The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Dear all,

I need your expert opinions on this one. I am looking for a daily used watch for under 5k and my requirements are: date, chronograph, something that looks decent on both leather strap and bracelet, around 42-44mm, if possible see through caseback and dial less cluttered. I don't mind going second hand.

I understand that is a lot to ask for especially for under 5k, this is why I need your expert opinions. From the information I have gathered my options are:

Omega Speedmaster moonphase


IWC Pilot chrono


I do like the Breitling Chronomat with the 01 in-house calibre, but that is a out of my budget. My current watches are:

Hamilton BelowZero 46mm


Cartier Santos 100 SE


Thanks in advance for you comments.

Also any idea what is the smallest size they make breitling by bentley's?

The Omega is my personal favorite. Although, Victorinox makes a vintage military chrono along the same lines and I believe its under $2000 are you talking U.S dollars?

Bentley Mark VI is 42mm, but likely out of budget. Bentley GT is 44mm and you should be able to find a used one under your budget. The GT would be my choice.

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-RJ

Here is a suggestion that is right at your limit, but it's a beauty. Check the TZ Sales Corner as there is a pre-owned at quite a bargain.

Stainless steel case with a stainless steel bracelet. Fixed bezel. Black dial with luminous hands and luminous index hour markers. Minute markers around the outer rim. Three: 6 hours, 30 minutes, 60 seconds. Automatic movement. Scratch resistant sapphire crystal. Transparent case back. Case diameter: 42mm. Case thickness: 14mm. Deployant clasp. Water resistant at 100 meters / 330 feet. Functions: hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph, tachymeter. Glashutte Original Sport Evolution Mens Watch 39-31-43-03-14.

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I have to say that glashutte makes beautiful watches. However a date function is very important for me as for a daily watch.

My bad, forgot about the date requirement.


Here is another one though that fits the bill also on TZ Sales Corner and well within your budget.

MINT Graham Chronofighter RAC Trigger Automatic in stainless steel. 46mm, watch features blue dial, red/luminescent markers and Arabic numerals at 6 and 12, luminescent hands, date window, chronograph function, PVD lever, exhibition case back and automatic self-winding movement Caliber G 1742. 42 hour power reserve. Watch comes on a black rubber strap with stainless steel deployant buckle. Water resistant 50m.

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Thank you very much for your help, greatly appreciated. But I think the Graham but be an overkill for daily wearing especially I usually wear a suit for work.
Your choice on the Glashutte was great though.

If youre budget was a grand or so higher, a used JLC master compressor chrono would be a shoe in.

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-RJ

Great idea RJ. Only downside is the thickness of the case if it is going to be a daily wearer.

A few other options:
-Breitling Blackbird
-Breitling Chronomat Evolution
-Breitling Navi 01 (likely would need an extra grand to get used on a strap)
-IWC Aquatimer Chrono

Obviously there are many more.

Now if the chrono was not a requirement...then you just added a ton of options.

Emergency Mission. easy.

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Breitling SOH chrono on + ProII soon to be Pro III
B1 + UTC on Fighter A877
Navitimer World GMT on Navi + leather
SO 46mm on OR + Mesh
Avenger M1 Regatta on Pro 1

My suggestion would be a Cosmonaute Serie Speciale. With a little patience you can find a nice specimen way below your pricing bracket, resale value should be quite a safe bet. A true classic.

Yeah, but no date.

right. would add the Zenith El Primeros, several fit the specs and price range, some are very nice watches, though your repair odyssey with yours makes me hesitate; have owned mine for years and never had a problem.

Ahh didn't know you were a "Suit" DTM1, you are probably right it wouldn't be appropriate attire to wear with a suit. IWC also makes a couple of nice ones that falls within your budget...like this one, just no display back on it, but still sharp looking.

IWC Portofino

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