The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I am new to owning a breitling and I was wondering if I should be concerned with wearing my cockpit in the ocean or on the beach. I know they are great solid watches but wondered if I need to worry with being expose to salt water or the sun all day.

No. As with any watch, rinse it off with regular water after exposure to salt water. Should be just fine.

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SHARKMAN

As with any watch, unless it is under some kind of warranty, it's at your own risk.

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"It is just a matter of time!"

I wear mine everyday.......

We frequently get these type of questions. It still befuddles me why there is a need to wear a $5k+ watch in the ocean . . . unless you're actually using one to dive with. Yes, the watch will most likely stand up to any abuse you throw at it, but why would you subject it to such things? Leave the Breitling in your hotel room and enjoy the beach with a G-Shock.

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Chronomat 01- Sierra Silver/Steel
Navitimer 01- Limited Edition #1337/2000

I agree but keep your Breitling in a hotel safe not just in your room. Or there must be a safe in the room……
And maybe you could get something nicer then a G-shock.

Interesting I feel just the opposite. Granted my SteelFish is not $5K, but still a lot more than a G-Shock. Some of my fondest memories with my watch are on excursions where the environment is a tad rougher than the country club locker room or office conference room down the hall.

Last fall I went on a deep see fishing trip with my wife and close friends. I personally had never seen the Gulf of Mexico up close. As soon as we crossed from the greenish bland Atlantic waters into what seemed like a lush blue river I instantly looked at the dial of my blue SF and thought that is where Breitling came up with the dial color. During that day we caught our limit of yellow fin tuna and two sail fish. More than once I remember looking at my bracelet/clasp bumping and clanging up against the steel reel of the fishing gear as I fought to haul the big fish in. Plenty of salt water sprayed all over me throughout the day. Super Ocean SteelFish was in a super ocean that day.


Earlier this year I had a small Hobie cat way too far out in the ocean then I should have been when a gust of wind flipped me over. I fell into the water but first went straight through the sail feet first ripping it to pieces. As soon as I popped up out of the water, a few feet from the boat, I grabbed for my wrist to make sure my trusty SF was still on my wrist. OR strap and watch firmly in place I just smiled and laughed at myself with pounding heart wondering how I would right the sail boat and limp back to shore. I made it unassisted and was happy my watch was along to share the adventure.

Sure I'd be pissed if I lost or damaged it, but having it make it through "battle" with me makes me love it all the more. Those two memories of my watch are probably my favorite. So I'd guess I say if you are not a "watch guy" don't risk it and keep your multi-thousand dollar jewelry in the safe. If you are really into watches, do you want your memories of fun times to be with your Timex or bare wrist? I'd rather scratch up my Breitling in a dive bar fight in some strange corner of the world then have it looking pretty at work. Its a tool watch, don't be a tool

This is one of those forum dividers it seems... I can appreciate that you want to use your nice watches in a rough environment / what they are designed to be able to handle. I also appreciate that we can have such different views on this in the same forum. However, I am definitely in the "keep it safe and nice" camp when it comes to my Breitling and Omega. G-Shocks are so good at taking abuse, and when you take into consideration the cost of replacement you are generally looking at a 1/4 of the cost of a new Breitling CROC strap. With that said enjoy your watches... My memories are more about the actual events I experience not the watch I'm wearing at the time.

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sco
Breitling Chrono Superocean
Omega Aqua Terra 8500
Rolex Submariner Date Ceramic

SCO, I hear ya. I'd probably be a lot less likely to take nice Chrono tool watch (Avenger, SA, CSO, etc.) into more harsh places...but my 3-handed SF or Planet Ocean seems to beg to get a bit dirty at times. I love pix of the military guys here with their Breitling in the cockpit much more so than a Navi out on the town. I think a lot might depend on if you are a watch keeper or flipper as well. I don't see myself selling many watches I aquire. I don't want them scratched or dinged, but I don't want to have to consider if I should wear them or not in every situation I might be in during the day.

How about the scene in Pulp Fiction where "The Watch" is given to the kid after his old man dies in the war? Don't think a plastic/quartz piece would have the same meaning handed down over time. Guess I think watches should be well taken care of, just not babbied.

Ill take any of my watches anywhere that id be willing to take my arm. The only exception would be to particularly dangerous places where it could pose a safety risk for myself or the people around me, or situations where ill be banging my wrist around (e.g. yard work, changing car battery etc) I just so happen to not enjoy swimming in the ocean, so thats not an issue for me.

At any time, id be more worried about losing my watch than damaging it.

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-RJ

I use one of my cheaper watches to the sea and pool. Don't see the real treat in having to clean up my Breitling from sand and saltwater every time I use it.

I'm with RJ - it's a watch and it's not going to melt or break from 'normal' activity. Obviously you wouldn't wear a Navi in the ocean but if it has the WR go for it.

Nothing wrong with coddling a watch of course, each to their own, but I too am more worried about losing it or having it stolen than damaging it in the normal course of life.

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Happines is Good Health and a Bad Memory.
"Ingrid Bergman"

I wear my superocean 90% of the time. This table will give you an idea about what you can do in the water with your watch.

http://www.breitlingsource.com/articles ... ance.shtml

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"A man with one watch knows what time it is; a man with two watches is never quite sure."

I for one will never think about leaving it at the hotel. I buy my watches to be worn where ever I go. Ocean, Pool, Golf ETC. I have never once had any issues. Besides would you rather someone at the beach say wow that is a nice G-Shock or WOW what type Breitling are you wearing?

If anyone is in North Wildwood this summer send me a Message here. I am usually on the beach every weekend. We can meet up have a drink and talk watches.

For me, it's because a huge part of my enjoyment of this hobby is sharing it with other enthusiasts -- most often in the form of a wristshot picture, and my Gshocks just wouldn't be the same in these (old) pics...

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a few Pams...