The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I don't want to stifle intelligent discussion here, gents, but let's just try not to antagonize each other too much while we're doing it.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Thanks Driver. I second that.

+ 1

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Jim

"You have Control".

*pulls up a chair and some popcorn*

D8, you spoiled the fun as it was about to get interesting

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"It is just a matter of time!"

I only said "not too much".

No, I'm all for freedom of expression here, but I'm always keen to keep things friendly too whenever possible.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Wow, good thread with some good thoughts. I know I'm late to the party, but I would like to add a couple things. Firstly, I'm not really interested in most of the newer style Breitlings, as I have always been attracted to the rider tabs. I have been pretty vocal about what I like and dislike on this forum and as stated many times earlier in this thread, that really is what makes this place great.

With that said I do like some newer models, and I could see purchasing one. Would it be fun to spend a significant amount of money on something that I've wanted for a long time to get, just to see it ripped to shreds on a website? No, let's be honest, that sucks. But, it happens and people should try to remember that only their own opinion should matter, not some guy on a forum that has different taste.

Even though the abuse can be repetitive and a "downer" at least it's freedom... on both parts, the writer and the reader.

One more thing, Congratulations to everyone for making it this far through the thread without it being locked for some reason or another!! This is PROGRESS!!

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

Leonidas,
I think I catch the drift of your post. Everybody has pretty much nailed it, and that's the beauty of the forum. I learned early on here, you have to have rhino skin and a rubber asshole. Nothing personal, it's just a matter of opinion.

On a personal note, I kinda agree with Sharkman's original post. I used to drool over the Chronologs like a teenager with a Playboy magazine. Not so much anymore. Still love the brand but aside from the new navitimers, transoceans, and chronomats (to some degree) I am losing interest. Tastes change, and I still like the classic Aeromarine line up, and the sport models. Thanks for posting, and speaking your mind.

Don

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An ever changing collection.....

That's funny! Obviously my skin and behind are tough enough to endure some of the more interesting posters who may need your advise more than I. Good discussion though. I appreciate the honesty and passion here.

Why is it that every time somebody starts a thread about an older Breitling model, a few members and moderator in particular gush about how much they love it? Doesnt it get tiring?

Same thing, right?

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-RJ

And to add my opinion which most here have summed up quite well already... I used to love every single model, for the most part. It was exiting trying to decide which one I was gonna buy next. Would a trade one, sell one first, or buy one outright and grow the collection? I would search the BST for a good deal regardless of model, since id take any of them if the price was right.

These days, I dont even follow the new range. I come here to read about any major news, or just to shoot the shit.

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-RJ

To sum it up for me as this thread dies down, I have a better understanding of your community here. You either love or loved Breitlings and have the loyalty to voice strong opinions and continue to follow the brand. I can respect that. I also scratch my head at some of the new stuff but see diversity as a good thing. There's some nice stuff to like such as the Navi 01, TOC, and the SOH lines brought out in recent years. That's good enough for me to have a few B's in my collection. It also keeps you looking around at what else is out there (and all the IWC, Panerai, Omega, and JLC stuff will keep me busy enough). Thanks for all of your input everyone

OK, I’ve been enjoying this thread long enough, time for my 2 cents worth.
I do not see a huge difference in general between the situation today or in the past years.
To me, the line always had a fair share of great models at one end of the spectrum, disappointing ones at the other and something in between.
Looking at the current Breitlings line-up, my taste buds would group them as follows:

- The must haves – Most of the Navi/Montbrillant, Transocean and Chronomat ranges, yes even with the Buck Rogers font 
- Would be nice to have – SuperOcean Heritage and Avenger range. Even though the Avengers are simply too big for me, I still like their style
- OK laa (as most of us would say in Asia) – Superocean, Galactic, and most of Bentley ranges
- Hmmmm – Chronomatic and Colt ranges
- WTF is that? – Flying Bs and most of the Bentley LEs

Then there are a couple particular questions that buzz around in my head and I have no answers to:

- Why did they drop the Steelfish Superocean line? Was it really necessary to do so in order to introduce the new style SO?
- Why did they drop the classic rider tabs from the Chronomat range?

Now for questions that I can answer:

- Do I hate Breitling? Absolutely not. There are plenty of examples in the past and current offerings that pose a serious threat to my wallet and I am also extremely glad that there are many which do not.
- Do I like Breitling watches? I guess the state of my collection answers that question.
- Last but not least, why do we talk about it in this forum? Because that’s what it is for.

Good day to all.

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"It is just a matter of time!"

I do agree with those. I'd add a general point about the sizing assumptions they seem to be operating on. Dropping the beautiful Chrono-matic in an already reasonably butch 44mm and making it solely in a monstrous 49mm knocked it out of consideration for a great many people (it's not in the 2013 Chronolog but still on their website). Launching a Transocean Chrono in 38mm with the slogan 'First-class femininity' betrayed similarly steroidal assumptions.

Breitling have always catered to the trunk-wristed and that's fine, but there has to be some variety. Cp Omega, who have just brought out some of their most desirable 45mm Seamaster POs in a 42mm, or JLC, who have just downsized their iconic Master Control from 40mm to 39mm to broaden its appeal. If Breitling don't listen to us, you'd think they'd have an eye on their competitors.

After reading through all the posts - I still say that Breiting's offerings for the past few years have been disappointing to me.

Cheers!

We don't hate all the new releases... look at the excitement for the Emergency 2!

(although I must admit the excitement is tainted by fears of rubber/DLC/blacksteel)