The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I've been admiring the Breitling brand for many years and I have finally decided to make my first purchase. I have always loved the Super Ocean A13340 with black face (link below), but instead of making an impulse buy on the watch I've always wanted, I wanted to hear some opinions on that specific watch (pros/cons) and other similar models (better/worse).

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BREITLING-SUPER ... 6rk%3D1%26

Generally speaking, based on the above model you can see what I'm looking for in this watch purchase, silver band, steel casing, and a black face. If someone could recommend the models that fit that profile, at all price ranges, I would greatly appreciate it.

I also would like some insight as to the best way to purchase. Buying from an authorized dealer in Dallas, Texas (where I live) or from a respected online shop etc..

Thanks,
Michael

The Superocean and Avenger lines are probably what you will like. You can get the Superocean Steelfish' from ADs for around $2,000-$2,500 in slightly used condition with a factory warranty (which means the AD prolly sent it back to Breitling for refurbishment). Do you want it for any specific purpose such as diving or flying?

Thanks for the reply. I won't be using the watch for any practical purposes, more for an everyday business watch. As you mentioned, comparing the Avenger and Superocean lines, what would be the main difference? is there a general consensus on which is superior? Also, are you saying buying used is the way to go If it's from an AD?

Watches like the Steelfish are discontinued, so you'll likely have to go used for that. All of the watches that you are looking at are part of what Breitling referred to as the Aeromarine range and are technically pretty similar so it's really down to trying htem on and seeing what fits for you.

I would always lean to an AD over grey market - shoppoing around or through a forum sponsor AD you will get close to the same pricing, plus the peace of mind of a Breitling warranty, and you won't get that grey market.

FWIW I have that CSO model that you are considering. It's my favourite watch. Substantial but not too heavy for everyday wear and I like the extra day complication. I love the finish but like all polished watches it does show smudges easily. It wears well on a bracelet, leather strap or even rubber. There are still some left in somJe UK ADs (Goldsmiths in Sheffield had one recently on Pro I diver strap). Wouldn't part with mine. I also have one of the last Chrono Avengers which is also a great watch, very easy to wear despite its 44mm size as its made of titanium and weighs noticeably less than the CSO. There are plenty of both these models on the second hand market. Check out Chrono24's website to get an idea of the going rates.

_________________
Breitling B-1 1999
Breitling Chrono Superocean 2004
Casio G Shock
Citizen Eco Drive AT4000-02E (for gardening)
Seiko 5 SNZG15J1
Hamilton X Wind LE

So to clarify... The AD advantage is you have the Breitling warrantee piece of mind but if the Breitling warrantee is only 2 years, essentially it would already be expired on the used models. Right? Sorry if this is a dumb question but I'm just trying to understand the advantages of buying through AD vs. grey market. How exactly would you define grey market? Would the above ebay auction be grey market?

Grey market tends to imply non AD new, so the listing I would call used. I have no problem buying grey and have several times, just deal with the bigger players like Joma Shop to give yourself the best chance at a successful deal. It basically comes down to savings vs risk of no warranty, although some Grey dealers do offer their own warranty, but I don't really know what that's worth, and hope I don't have to find out. So first decide on a watch, then shop around a little and see what some ADs will do. I suspect for the little you save going grey you'll opt to buy from a dealer.


PS: For the record the Super Ocean auction shows signs it's being shill bid buy the dealer.(Just saying, and doesn't sound like you had any intention in buying it)

Grey market = non authorised new

Secondary / used market = preowned

A used piece will not have the original warranty, although it may have some left, but buying used through an AD often involves the AD warranty (Govbergs offer 15 months for example) which is worth a lot more than a grey market warranty because an AD has access to Breitling parts.

I finally decided to pull the trigger on this superocean http://www.chrono24.com/en/search/index.htm?query=A13340&suchen=Search&dosearch=true&searchexplain=1&resultview=list but once I tried it on at my local AD it seemed to big for my wrist. Not so much the 42mm Diameter but the 15.1mm thickness really just seemed to much for me. I love this model and the look of the watch, does anyone have any suggestions for something similar but not as big/thick? Or will all Breitling Chronos have that same thickness?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Michael

What size is your wrist? If this is your first Breitling, I wouldn't let the watch's thickness or weight put you off too much...all the chrono models tend to have some heft but you quickly adapt to it. If you like the 42mm size, then 15-ish is about as thin as you get with a chrono model from Breitling. Non-chrono models are a little thinner but virtually all Breitlings are pretty hefty...it's one of their trademarks and it really does make a nice presence on the wrist.

Nickzac - I was thinking most of the chronos will be this larger size 42mm and 15mm thick, my wrist is about 6.75”. I just wanted to see if there were any 13mm or 14mm before I gave into the fact that if I want a Breitling chrono, this is the size it will be.

Navitimers tend to be a little thinner in the 14 - 14.5mm range, and quartz will allow you to go thinner as well - Chrono Colt is under 13mm and Chrono Sextant is not much more than 10mm. The smaller Windriders - Chrono Cockpit / Chrono Galactic for example are also under 15mm.

If you are looking for larger than 40mm and the Superocean, 15mm is pretty much as small as you get, even without a chronograph. The Avenger line has similar styling but are both larger and thicker. The size is partially because of the water resistance (the Superocean Steelfish can be used over a mile underwater and its sapphire crystal alone is about 4mm thick). The Superocean Heritage 38 is a bit thinner but it's style is very different from the traditional SO.

nickzak - what about a similar looking model that is 40mm but offers a thinner case?