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proud, rich, historic .....

I've never been one of the true Buck Rogers haters, probably because I never fell for the "modern" Chronomat, maybe because it hijacked the name from one of the true brand icons, actually the one Breitling that passed it's DNA to many of the important models, until today's lates Navitimers and Montbrillant - but that bezel clearly wasn't a relevant milestone in Breitling's history.

Here's my (partial) take on Breitling's proud, rich history
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=52838

I think that is fair to say historically Breitling have introduced changes to the Chronomat line every six years or so. I'm not sure when the Crosswind was introduced, but I recall seeing them on display as far back as 1997 on a Caribbean Cruise, and I know that the last year production was available was 2003. So figure the Crosswind was around between 6 and 7 years.

Next came the Evolution with Basel 2004. The Evolution was in production until late 2008/early 2009, when the B01 was introduced. So that's....5 years. The move from the Evo to the B01 was more significant than putting the same people in a different house as the B01 was designed to accommodate the B01 movement. The new bezel, while an unfortunate choice cosmetically, was just rotten cherry on top of a nicely baked cake IMO.

All in all if Breitling does introduce a new bezel more in line with the historic Crosswind/Evolution style, it won't mark 'design change' as I assume the case and guts of the B01 will remain as is. I'd call it 'stylistic reversion' rather than any sort of monumental change in engineering philosophy.

I'll also acknowledge that the proliferation of rubber bezels and weird color schemes have marked an arguable departure from the Brand's 'history', as some of the more recent timepieces (Superoceans, etc) seem.....clownish to my eye. IMO it would be great if Breitling would stop producing these types of pieces and focus on the more traditional materials and face schemes. It also needs to be said that the brand became much more 'adventurous' when they hired the ex-Swatch head of design I think in 2008 or thereabouts. I thought that would be a bad move at the time and I have seen nothing to change my opinion.

But I'm over 40, and we all know that people over 40 are not to be trusted. So what do I know.

Bring on the bezel, baby. I've been saving my cash for three years waiting for this day. Don't disappoint me, Breitling!

My how times have changed. When I was young (not "really old" as Roff is prone to jab), we didn't trust people over 30.

As for the changes to the B01 Chronomat, I imagine it will be just the bezel. That's all I was told. The watch otherwise is very nice. Well, perhaps remove the square in the dial which is IMO an odd deal on a chronograph, but not a deal breaker for me.

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SHARKMAN

Now, now, 40 is the new 30, 50 the new 40, 60 the new 50, keep going and just keep telling yourself that.

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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

You know what they say, you're only as immature as you feel.....

Gentlemen, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading every post in this thread, one of the best ever on BreitlingSource. Informative, thoughtful and wonderfully entertaining, the opinions and ideas expressed by all who contributed have been just terrific IMHO. Possibly because the views have been expressed so well or more likely that I agree with so many of them has made reading the thread such a pleasure. It most certainly has heightened anticipation of upcoming announcements from the brand this year to a fever pitch. at least for me anyway...
Best,
Ron

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"The Sailor Who Fell From Grace With The Sea"...

Click to view: 500px Photo Gallery "Flow" or... 500px Photo Gallery or... Breitling Pics Slideshow

Are we talking bezel width mm or years?

Yes.

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SHARKMAN

I think this year marks the fewest leaks pre - basel in a long long time.

We have a blacksteel Bentley, a blacksteel SuperOcean.....and squat else but rampant (albeit informed) speculation.

I have been thinking the same thing. It's Tues. and not much concrete info. yet.

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Chrono Jetstream
Montbrilliant 1903
Aerospace E79362

Media presentations start at 1300 hours Wednesday. That makes 8 AM EST, right about the middle of my commute.