The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I know this has been covered (and yes I know how to use the "search" button:) but just for fun and for my own possible purchase in the future-
Which one, size, dial color AND which is the most desired or "collectable." Hopefully, this spurs some good back and forth. Sláinte!

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ROLEX Sea-Dweller (116600)
ROLEX Submariner (116610LV)
HAMILTON Stanley c. 1932 (19 jewels/grade 401 movement)

They're both great watches, but personally I'd say the Steelfish is more popular (I don't want to say "collectable" as not many modern Breitlings can necessarily be called collectable yet) for a couple of reasons.

For me the Steelfish takes the win in that particular match-up because it's a great "Goldilocks" watch (i.e. not too big, not to small : not too thin, not to thick : not too brushed, not too polished, etc), which means it really expertly bridges the gap between a tool watch and something that can be dressed up. For example, the applied markers with great lume really do elevate what is already an extremely competent watch above just pure function.

All dial colours are great - The silver (really more ivory) gives the watch a more contemporary and non-traditional diver look that really works really well with brown leather ; the blue dial has brilliant depth and shine to it depending on the light, and the black dial is extremely legible and more traditional in terms of a dive watch. I've personally owned the 42mm version with the silver dial, a 44mm silver dial and a 44mm black dial myself, and while I liked all of them, my favourite by some margin was the black dial version. Again it was super-versatile, a great size, looked fantastic on the bracelet, rubber and black leather, and was just a great all-rounder.

In terms of the Seawolf, then I much prefer the later steel version to the original titanium, but for me, it's just a little too thick for the case diameter (it always strikes me as very tall on the wrist), and I've always felt it could also do with 24mm lugs to balance it out a bit more. It's definitely more "tool" in appearance as well (with the matte dials, and especially the admittedly cool yellow dial), which means it's less versatile than the 'Fish IMO, but if "tool" and presence is your goal, then the 'Wolf is hard to beat in the Breitling line-up.

But for me, the 'Fish is one of the all-time classics of the modern era, so that's where my vote goes. I hope one day that if Breitling ever manage to produce an in-house 3-hander(!), they consider a re-release of the Steelfish. That'd be an instant purchase in my book.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

I own this but I really like the Wolf. That said I had an Avenger/Skyland and it was a similar thickness. I smacked that too many times so I had to let it go. This said I could not agree more with Diver8 as to a true tool watch. The Wolf has that in spades. I would also add that I wore my Steelfish five days a week for years as a residential plumber. Granted, I would remove the watch when things got rough, but it still had to endure some pretty tough situations and came through without a problem. I like them both but the Fish, in my opinion, has a look that can fit just about any situation you can come up with.
Frank.

Yeah steel fish all the way. I don't think you can beat the blue dial. Personally I love mine, and how much the dial Hanes from light blue to almost black depending on the lighting. The concentric rings on the dial give it great depth. One of my faves!
I'd love to buy a cream/silver dial one some day. I'd also love a yellow sea wolf II... But alas there's just too many watches on the list ahead of it!

Some of my photos can be found over here, as I can't get them to attach again for this forum on my phone sorry. http://forums.watchuseek.com/f15/supero ... 696?page=1

I've owned them both. Love them both. Still have the SteelFish, sooooo regret selling the Sea Wolf. SteelFish is a great every day watch if you don't need anything dressy. Sea Wolf is a great 2nd watch IMHO. It is a bit big/bulky for everyday especially if you have long sleeves on. SW has great wrist presence if you are after that. I like the SF on bracelet and SW on ocean racer. SW is heavy.

As for color SteelFish has to be blue with white a close 2nd. For the Sea Wolf hands down YELLOW!!

Awesome picture Frank! (Makes me all the more gutted that I don't currently own one!)

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Driver8

Site Moderator

I know it's a lump but in all honesty it's probably the most comfortable lump I own. Titanium is light and warm on the wrist and surprisingly tactile.
It's a conversation piece at 3,000m / 10,000ft waterproof and on Cartouche it's very wearable. Put it on the titanium bracelet and it can look smart. Personally I prefer the Black, it's a little more understated.
It probably has more wrist time than any of the other watches I own which has surprised me, as I didn't think it would when I originally bought it.
I regularly look at other Brietling's in-store but in all honesty haven't yet seen one that I would really prefer to own.


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Since we all like pix. Here is a shot of Seawolf on the left and SteelFish middle Omega PO on the right if you care. SW is a big chunk of stainless....or Ti, suppose.

Not to hijack too much, but I think the Avenger II GMT with Arabics might tick all the boxes (tad thinner, right?). if only it was available in Yellow.

Agreed the SW is no shrinking violet but that's the point (I think) it's a big chunk of Titanium I think that's it's main attraction for me. All these three watches are great!


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My favorite Seawolf is the MK 1, yellow dial. It's a perfect Dover, and he yellow dial screams Breitling. I've never owned a Steelfish, but I've always loved the look of the blue dial on the Pro2 bracelet.


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I may be a little biased since I just received my Seawolf last week. I went for the Volcano black dial with baton markers. The stencil hour markers just didn't suit my eye for some reason. Honestly I don't think you can go wrong on either watch model. Good Luck with your decision.
Kevin

I was about to say the same thing! The Avenger II GMT is smaller at 43mm and a little thinner. It's the only one I'd replace my fish with.

I like both the Avenger II Seawolf (the proper name, although its the 3rd version of the Seawolf really) and the SuperOcean SteelFish, as well as some versions of the Avenger II GMT

Ive got a the Tungsten Gray dial Avenger II Seawolf and like it a whole lot more than i expected i would (the picture on the eBay listing wasn't clear enough for me to know if it was Tungsten Gray or Volcano Black, but the price was low enough to buy regardless), the Tungsten Gray dial has lots of "life" to it, looking like a different shade of color (sometimes more gray, sometimes very similar to Volcano Black) at different times

So i would say the Avenger II Seawolf dial color are a lot more lively than the older Seawolfs, making it a matter of size preference and which dial layout you like more

The previous Seawolfs suffice to say, just do noyhing for me

So i would put the Avenger II Seawolf and SOSF as equals but wouldn't rste past renditions of the Seawolf as high as they just look boring to me

I've owned both SS & TI Seawolves as well as a SOS. The SOS wins, hands down. It was perhaps the best Breitling I ever owned. I have since, and fairly recently, parted with it and darn near every other Breitling. No offense to the brand, I just can't justify the cost of ownership (i.e. service) vs the cost of purchase / value of the brand.

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