The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hello,

I've been admiring Breitlings for years now. I like the Chronomat 41 but I'd like to learn more information about the differences between the Chronomat 41 and the Chronomat Calibre 13. I understand the movements are the main difference 41 being an in-house movement and the Calibre 13 being a fancied up ETA movement. Am I correct that the Calibre 13 is the older Chronomat GT? Is the Breitling 01 movement regarded as a nice movement? I like the fresher appearance of the new Chronomat 41 vs the Calibre 13 but I'm trying to justify the added cost. I believe I'd keep this watch forever but I'm curious about whether Breitlings hold their value very well long term? What's the typical recommended service period and cost?

I'm in the Houston area and I'm wondering if anyone knows of a good AD and what the typical discount off of MSRP that I can purchase a Breitling at. If you could PM me with the details I'd appreciate it.

Thanks!

If you decide to pull the trigger, contact members FEAR or jnelson3097, both are Forum Sponsors, both are AD's, both provide great deals, both are out of state(no tax).

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

The calibre 13 is the Chronomat / Chronomat Evolution. Decision between them has to come down to personal choice, you are paying a premium for the in house movement, but at the same time you get a 5 year warranty with that movement and only 2 years with the ETA based movements. Servicing on both is every 5 - 7 years and in house will cost more to service.

Neither watch will hold its value and generally speaking they will retain about the same percentage value over any given time.

I have had a Chronomat with the caliber 13 movement since 1999 and it has been great. I recently pondered the same question as you and ended up getting a pre-owned model with the older movement. My issue is with the new style which I don't love - bezel, rose gold, dial etc. The only thing I like about the Chromomat 41 is the size. My local AD had a remaining Chronomat Calibre 13 two tone which I could have gotten at least 50% off, but I decided that one was a little large for my 55 year old wrist. 43.7 mm seemed a bit too big for me. So I ended up going pre-owned and am very happy with my decision. I would not hesitate a watch with the old movement plus you'll save a bunch of money.

Happy hunting!

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Chronomat Vitesse
Navitimer
Montbrilliant Olympus
Crosswind

Let's clear up something off the top, which can be confusing. The Calibre 13 (also known as the Breitling 13 or the B13) is the name of Breitling's modified 7750-based movement, but the "Chronomat Calibre 13" is the current name of a specific model of watch, which was originally called the Chronomat Evolution, which is how I'm going to refer to it from here on out. All standard Chronomats since 1984, up through the Evolution, have had the B13 movement. A number of other Breitling models have had, and continue to have, the B13 movement, as well. As you know, the Chronomat 41 has the in-house 01 movement.

The movements are both good. The 01 movement has more cachet, since it's in-house, but the B13 is a tried-and-true, time-tested movement - generally very reliable. Whether the 01 is worth the extra cost depends on how important an in-house movement is to you. If your main criterion is accurate, reliable timekeeping, the B13 will do just fine. However, a lot of people like in-house movements because of that certain "something" that comes with a unique movement made by the manufacturer of the watch itself. Lots of watches by lots of different makers come with a 7750 variant; only Breitlings come with an 01. In practical terms, that really makes no difference, but for watch aficionados, that sort of thing matters. The 01 also comes with a five-year warranty, whereas the non-in-house models have a two-year warranty. The servicing costs of the 01 are more than that of the B13. Also, because it's in-house, getting it serviced by Breitling is a must. The 01 also has greater power reserve, and I believe there is no danger zone for setting the date. (If you don't know what I'm referring to, just do a search for "8-3 rule.")

The Evolution is a 44mm watch, whereas the Chronomat 41 is (obviously) 41mm. The Chronomat 44 is the true in-house descendant of the Evolution; the 41 is a smaller version of the 44, with some subtle differences in styling. Therefore, if you're trying to choose between the 41 and Evolution, size will be as much a consideration as movement and styling. If you find the 41mm size is right for you, there's a chance you might find the Evolution to be too big.

Another model you might consider is the Chrono Galactic. It's probably the closest thing to a Chronomat 41 with a B13 movement, both in terms of size and styling. At 39mm, it is a bit smaller, but it strikes me as being a more logical alternative to the 41 than the Evolution is, if your primary reservation about the 41 is shelling out for the in-house movement.

Or go for the Galactic 41. 41mm just no chrono function and contains a B49 movement. It's served me well for the last almost two years. Going to resize the bracelet and give it to the fiance, as she's starting to get into the "watch game" and I don't wear the G41 as much anymore.

http://www.breitlingsource.com/watch_de ... r_217.html

I looked at the Galactic 41 and it's very nice. I don't think I'd really use the Chronograph but I do like the look. I'm also looking at a used Navitimer B01 and I'm curious if the Navitimer would hold it's value any better than the Chronomats would or do Breitlings just not hold their value very well? AFAIK the Navitimer is regarded as one of Breitling's most famed timepieces, would you agree with that? I suppose buying used if I know it's genuine could be the way to go considering I'm not taking the blunt of the depreciation.

Here is my Black Eye Blue dial Chronomat 41. It took half of my wrist time since I bought it a month ago.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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Breitling Chronomat 41 BEB
Breitling Navitimer Olympus silver dial
Glashütte Original Senator Chronometer Rose Gold
Grand Seiko SBGR061
Zenith El Primero HW 420
Chronoswiss Regulateur 24 Limited

Navitimer and Chronomat are both well known Breitlings.

If you can find the piece your looking for, used can be a good way to go, depreciation reason as you mentioned.

I've been to Zadok Jewelers in Houston, seem to have a good selection of Breitlings and other high end timepieces. Don't know how well they discount though, never bought there, just browsed.

Good luck with your decision!

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Chrono Jetstream
Montbrilliant 1903
Aerospace E79362

I PMed you about the G41, grocery.

I'm in Houston on business for the summer and have been shopping around for my first Breitling (currently wearing a '68 Submariner everyday! Ugh!)
They are very nice people at Zadok. I purchased a Michele for my gf there last week. Joia in the Galleria is known to discount as well. Tourneau may or may not depending on who you talk to. Ben Bridge has never offered to discount more than 5%. Hope that helps. Good luck!

Regarding design and motor my favourite Breitling is the Chronomat 41 blackeye-blue dial. The missing weekday feature is the only thing why I haven't bought one yet. But in the very moment this one will appear the first in line will come home on my wrist. An all-silicone escapement (anker-wheel, anker, balance and hairspring) would make the thing very, very round.
Enjoy your beauty!!!
Best,
Robert

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Chronomat 41 BEB, Steelfish Chrono BEB, 2x Grand Premier, Chrono Cockpit 39 mm, Aerospace Avantage 79362
IWC 3706, 3705, 376706, 371928
Sinn 103 plexy
For sale: Sinn 356 II, Porsche Design Titan Chrono Valjoux
Wanted: Breitling Blackbird 13353 on bracelet