The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hey guys. I haven't posted anything on this site in a long while. I started looking at buying a nice watch in early 2010; however, I really wanted it to mean something, so I decided to complete the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Exam. Well, 18 months later and I finally passed the CPA exam! It's truly one of the best days of my life and I want to get something to commemorate this accomplishment.

I would like a chronograph, preferably on a brown leather band. I saw both of these options and I am leaning towards the Breitling, but wanted to get some thoughts. I really like the white dial with white sub dials; however, I know only the limited come with those. I don't love the white dial with gray sub dials for whatever reason. Also, I am unsure about IWC accuracy and reliability.

Please let me know your thoughts. I even thought about the JLC master chrono, I believe it is, but I think that $10K, so a bit much for me at this point in my life.

What price points should I be looking at for these watches? Just curious. I know the Transocean chrono is around $7,500, however, do you think I could get a discount off of that price?

Also, if you have any other recommendations regarding a nice chronograph that goes well with a brown leather band, please let me know. Thanks.

Congrats on finishing your exam...I am am taking my second section next week, and hope to be finished by early next year. This thing is a huge time commitment and working at the same time makes it even more difficult.

Thanks. It's so time consumming, I feel your pain. Which part are you taking next week? Good luck. If you work in public accounting, the time committment is unreal.

FYI- You have a great collection of watches.

Congratulations!

You should still be able to get a discount on the TO Chrono, discount percentages are down from early 2010 because dealer margins are being squeezed, but you should still be able to get 20% or close to it.

Which Portofino are you looking at, the Chrono? That's a modified ETA movement vs. the in house in the TransOcean so that would cause me to lean towards the TO.

Thanks Roff.

Yes, the Portofino Chrono. I agree with you on the in house movement. I had heard of some issues on the new breitling movement and I think I was reading of kstone experience, but I wasn't sure what the outcome was. Thanks again for your advice. Your knowledge is greatly appreciated.

Next week I take my AUD section for the second time as I made a 74 the first time. One damn point got me, but I not the end of the world. I work in corporate audit and business valuation at the moment, but am looking to make a transition into tax this season (two interviews next week). Are you an Audit or Tax guy?

Regarding the TO vs Port question, I voted for the TO because in my opinion the silver dial TO is the best looking watch to come out in the last two years. With a brown croc it is just a stunner. That would be an amazing way to celebrate the big professional step you just took. It is the definition of a lifetime watch.

Good luck on AUD thomasenlow1! I finished the exam with FAR and had a 73 and 74 until I got the last passing score. I know how you feel. Hang in there, it's a long process, but it is worth it!

Have you had an opportunity to see the TO Chrono in person yet? i have seen the black one, but not the white. I love the look in the pictures I have seen, but obviously when I see it in person, I should know.

As Roff mentioned the IWC has a modified ETA movement in it, so between the 2 you listed I would pick the TO. That being said...if it were me I would save up until I could afford the JLC...it wins hands down over the other 2.

I will throw one more out there for you if you are looking for a great manufacturer, great in house movement, and a great overall value. Take a look at the Zenith El Primero 36,000VpH.

Next up you have to do the CFA!!! Congrats on the CPA!

_________________
End of Discussion.

I just saw the TO "in the flesh" for the first time. Definitely exceeds any picture. Stunning.

Thanks John123 for the recommendation on the Zenith. I will check that out as well. I really want a white dial and based on a quick search on their website, it appears that it only comes in black, but I will look into it. That is a great lookign watch.

Actually in black, white, and blue.

No brainer for me - TOC all the way.

_________________
Driver8

Site Moderator

rbas,
The TOC is tough to beat, especially on a Breitling board! Look at the pictures from a fellow poster here;

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=30641

I was in Denver this weekend and saw the TO Chrono Silver with anthracite sub dials. It was fantastic looking. Again it felt like you held something special, with history and lienage but with modern workings!

Just a great watch and the time goes by so ssssssllllllllllllloooooooowwwwwwwllllllllllyyyy until I receive mine!!

_________________
Cheers
Brez

Aerospace
Airwolf CF-18 Limited Edition
TrancOcean Chronograph LE (mercury silver dial, brown croc, folding clasp)

To me, it's as simple as "in-house" vs "outhouse" movement. Chrono TO the whole way!

_________________
“The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once.” - Albert Einstein