The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi folks!

A couple of years ago Breitling came out with what I think would've been the Navitimer if the Navitimer had been invented in our age. Unrefined, technical, down to business. It was of course the Chronospace.

It is then, a bit like the original AOPA Navi. It is a watch that will one day be a classic. Or will it? You see this is really unclear, for it is a quartz and people don't seem to like quartzes as much. So what about it?

Breitling seems to have realized as well that they were running that risk. They had in their hands what had the potential to become an icon of the watch world (which is why they make sure the Breitling Jet Team gets its special edition) and at the same time is standing in its own way by its very nature.

Except, unlike us, Breitling has a watch manufacture at its disposal. And out of there appeared a solution to the Chronospace's problem: the Chronospace Automatic!

Objectively, this watch makes no sense at all. In its day, the Navitimer was the very top of the game. A specialty watch, a tool that would leave its user with a desire for no more, it was the proverbial instrument for professionals. In order to stand by that rank, it had to be the most precise, most functional and most useful pilotswatch around.

Translated to todays standards, this description could only be met by a quartz watch, which is why the original Chronospace is just such a thing.

As an automatic, then, even as a COSC certified one, it quite openly defeats its purpose. Or does it?

I wonder, because I suspect that it has never quite been aimed at the kind of people who would have an actual use for the Superquartz Chronospace.

No, the Chronospace Automatic was very probably meant for people who would like a Chronospace not as a tool, but as a watch. For people appreciating what the original Chronospace stands for, without wanting to concede the mechanical innards of an Automatic (this is where it gets slightly religious, does it not?). It is the watch which has you feel in today's day and age as you would have felt in the fifties while considering the Navitimer... while not being a pilot.

In that way, it has a sort of steampunk romantic about it, which, quite frankly, I'm having trouble to subtract from. To put it in one short sentence: I want one, badly.

So, I'm wondering, what are you guys and gals all thinking about the Chronospace Auto?

And you lucky folks out there who own one? What do you think? Would you mind posting some images?

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Cheers from Switzerland,

Fred

i like it A LOT, but only on the bracelet. stand by for a pic

Not quite sure that I buy in to the melodrama of the post, but the watch is better than most releases in the last couple of years, albeit with a size that eliminates many potential buyers and a bezel that has the potential to cause injury!

Had it existed at the time, I suspect Quentin Tarantino would have featured it in a Kill Bill duel. Agree on the size - puts it out of court for me, which is too bad, because I actually (sort of) like the watch, although it isn't on a short list of favorites, Breitling or otherwise.

Had a chance to try one on at my AD and was really impressed with this model. Preferred the black or grey dial. Looks much better in the metal though.

Never mind that, just my way of putting things and absolutely intended to be taken with a grain of salt

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Cheers from Switzerland,

Fred

I'm a big fan of this one. It's on the wish list.

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Breitling Navitimer: Black Dial
OMEGA Speedmaster Professional
Steinhart Nav.B-Chrono II
Elgin-Hamilton 37500 (Aircraft Clock)

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- This is Ghost Rider requesting a fly-by. - Negative Ghost Rider. The pattern is full.

Ordered one to look at today In black with batons and black subs. We'll see how well I can resist it when it'll be at the AD's

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Cheers from Switzerland,

Fred

I do like the model. The bigger metal bracelet is nice. I tried one on this weekend in Atlanta. Side by side with the TO chrono with the metal bracelet. I still do not like the bracelet on the TO, but the bigger size and less sheen on the chrono space looks better.

The use of the rack and pinion slide rule makes the use of it smooth and precise. As well as improving its water resistance.

The only draw back that I have for this line, is its huge 5 minute markers. Big squares are horrible to me!

Cheers
Brez

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Cheers
Brez

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

I agree entirely. I love the bezel but hate the squares. It's a bit academic in my case at it would look like a frisbee on my wrist.

There's the new dial there to help you with that, no squares

I have to say it is a matter of taste, I for one quite like the squares.

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Cheers from Switzerland,

Fred