The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Wow, a slew of new things this year at Basel! And the trend is interesting to say the least.

A: no stupid golden bezels

B: a Unitime without the much disputed globe

C: an SA with brushed finish, a simpler dial and a rather good bezel

D: an amazingly pretty QP

E: an Emergency II which wasn't disappointing... That is except for the price

How does any of this fit in with the recent past. If it weren't for all the blacksteel I'd say things are looking up... The former criticism almost appears to have been heard.

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Cheers from Switzerland,

Fred

That's what I hinted at earlier. It's certainly a 'move in the right direction' as far as I am concerned minus the DLC and 2/3rds of the Bentleys. While it's nice to think that they are listening, they are likely really listening to consumers in terms of sales volumes - if the numbers of rubber / weird font bezel sales are below expectations then change is inevitable.

I take this as a very positive sign, I just hope that it is the start of a trend - comparing releases over the last few years there seems to be little evolution, just a bunch of disconnected designs with DLC being the only recurring theme - almost seemed like they were looking for a new design ethos.

I heartily agree. While there are still a couple of real stinkers in the new range - i.e. ALL the Bentleys IMO, and the consistent and unending desire to DLC everything - there is also a heck of a lot to be pleased with as well.

The Emergency 2 is fantastic both in looks and function (just not in price), the new Aerospace looks the business, and the TO Unitime looks awesome. But for me, the Avenger line has been the real pleasant surprise this year so far. I was initially a little underwhelmed when I first saw them as I thought they were just too similar to the existing models, but I have to say after looking at them a little more, I really like them. The Seawolf GMT, and especially the bezel, look particularly nice.

I still think Breitling have something of a scattergun approach to design as there are some very disparate designs across the range, with no common "thread", but this is definitely a move in the right direction as far as I'm concerned.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

pleasantly suprised too - discounting these hideous Bentleys.

The Bentleys and the avengers were on complete opposite ends of the spectrum as far as "listening" to the general consensus on here. I am also pleasantly surprised by the avenger series and horribly disgusted by 2 of the 3 Bentley models. If they could just get this avenger bezel on the chronomat next!

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 2

Most of these new models actually look like Breitlings again. Maybe its time to start figuring out which model I want to get next, instead of which model I hate the most. I'd really love to see a Skyracer replacement though.

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-RJ

cmon Fred i could totally see you owning one

yes, clearly meant for me - those wonderful, classic pieces, sure to become icons of subdued taste.

none of the other new launches will be on my wrist, the TO Unitime SS is quite close to what I had hoped and asked for when I saw the Blacksteel, but it is just too big for my wrist (the only relatively slim Watchfred component) and tastes - but a huge leap forward.

neither will I ever own an SA II, an Aerospace Evo, a Seawolf, or, god forbid, an Emergency - but I love the fact that Breitling has remained true to the design language of these pieces and actually improved them aesthetically and in technology.

Well, they're still increasing sizing of nearly all models to the point of making them rap star bling, dubbing 38 mm models "womens watches" and releasing nothing new below 43mm. I just hope that human evolution catches up, unless we all start looking REALLY silly in two years time.

That would be my reservation and I've expressed it before. I bought my Aero because it was one of the smaller lings (at 42mm, which is hardly small by normal standards), but note that they've made that larger, reducing the range for the non-trunk-wristed. Or, I wish they'd do more of the lines in two sizes, as Omega often do.

I can understand Breitling's designs I think.

Rubber bezel & rainbow colors to appeal to younger demographics new Breitling owners ("not your grandpa's Breitling").

Evolved Avengers & EII appeal to classic oldtimers, those loyal to older style Breitlings.

DLC'd everything for current 1-pc Breitling owner to justify purchasing a second Breitling ("look honey, this one is BLACK!") & those loving the big chuncky Breitling designs but think "they're too blingy".

New Bentley designs appeal to Breitling owners that requires "bling2 baby!" factor, but don't want to pay Bentley diamonds prices.

Everybody happy.

Except for the current prices...

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a few Pams...

The dominant Breitling genes are taking over! Thank goodness tabs are still being produced on the new stuff. Maybe the majority here will start liking Breitling again.
Nah

Pretty much sums me up, right there.

So its agreed then. Breitling are back on form.

Or, is it that we were just harbouring feelings of embarrassment as forum members, if they pulled out any weird looking additions and changes at Basilworld? The sense of relief.

Gotta have faith.

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Jim

"You have Control".

Compared to Panerai's SIHH 2013 collection, Breitling (and Omega) knocked it out of the park. I can definitely see a Breitling EII (or Omega black ceramic... ) on my wrist!

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a few Pams...