The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Well, Driver -- I, too, just had the chance to see one of these in the metal, and I share some of your own reactions.

I got to try the same watch -- blue dial with gray subdials. I love the art deco engravings on the side of the case -- very cool. Overall, though, I was less impressed with this piece in the metal than in the photos I have seen. Like you, Driver, I was not a fan of the color scheme -- the gray subdials just don't work for me with the blue dial. I was also surprised by the thickness of this watch -- too thick, in my view, for a dressier chronograph. It's nice, but I would not go out of my way to purchase this piece. Also worth noting, is the fact that the leather strap/clasp combo on this one is NOT the traditional configuration. Instead, it is a regular pin/buckle strap with a different clasp to suit this purpose.





What surprised me the most was that my favorite Premier model was the 40 mm Automatic. Different for Breitling, and a very good looking piece. I tried on the blue one, but I'd be curious to see the other color combos, as well...

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Cheers,
Jim

looks great to me. will have to love it over and over again

Well today I actually managed to try on the panda Premier, and I have to say............ I really, REALLY loved it!

I STILL can't quite believe how much better this one is in person compared to the pictures. When I initially saw the pictures I said, "I certainly don't dislike them at all, but they don't scream "buy me!" either". Well, I've got to be honest, but the panda Premier has certainly "found its voice" as far as I'm concerned! I actually really want one! It honestly is a stunning watch in person.

The other thing (which Jim has already mentioned) is the new deployant. IMO it's a million times better than the old one with the friction fit clasp and the strange bend it put the strap through. The best part about the old deployant is that it was infinitely adjustable (the new one isn't), but the new one is more secure, looks better, AND it means you don't have to have a deployant-only strap. I didn't take any pictures of it, but I absolutely love it. Breitling have got that spot on.

Here's a couple of pictures on the wrist. Again, the pictures don't do it any justice at all IMO, but here we are -

Terrible shot this one, but I had serious trouble trying to get a head-on picture without at the AD light's ruining it (I failed!) -


A better one -


The deceptively tall height -

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Driver8

Site Moderator

So when are you picking one up Driver? Is the new deployant clasp similar to the ones that IWC offers?

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Justin
Please contact me via PM for the contact details for Govberg Jewelers
Govberg is an AD for over 50 fine Swiss and German watch brands.
Visit them on the web at http://www.govbergwatches.com or call 800-528-8463

When I can figure out where £6,600 is going to come from!


I couldn't tell you TBH as I've only had one IWC on a strap (Big Pilot) and that clasp was very different to the new Breitling one.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

truly happy to hear you like it - and it fits your wrist perfectly, if I may add.

That panda fits you very nicely! Regarding the new deployant I wish I could put my hands on a few of them...

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Chronomat 41 BEB, Steelfish Chrono BEB, 2x Grand Premier, Chrono Cockpit 39 mm, Aerospace Avantage 79362
IWC 3706, 3705, 376706, 371928
Sinn 103 plexy
For sale: Sinn 356 II, Porsche Design Titan Chrono Valjoux
Wanted: Breitling Blackbird 13353 on bracelet

I'll echo Fred's thought -- it really does look good on your wrist!

(Not that I would want to be an enabler in any way... )

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Cheers,
Jim

Well thanks gents, and I do agree that it's a great fit for me........ but you're really not helping my wallet situation with those kind of words!

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Driver8

Site Moderator

I've had my panda Chronograph B01, on black crocodile deployant, for just over a week now, it really is an amazing watch, I love it.

When I bought it I was hoping to be able to also wear it on mesh like a Transocean, and the Pilot bracelet from my Chronomatic with the straight end pieces. I've got a bunch of 22mm Breitling straps leather straps too, and I enjoy changing the look. My only negative for this new Premier Chronograph B01 is that none of these fit, due to curved spring bars and the position of the holes in the lugs. It means the crocodile looks nice and snug to the case with the factory strap, but removes some of that versatility I've always loved about Breitling. A minor quibble, as I'll just get the factory steel bracelet in time, and maybe even a blue or brown croco from one of the other Premier models. I haven't seen the nubuck straps in person, but I hope to soon.

Cheers,
Matt

re height, just need to add that all of the 100m WP competition is higher as far as I‘ve found, some considerably so - only exception seems the JLC Polaris?

The panda is going to sell really well. It really is stunning in person. Congrats on the pick up!

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