, I can't wait to see that one by the way.

This way you'll have a great watch that you want anyway and then get something like the SA or PAM. Then if you decide that you really like the bigger SA or PAM you can sell the EXPII and not lose any money, as opposed to selling the SA and losing about $1k.

_________________
"Leave the gun, take the cannoli."

_________________
Breanach78

A Few Breitlings.

+1. Me too....

_________________
Breanach78

A Few Breitlings.

I don't feel like I "gave up a classic." Don't get me wrong, I loved the watch, but they're extremely easy to come by and far from rare. As I mentioned, I think Breitling is really slipping over the past few years and it caused me to question the integrity of the brand and my timepiece (in combination with extremely lousy service from BUSA). So off it went.

I have a soft spot in my heart for Breitling, but to me, if Omega and Hamilton had a bastard child watch, out would pop a Breitling

_________________
************* ************************ **********
PAM359, Omega PO Big Size, 1951 Omega Seamaster, Rolex Sea Dweller

+2

_________________
End of Discussion.

That's an insult to Omega. Hamilton, not so much.

Even with all the choices out there any collector must have a Navitimer in my opinion, popular or not.