The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I was all set to go...the SA BS was what I wanted...until I saw Carl Huss' several posts regarding his new 2009 Avenger Seawolf...wow!!! And then he goes and displays his AS BS right along next to his new Seawolf...talk about making my decision harder...Thanks, Carl!!!!!!

Great posts by the way. I always enjoy reading what you take the time to write.

So now that Carl has me backpedaling and REALLY starting to look at the Seawolf, I would like some information and opinions from the numerous experts on this forum:

The Seawolf has a Breitling 17, self winding mechanical movement, while the Seawolf Chrono has a Breitling 73 "Super Quartz, thermocompensated quartz electronic, fast action time zone change" movement...whatever that means.

Any advantages/disadvantages to one or the other?

Without asking a ton of questions, I guess I'm just looking on some education on differentiating between the two (Seawolf vs. Seawolf Chrono) so I can possibly figure out which one is "right for me". (if I do if fact stray from my first love, the SA BS)

For example, I love how the Seawolf has a 10,000ft. water resistence depth...but I also like the Seawolf Chrono's pushpiece funcitionality under water as well.

Any knowledge passed on regarding the features of both watches movements (and anything else you feel compelled to state about either the Seawolf or Seawolf Chrono), would be greatly appreciated.

RYTLING

(PS - And I'm not even gonna talk about my dilema with the SA BS vs. the Avenger Seawolf (either model)!!!!!!!!!!!!

Youve pretty much nailed down the differences. It comes down to which design and movement you like more. A lot of people here would buy the mechanical watch for that reason alone, and some just the opposite. The good news is that you cant go wrong either way.

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-RJ

Thanks...

I guess what I'm looking for are any opinions on the quartz movement of the Seawolf Chrono. I'm just surprised Breitling wouldn't just stay with the mechanical movement...what's the benefit of this, "Superquartz" technology?

The only benefit that I see is accuracy.

Ok, so the quartz movement will have better accuracy...I should have known that, but wasn't thinking about that.

Anyone else have any opinions if they were caught between the two and looking at the movement function as a possible element to push you towards the mechanical or quartz movement?

It's the age old question of 'soul' vs. accuracy. For me mechanical wins every time, but that's just me. You do have to remember that eventually (20 - 25 years time) current quartz movements will be obsolete and if the movement fails then the watch will not be repairable.

Now that's some good information! I did not know that about quartz movements...

So if I understand you correctly, 20-25 years from now quartz movements will no longer be manufactured due to it being an antiquated technology, thus rendering them unrepairable if something happens to them?

Or...

Are you saying that quartz movements have a shelf life (like a plasma TV) and after they conk out 20 years after purchasing, they can't be repaired no matter what. (again, like a plasma TV)

Thanks again for any info...it's all educational for me!

They will be manufactured but there won't be parts for old ones.


You can say so.

Let me try and explain a little better.

A mechanical movement is a series of cogs, springs, plates, etc that will never really be obsolete - pieces can be repaired or replaced.

However, a quartz movement is a series of electronic components that cannot really be repaired, they have to be replaced. Over time the electronics become obsolete and the replacements are no longer available. For sure there will still be some kind of electric powered watch 25 years from now - whether it's regulated by quartz or something else I have no idea. The problem is that the electronic elements will change and evolve and the replacements for 20+ year old pieces won't be available.

It's already happening with no ability to repair quartz movements from the late 70s / early 80s.

Thanks, I appreciate it the info. I really prefer the mechanical movement, but I also like the Chrono features, so I was just stumped and want some explanations and some opinions of the experts/enthusiasts on this board.

If you like the automatic movement, and chrono features, there are several big beautiful Breitlings that fit the bill, like the Avenger Skyland, Super Avenger, and if you like "old school", the Herc.

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Not just accurate...soem of the most, if not THE most accurate quartz watches on the planet. Its not unusual for owners to reports yearly deviations of only 5-6 seconds. Quartz are also more shock resistant and all around durable. Of course, you dont have to constantly wind them either.

These are all pro SQ points. How much they matter in the real world is up to you.

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-RJ