The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Need help deciding which Breitling Chronograph to purchase.

I have narrowed down my purchase choices to:

A) Pre-owned SuperOcean Chronograph A13340 (2005-2011) Currently out of production
MSRP $4640, would likely pay $2500 to $3000 pre-owned, No warranty, +$100ish to make bracelet "brushed"
Black Dial, Polished Professional Bracelet. 42mm Diameter/ 15.1mm thickness

http://www.ebay.com/itm/330835822177?_trksid=p5197.c0.m619

http://www.breitlingsource.com/watch_details/Aeromarine_75.html

B) New Colt Chronograph II 2012 A73387
MSRP $3850, Lowest price including tax I have found at an AD is roughly $3,300, 2 year Warranty
Black Dial, Brushed Professional Bracelet. 44mm Diameter/ 15.1mm thickness

http://www.breitlingsource.com/watch_details/Aeromarine_253.html

http://www.breitling.com/en/models/colt/colt-chronograph-II/versions/index.php

Here is my dilemma, I prefer the Dial on A but I prefer the bracelet on B. I have discovered that there is not a brushed pro bracelet that is compatible with the A dial. I initially thought that A) 42mm was too big and showy for my wrist but after trying on B which is 44mm I now realize it was the shine of the polished bracelet that was a big turn off for me. If I were to buy A, I would pay an extra $100ish to have my AD brush the older professional bracelet, which I don't think will look exactly like an authentic new brushed pro bracelet but I think should get close. This would make it a brushed bracelet and a brushed/polished case which is exactly like B).

I can see pros/cons for both and can't make up my mind. I would appreciate some insight as to which of the two watches you all would choose and why. Additionally based on my criteria (Black dial, chrono, brushed bracelet, no larger than 44mm) is there another model you would choose over these two, I will say that cost is not a huge deal breaker, but simply based on looks, I prefer these two styles over majority of the more expensive current models on Breitling's website.

Thanks,
Michael

I don't think it's really fair to compare a automatic SO Chrono to the Quartz Colt Chrono... SO will win everytime in polls on this forum

Depends on whether you want a quartz watch for that money... if you are happy with that, then go for it.

Otherwise grab the superocean

I didnt even get to your explanation...but all I can say is SUPEROCEAN CHRONO!! IMO, its one of the best looking, most versatile watches Breitling has ever made.

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-RJ

Buying a watch because you prefer the bracelet doesn't make much sense to me. As others have said automatic vs quartz isn't going to be a fair fight in the poll.

I appreciate the feedback. I guess I underestimated the fact that an automatic will always trump a quartz. I guess the main reason for my indecision is the unknowns with refinishing a polished bracelet to brushed and buying pre-owned without warranty. I feel like I haven’t heard of many people turning a polished bracelet to brushed, just wanted to make sure it wouldn’t ruin the integrity of the watch.

I have the SO and it's the one watch I will never sell simply because I think it's one of Breitlings best. Nice size, good build, additional 'day' complication. If you brush the bracelet to suit your preference, the process is not irreversible and it can be re-polished at a later date. I like the new Colt models but don't like that the bracelet doesn't fit flush to the case. FWIW I wouldn't swap my SO for a new Colt. Good luck with whatever you decide.

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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

I don't know if you have seen both models in person, but, just to clear up a bit of specification confusion, the SO chrono is actually thicker than 15mm, more like 17mm. Gives a more chunkier feel to it, may not be an issue.

Also, there is a rather new piece the SO Heritage chrono 44mm, as in the link below, in case you have some interest - a little dressier.

http://www.breitling.com/en/models/supe ... /index.php

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Chrono Jetstream
Montbrilliant 1903
Aerospace E79362

Kodiak - you are correct. I just now realized that, but they list both watches as 15.1mm, I wonder if the CC II is truly 15.1mm, it does see slightly thinner. $3k+ for a quartz watch seems a little much, I’m leaning towards the SO, even though it is super thick.

Personally I would go for the Superocean Chrono, pretty much for the same reasons that have already been mentioned here.
You could get one of the earlier models for a little bit less money and use the saving towards a full overhaul done by Breitling.
For about $500 the watch will come back working and looking like new and you will get Breitling 12 month warranty on the overhaul service.
As you say, you can get someone to brush the bracelet for you if that is your preference but do not send the bracelet in to Breitling with the watch else they will restore it back to it's original condition.
Best of luck in your search.

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"It is just a matter of time!"

I think SO it is. Final question, I am going to have my local dealer brush the bracelet, what about brushing the case to give it a matching satin finish? Is this possible, anyone know from experience?

Yes. Brushing the bracelet is easy. Brushing the case and the bezel is a bit more complicated, but it can be done. If Breitling will do it, I would have them rather than an independent jeweler as the concern exists regarding excessive metal removal (slightly) deforming the case.

I would say Superocean given the heritage, the durability, the look, and the function. However, I would be picky when buying. The 2005-2007-era SO's are getting to the point in which they will soon need service, which is $600-700-ish for the SO Chrono IIRC and can take 2+ months. So if you buy one from that era and it has not been serviced, I would take this into consideration when making offers as it may need service almost immediately after you purchase it. Also, a newer SO will have the Pro 2 bracelet which you said you like more, where as older ones will have the original Pro. So if you find someone with a 2010-11, it's worth spending a bit more.

Have you thought about the Blackbird?
Black dial, brushed case and brushed Pilot bracelet.....

http://www.breitlingsource.com/watch_de ... er_13.html

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"It is just a matter of time!"

Nickzac – That is a great point. For example this watch below was originally sold in 2005, but it appears to be in fantastic condition with hardly any signs of wear to the structure of the casing or bracelet. Taking into account that it is 7 years old, what would be the most you would pay for the watch building in $500ish for servicing in the future? 2500-2600? Also, what is the typical timeline for servicing these Super Oceans, if I bought the watch and had it serviced right away for “preventative maintenance” what is the likelihood that I could of worn the watch for 4 more years and once it died on me then have it serviced. Is there any benefit to servicing a watch before it has any problems?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/330835822177?_t ... 97.c0.m619

There are a lot of threads on servicing - search will help you locate them. As a rule of thumb the watch will need servicing every 5 - 7 years.

From what I have read from people like Roff, Fred, and Mark Heist, the 5-7 year mark is pretty good...even if the watch is rarely used but regularly cycled to prevent oil migration. Modern synthetic lubricants will allow a watch to continue to work once it should be serviced (less accurately mind you) until the watch itself breaks requiring both repair and service. There are usually signs that the watch needs service, such as it becoming less accurate or not running for as long as it should (42ish hours).

If you don't know the history on the watch (demand hard copy documentation), I would assume it is near needing service. A lot of sellers actually 'flip' watches to avoid the time/money for service and then get something new. The other thing with service is that it replaces the gaskets for water resistance...these gaskets do break down and require replacement. Also, buying a watch with an established service history decreases the chance you buy a watch that was serviced with non-factory parts (which increases the price of the real service).

If you bought it and had it serviced immediately, you'd have a year long warranty on it and would get 5-7 years before needing another service. If you go this route, you may want a contractual agreement with the seller in the event Breitling finds other problems because they can add up fast.

So for price, take what you would pay for a 2011 model with the newer bracelet, subtract the 700-ish (including dial hand replacement) for service, a hundred for shipping related expenses, whatever the price difference in a new vs. old style bracelet means to you, and whatever the time (think at least 2 months) means to a full turnaround.

If this was me personally, I would buy a 2011, preferably from an authorized dealer or establishes seller on the forums. Once you factor in all expenses, I can almost promise you it will be cheaper in the long run, and it will have a higher resale value given the newer make and bracelet and it will be what you want and not need service. Two months is pretty painful once you have the watch and then have to relinquish it...it's really, really nice.