The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I purchased my first Breitling Chrono last year, super ocean A13340. I now have two "sport" watches and want to make my next purchase a "dress" watch.

When I was going through the research process last year for my chronograph, my final choice came down to the watch that I visually found most appealing. However, when looking at dress watches I feel they all look very much the same, which makes finding the absolute best maker at my budget my goal for this thread.

I am looking to spend under $5,000. Obviously I would prefer something in the 2k-3k range but if a lot more overall value can be obtained by streching up to 5k I am willing.

Right now I'm thinking an automatic with a white or silver face. I ultimately would like to be able to purchase both a black and brown strap that I could change up when I wanted.

I appreciate the help and look forward to everyone's opinions.

Thanks,
Michael

IWC Portofino. Some Portuguese chronos are showing up for 5 or just under, but the Portofino should be clearly under.

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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'll say the JLC Master Control. The new 39mm model would be tough to get new for $5k, but the recently discontinued 40mm model should be easily achievable. It is the quintessential dress watch with all of the horological heritage that one could want.

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Steelfish GMT LE (white)

Personally I consider the Cockpit to be a bit of a dress watch and though discontinued can still be found in ADs (or certainly the new variant - the Galactic 41). Having the strap and bracelet options is always a plus.

Or you may consider FC where you can get a classic style with a true in house movement for about $2500 -




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SHARKMAN

I would recommend the Omega Aqua Terra. I feel like it's a lot of bang for your buck. With a small discount you should be able to get one under $5,000.

Oh yeah definitely. Ive seen ATs on forums NIB from trusted sellers for way under 5k.

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

I'm not much of a dress watch guy but if I were in the market the JLC mentioned above, JLC Ultra Thin, or Zenith Captain Central Seconds would be at the top of my list.

I'm quite partial to the Omega De Ville Prestige Small Seconds myself. This is just one of many dial options:



39mm. There are also a few quartz models with date, in a small 34.4mm case.

The Prestige seconds is around MSRP $3800. Looks even better in real life!

Cheers,
Carl

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'63 Omega Seamaster, 2014 Omega Speedmaster MarkII

"Those who possess a sense of entitlement are seldom satisfied"

A Zenith for me, the Heritage Ultra thin will do.

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life's too short and you only live once

I'm not really sure of all the options, but of those mentioned, I'd agree with ....



I know I'll be disagreed with, but IMHO, a dress watch should have no date, a two hand or sub-second dial, a baton or Roman numeral dial, and a black (pref croc) strap. In short it should be simple and timeless not flash. Like I said, IMHO.

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Emergency + Co-Pilot
Navitimer Heritage
Chronomat Evolution
SuperOcean Heritage 46
Avenger Seawolf Ti
Colt 2 Automatic

I'm with Tom on this one. At around 2.5K for a nice dress watch FC are hard to beat.

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"It is just a matter of time!"

It’s as wide open as your imagination will allow. Dress watches mean certain things to some people, whilst they mean something completely different to others. If you are a traditionalist, then most of the watches already listed here are worthy of consideration. Your choice though is what matters.

Reduced and refined (simplicity) is more the point though for a Dress watch. Although, I can’t personally abide by the notion that they must fall into a type cast that could restrict your personality. Sophistication, yes. But also a sense of occasion is important. Beauty is the key ingredient here.

I am not sure about the Aqua Terra, as I still can’t find much to get enthused about on this one. And me, an Omega fan from way back………. But that’s just me.

You are looking for simplicity and beauty. They usually go hand in hand. So, take a view;
1. Regularity is beauty.
2. There is great beauty in Harmony.
3. Order is the creation of Beauty.
4. Any beauty that does not have a foundation in use grows distasteful.
5. The highest use possesses the greatest beauty.

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Jim

"You have Control".

Can confirm the great deals available on AT's. Maybe I am a bit biased but I think both of you are right about the huge value in the Omega Aqua Terra line-up. Both dressy and sporty at the same time.







However, for a true dress watch under 5k my first look would be at a JLC Reverso Grande Taille. Great value with an amazing company, and more heritage than you can shake a stick at. (pic stolen from the web)

Guided a buddy towards a daily wear FC and I was quite impressed with the build and value