The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I know it's been discussed in several different threads in the past (as I've read them all), but I want to ask this now and get a current, up to date compilations of opinions regarding the DLC finish on the LE Blacksteel versions of both the Avenger Skyland and the Super Avengers.

Is anyone having issues or horror stories of scratching the Blacksteel?...or will it hold up unless you really whack it on something? I get the impression that it is a tough coating that stands up to normal wear, but can/will scratch if you really whack it. I guess I'm just concerned with the toughness of this $5,700 list price gem...that is before seeing what your AD will REALLY sell it for...

I am currently working with some ADs on getting a Blacksteel and before I take the plunge I did some more research and I was a bit concerned with the fears of others regarding scratching. But now that the watch has spent some time out and about on people's wrist...what's the feedback???

And what do these dings/scratches look like? Can anyone who has had the unfortunate incident of a scratch maybe post a pic so we can get an idea of what it would look like on Blacksteel?

There have been pics posted--dont remember the links though. Dont think of it as a coating. Think of it more as one solid piece of steel that has been dyed black on top (to get the idea that its not like a paint coating). Ive even seen pics of dings and dents that remain black because the black can move with the steel. A normal scratch will show up as a normal scratch but will remain black unless its deep, in which case the silver metal will show up.

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-RJ

The coating is actually very tough - that is, for a coating. I doubt that you would find a coating that is any tougher on a blackened watch. I can't remember the name of the coating, or the process, but I have heard that the toughness is likened to the "diamond" finish on some very expensive tools. Having said that, of course it will still scratch and ding, so you do have to take a certain amount of care. Anyway, you probably know this already.
Mine is the AS Blacksteel. I no longer wear it to work, or much else for that matter. Not that I don't like the watch, I love the looks and finish of it. However, I did get a couple of dings, on the side of the case, very small and right on the edge. They did not go through to the shiny stainless, and are barely visible unless you really look for them. I also got a ding right on the edge of the bezel. That edge is quite sharp compared to the other edges on the case, and it did go through the coating to the stainless. However, luckily it is very little larger than almost a pin head, so unless you look at it in a certain light, and at a certain angle, it is not visible at all. I do work in a print shop, and have my hands in and out of equipment with sharp metal edges, so I guess I was asking for trouble. However, is so minimal a ding that it does not bother me. I was, and still am, thinking of selling the Blacksteel, and inquired about the price of a replacement bezel. It is about $600.00. Needless to say, I am not replacing it. From what I understand, Breitling sends a regular part to the company that does the coatings for them, they coat it, then send it back to Breitling. That is the idea I got from my AD.
As far as the coating wearing off, I can't see that happening very easily. I have seen other watches with a black coating, which looks almost like it is painted on, and these wear very readily. If I was not working around equipment all day, and not preferring to wear my Steelfish, I would not hesitate to wear the Blacksteel on a daily basis. The back of the watch is brushed stainless, and it actually raises the case off the wrist a couple of mm, so I can't see much wear there either.
I personally find the Diver Pro comfortable. My first Breitling was a Colt, purchased in 1992. It took 5 years of constant wear before the rubber strap gave out. I am sure the straps are improved now, so you would likely get more wear than that. The buckle is also black coated, and as is normal, the buckle gets quite a few dings, but still looks more than presentable.
So, for regular wear, and unless you will be knocking the watch about unprotected around lots of metal equipment, I would not hesitate to recommend it for everyday wear.
Hope this helps to make your decision. Also posting a pic below.
Cheers,
Carl

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'63 Omega Seamaster, 2014 Omega Speedmaster MarkII

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

Hey RYTLING!
I have attempted - with my minimal camera skills - to take a photo of my Blacksteel, and labelled it "HERE" in red, where the ding is that has gone through to the metal. The camera actually picked it up very well. unfortunately, it is a bit blurred so the ding appears to be more obvious than it actually is. Also, the flash is on so it is very bright. At least I hope this will give you an idea.



The ding is at the edge of the bezel, right about at the "38" mark.

When I get a chance, I will try my luck at some more photos. I bought this camera about a year ago, put it away, and now I cannot find the manual, so the operation is pretty hit-and-miss I'm afraid.

Cheers,
Carl

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'63 Omega Seamaster, 2014 Omega Speedmaster MarkII

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

I really like my AS BS.
I wore it on a daily basis for about a month, I would say. But...ever since I got my SA...
the BS is chilling out.... I don't really ever think about damaging the black finish; I believe in fully enjoying
my watches....

carlhaluss

I am not a blacksteel owner or anything but I gotta say I am really impressed by your informational reponse! You are the kind of people we need on this forum. That person that posted wanting help will surely appreciate your help, at least I know i would!! Keep up being a great forum member!!!!

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SA-Baton White Dial/ProII
Tissot Le Locle

Carl, if you have the model number of your camera you will probably be able to download a manual from your camera manufacturers website, the full manuals have been PDF for most cameras for quite some time now.

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All the best.
Ian

Wow, thanks for the kind remark! This forum is one of my favourite "happy places", and it gives me a boost if I can help anyone.
Cheers,
Carl

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'63 Omega Seamaster, 2014 Omega Speedmaster MarkII

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

Cheers,
Carl[/quote]

Carl, if you have the model number of your camera you will probably be able to download a manual from your camera manufacturers website, the full manuals have been PDF for most cameras for quite some time now.[/quote]

Thanks! I had forgotten about that. I can print it off at work.

Cheers,
Carl

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'63 Omega Seamaster, 2014 Omega Speedmaster MarkII

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

Hello,

If you've read the previous posts, you've also read about the guy who just lightly caressed his Blacksteel with the trunk of his car, and how the impact turned out. Not a very powerful contact but a very visible "regular steel-colored" scratch. Hopefully he was just very unlucky and that normal accidents doesn't make that kind of impact. I haven't searched the forum to re-find that post and pics, since I believe you've already seen them.

I've also seen other members pics and scratches that have been very visible - not sure how much force those required and probably they are exceptions, but that is enough to make me stay far away from this model. I was recently offered a SA Blacksteel (from my AD) for much less than MSRP but turned the offer down just because I would never be comfortable with a metal-colored scratch on the watch.

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Collection: http://s540.photobucket.com/albums/gg32 ... mview=grid

I'll see what my camera skills allow on the weekend, but I have a ding on the 15 rider tab that shows metal through. It's right on the edge of the tab and it isn't so much damage to the coating as it is a 'reshaping' of the metal that has caused the steel to show through. It's really not too noticeable at most angles, probably less so than Carl's although it's slightly larger.

My dealer tells me that when the economy turns around, the Blacksteels will be worth lots of $$$...
I don't know if I should believe that!

I'd take that comment with a hefty pinch of salt if I was you!

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Maybe he is saying this so I wont ask him for an exchange