The Breitling Watch Source Forums

About 15 years ago I purchased my first real watch: a TT Crosswind. Although it was a little "older" for my then-25 year old self, I loved it for nearly a decade. Over time, I sort of outgrew the gold elements and, despite it being a draw at the time of purchase, actually began to feel like it was a little too busy.

I bought into the Panerai brainwashing.

Flipped the Crosswind in 2010 for a Panerai 112, paying a decent amount for the "upgrade." Eventually moved that for a SOH 46, back to a titanium Panerai, briefly a Radiomir PAM and finally to the Avenger Skyland now on my wrist. Something I discovered over that journey might save fellow posters a few headaches and bucks:

1. Breitling is far better in terms of finishing, detail and, frankly, comfort;
2. Constant strap changing is somewhat annoying while adding to cost of ownership over time;
3. Panerai service is pretty awful. They must feel it's an honor to wear one, so taking it in the shorts come service time is welcome;
4. The "Paneristi" thing is a little psychotic and something I personally feel pushed me away from the brand.

OK, so some of these things are personal preference and harsh. The thing I don't feel is subjective necessarily (coming from someone that obsessed over Panerai PRIOR to actually owning one) is that the value proposition simply isn't there with many brands when compared to Breitling. When you examine the quality, detail, meticulousness and overall robustness of the average Breitling it's pretty embarassing to see other brands charging thousands more for perception. I like reality instead. The reality is brands like B&R, Panerai, Graham and others charging a premium for size and creative vendor stories really do the watch industry a disservice. Any multi-thousand dollar purchase should encompass the entire package -- quality, fit/finish and service after the sale. Frankly, Breitling hits all three and others in similar pricing categories do not. I feel dumb for realizing what I instinctively knew before I knew much about watches at all: Breitling simply has more "there" there and is probably the value leader in the industry next to Omega.

Next watch will be a Breitling, and maybe all the rest will as well.

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Avenger Skyland
If I said I was good, you'd think I was bragging.
If I told you I wasn't, you'd know I was lying.

Bell & Ross, UBoat, are very bad in term of service too. I got irg of them on the first occasion.Omega are expensive to overhaul $575 and without cosmetic work...

Breitling service has always been under $500 in two instances. But we all know the watch is done correctly and looks new upon return.

Seriously though, wondering how an ETA 2824 service gets that expensive from the brands you mentioned.

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Avenger Skyland
If I said I was good, you'd think I was bragging.
If I told you I wasn't, you'd know I was lying.

Some really helpful reflections there. Thanks OP. I've flirted with the idea of a Panerai because of the minimalist design but always wondered whether that same minimalism would end up becoming a bit boring. Your thoughts?

Can't agree more!

To each their own, but since it's a breitling forum, there's something about them which puts a smile everytime I put on one!

pEaCe

It's hard to argue that Panerai is unattractive. There is a weird pull the design has that's hard to shake. Viewed through the lens of cost vs return however, next to a detail-filled Breitling it seems like you're paying a premium to receive what looks like a stripped down base model. Of course you can get around that with a GMT model or something, but then you lose that minimalism that's so appealing to begin with.

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Avenger Skyland
If I said I was good, you'd think I was bragging.
If I told you I wasn't, you'd know I was lying.

I hope you do end up giving Omega a shot. I really do. I did earlier this year and found the experience to be really something else. SMP 4 (40 years old) with Lemania based 1040 movement. No AD involved but overall a really great watch purchase IMO. I am busying for a refurb as I write, as it does need a bit of work, and even here in Oz, parts are easy to get. Something about the Pilot Line watches by Omega that are an instant hit with me.

I've never been that interested in Pam or a B&R or, for that matter - many other makers. But as the OP points out, its all about personal taste and preferences. I am glad your experiences have been good ones regarding Breitling and you echo my thoughts on the topic too.

There are other smaller makers out there who offer great value. I particularly like Sinn and Hacher. Not mainstream I know, but can't say I have been duded by the experience with these makers either.

Enjoy your new Ling.

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Jim

"You have Control".

I still have a soft spot for breitling. Not as much crazy for them as I once was. Having owned quite a few different models I have one that is a go to, the chronomat Evo.

They make a good watch. Eye catching for sure. As for value that's All subjective. One mans trash is another mans treasure.

i know it's a breitling forum, but i can't help it, reading "They must feel it's an honor to wear one"...

one of my son’s friends works in an apple store as a sales person.
he told my son that at apple they do not say “you are fired” they say “you have been promoted to customer”…

too much of that these days!

i've been in contact with breitling customer service UK a number of times about different matters (identifying a watch, buying boxes, etc.) and have ALWAYS received a quick, personal and courteous response.
also, the service/overhaul is not cheap, but you literally get a new watch!

i think it's (in general) pretty good value for money!

cheers,
pg

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“They did not know it was impossible, so they did it”

Mark Twain

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Navitimer World
Avenger Seawolf
SuperOcean
Crosswind Special
Headwind
Montbrillant Datora
SuperOcean Heritage 46

That has the potential to mislead...

yeah, right... er... only if you take it literally!

literally, from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary:
(informal) used to emphasize a word or phrase, even if it is not actually true in a literal sense
e.g. I literally jumped out of my skin. (AN: try that! )

given this is a forum and not parliament, i think "informal" is OK.

additionally, i would expect anybody sensible to refer to the breitling web site, or their AD, and not to my posts, when taking the decision to send a watch for overhaul.

however, for the record, for the less-bright out there, for the daydreamers, etc., no, you don't really get a new watch... but it looks as good as new!

hopefully, this clarifies...

_________________
“They did not know it was impossible, so they did it”

Mark Twain

- -- - -- -

Navitimer World
Avenger Seawolf
SuperOcean
Crosswind Special
Headwind
Montbrillant Datora
SuperOcean Heritage 46

Thanks for that. I thought that, even without an emoticon, the ellipsis in my post conveyed self-evident drollery. But the clarification for the 'less-bright' is good of you.

yeah... OK!

get the emoticons in next time...

you know, i work in aviation, so without the guidelines (and sometimes with them) people don't get it!!

cheers,
pg

_________________
“They did not know it was impossible, so they did it”

Mark Twain

- -- - -- -

Navitimer World
Avenger Seawolf
SuperOcean
Crosswind Special
Headwind
Montbrillant Datora
SuperOcean Heritage 46

Polishing is immaculate, movement overhauled to the screw level, new crystal, hands etc. So in many important ways it is new.

_________________
Avenger Skyland
If I said I was good, you'd think I was bragging.
If I told you I wasn't, you'd know I was lying.