The Breitling Watch Source Forums

With the theft of my Cockpit I am now on the search for a replacement to my collection and I am a bit torn. I have decided to add a sportier watch since the cockpit along with my Navi and CM 24 left me without a knockabout watch. I would like a three hander with some water resistance to wear on bracelet and rubber mostly on the weekends. I am thinking of staying in the sub $2500 area, and have considered the following choices. Feel free to toss in you own thoughts based on the above criteria...

Breitling Colt Auto II- one of my favorite Lings that is a great value for the buck. The dial has such detail and the relativly thin case is a definite plus. However, the only knock I can find is the 20mm lug width would exclude the rubber deployant option on either the DP or OR straps.

Breitling SuperOcean Steelfish- an all time classic with a bit more heft than the Colt, and the 22mm lugs give more versatility for straps and my leather options I already have. However, I much prefer batons to the arabics and lume dots, and the thickness is a concern.

(Wild card) Doxa Sharkhunter (or similar model)- I have always been interested in trying a Doxa as a weekender and really like the case stylings and the beads of rice bracelets. I would probably look at a silver dial instead of the orange, but I also worry that the build quality could end up being less than what I have second accustomed to with my Lings.

There ya have it....what are the thoughts of the esteemed members? Any other suggestions I should consider.

I'd pick the Steelfish.

On another consideration, how about an Omega SMP?

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"I don't got the bright watch I got the right watch" -Jay Z

I was thinking Omega too, but at $2500.00 I'm not sure what you will be able to get. Would it be out of the question to try to find another Cockpit? It seemed like you really liked that watch and didn't get to spend that much "time" with it. Pardon the awful joke...

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

How about an Emergency, works amazingly well as my weekend / knockabout watch.
I know I shouldn't have but I've been swimming with mine on on numerous occasions without issue - I figured if bear grylls can jump 60ft in to the ocean with one on then it must be ok...

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Breitling navitimer super constellation LE
Omega Ploprof 1200m
Bremont supermarine
Rolex milgauss GV
Olivant and Botsford 40mm Gold edition

1) Used Omega PO XL
2) UTS 1000M v2 (42/43mm, 14.5mm thick, 22mm lug, 51mm lug length) - ~ $2000 new
3) Oris diver ?

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Chrono Jetstream
Montbrilliant 1903
Aerospace E79362

Really nice SMPs can be found used at $2k or under. Thinner, comfortable watch. I personally like the speedy bracelet. The model 2254 is a more expensive-looking watch than the rest IMO, but the GMTs go in that range as well, and add a complication.

Terry's idea of the PO is a good one, 2500 range works, a little thicker than an SMP but not bad. Try it on your wrist, though. I always walked away from the 42 wanting it to be a little bigger and from the 45 wishing it was just a bit smaller.

The Colt II is a nice choice. The size makes it so versatile. It is a polished bracelet though, isn't it, and that might be a little flashy for sport.

The Steelfish means exchangeable straps with the CM24, a big bonus in my mind. It is thick, though. I wore mine for dress from time to time, but it is a lot of watch to fit under a sleeve. Brushed bracelet makes it a great weekender, though.

Never had a Doxa , though I have often read that they look a little smaller on the wrist than their dimensions. May also be a bit thick.

With what you have, it's a tough call. It didn't sound to me like you were ready to completely go away from work use with the watch, so the Colt or, if you like them, an SMP or PO might be best. As always, try to find an example somewhere to put on your wrist, and you'll know.

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Scott

AP Royal Oak 15400, silver
Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Classic Cars
Vintage gold Corum
Rolex DJ 36 TT, oyster dial, oyster/smooth
Baume & Mercier Riviera 200m, silver dial/aquamarine bezel
Breitling Superocean 57, rose/stainless

I would guess if you think you would like the Colt you could only but love the SteelFish. As Scott says the 22 mm is a bonus.

SteelFish all the way.

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Breanach78

A Few Breitlings.

Seawolf : Ti or SS- (22mm) Go anywhere -Do anything-Take a beating-Mans watch.

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Time is everything.
Collection

Breitling Steel Superocean Heritage
Breitling Ti Seawolf
Breitling Ti Aerospace Le
Bulova Gold Accutron

Just sent you a PM.

Lots of great opinions on the subject and all are appreciated. I have been leaning towards the Colt Auto II because as Scott said I am not looking to go completely away from a versatile size that can be worn at work.

With regards to Omega options, I have never really warmed to the hands on the models, and I would prefer a silver or white dial to compliment my black Lings.

That being said things may change while I wait for the right option to pop up and get my insurance check in the mail.

Thanks fellas

Reading over this again how about a 13552 Chronomat. Super wareable size, 39mm, chronograph and you should pick one up for a song! Your pilot should also fit as an added bonus!

Here's my TT B13552

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Breanach78

A Few Breitlings.

Galactic 41. I've got one for sale if interested