The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I don't know about you guys, but I sometimes think about watches that I wish Breitling would make.

For example, I wish they would make a proper automatic rattrapante watch again. As far as I know they have only ever made one fully automatic rattrapante model in their standard range, and one special edition Chrono Avenger which is super rare. A big deal is made about the complexity of the movements but there are still standard rattrapante movements out there that Breitling could utilise. Omega made a Speedmaster Split Second in the late 90's / early 2000's using a pretty standard rattrapante movement. I even wouldn't mind seeing Breitling produce a new watch using the electro-mechanical rattrapante movement they used for a while. (You can still get the older electro-mechanical rattrapante watches on eBay, but they are only about 38mm across).

Secondly I'd love to see Breitling make a few limited edition watches in different metals. For example, I'd love to see something made completely out of Tantalum. Imagine a Navitimer (and the bracelet) made out of polished blue/grey Tantalum! I think that'd be fantastic. Or maybe one of the Aeromarine range made out of Tungsten. I reckon the slight darkness of the metal, along with the depth of shine (and the scratch resistance) would make for a superb watch.

If money was no object I'd love to get something like that specially made. But maybe if enough people agree, someone from Breitling may hear and set the designers to work!! (If only............)

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Some of the metals in use today scream gimmicky to me - even the Black steel Avenger Skyland - I guess I'm just too much of a traditionalist. I do agree that they could do more with movements, and I think that educated collectors would be prepared to pay for that - it's a way to get something 'special' without needing the money for a Tourbillon.

I would also like to see more exhibition backs - a sadly under serviced area from Breitling.

That's a good point about exhibition backs. Bizarrely Breitling put an exhibition back on their electro-mechanical movement watches which considering there is no counterweight to see strikes me as a little odd.

I do sometimes think Breitling are being just a little conservative with their movements at the moment. IMO the most interesting movement outside of the Tourbillion (and maybe the 30 second Bentley chronograph) is the one in the Datora. And even that is identical to the movement Omega use in the Speedmaster Triple Date / Cosmos! Practically every other chronograph in the range is just a variation on the Calibre 13. Don't get me wrong it is a great movement, but I'd like to see a little more variation.

I'm also with you on the blacksteel Skyland, but only because it is a surface coating and not "coloured metal". I think it looks great, but surface coatings (however tough they are, or claim to be) concern me.

However, I personally like to see a bit of innovation with the metals used. While I'm not personally a fan of Ti, I still like the fact that they make watches in it as it has a look, feel and function all of it's own. The more different types of metal in use the better in my opinion.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

I agree,

I would like to see more options for Dial choices. For example, I think all sub dials should be contrasting colors like the Super Avenger. Or at least we should have that option to have dark sub dials on white dials and silver sub dials on the dark faces. Also I would like to see more MOP availability. Mayors Jewelers down here is a big outfit with 28 stores so they get a lot of special edition Lings with MOP dials and they are AWESOME !

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LING MAN

Personally, I'd like to see more cases and bracelets in 18k white gold. That would be really nice...

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

Too hard to take care of in my opinion. The gold would be much softer than good ol' stainless steel. Stainless seems to be more forgiving in the nick and scratch department.

~Brian

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Breitling Super Avenger
Fortis Flieger Chronograph
Rolex Submariner Date

True, the gold is much softer than steel. But oh so nice'n'heavy...

I'd really like that option, it would probably not be worn every other day for several reasons (both to avoid scratches and because some surroundings are not suitable for expensive watches...) but it would be a loved gem in the collection.

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

I sold a real automatic rattrapante navitimer once in the 90ies. It was more or less by accident, as I had a misunderstanding with the customer. He originally wanted a mechanical handstopper (finally found one from Hanhart for him), and I had just seen that beautiful small golden navitimer rattrapante two days before at my agent. I borrowed the watch, my customer went pale, thougth for a few minutes, and said, he would take it.... and we opend the champagne. (it was app 20.000 Euro)

Sometimes You get lucky.

BG
Thomas

Good to see you back, Thomas! Do you sell many solid Gold Lings?

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BreitlingSource Admin
http://www.breitlingsource.com - http://blog.breitlingsource.com

Only about 3-5 per year in average

BG
Thomas

Whilst I realise that my Breitling buying has slowed somewhat (!) I agree with the statements regarding the display backs - this is one of the reasons I like Panerai. Most movements are pretty spectacular to see, IMHO, and to hide it under a solid back just seems a waste.



This is one of the 'base' model Panerais, and whilst it's obviously not up to the technical prowess of a Turbillon, it's pretty nice to look at. If they can do this, why not Breitling?

On a slightly different, but related, subject, the ease of changing the straps on the Panerai makes it a very 'adaptable' watch - it's true that not all of the bracelet models accept straps, but the fact that you can wear the same watch with pretty much any strap/bracelet you chose, is something which appeals to me.

Of course, this begs the question, why do I own so many watches????

So, for me, Breitling need to consider more display backs, and an easy strap/bracelt changing system.

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Navitimer World, Evo, Blacksteel, Avenger
Loads of Panerai
Submariner Date, GMT Master llc

Sportback,

Get a Mulliner Tourbillon then you can have a display case back without the watch looking like a Gymnasium wall clock.

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LING MAN

hah! Ya just jealous!

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Navitimer World, Evo, Blacksteel, Avenger
Loads of Panerai
Submariner Date, GMT Master llc

Sportback,

It's just good to have you back. Lets start some trouble around here and AGITATE the forum like we used to. It's a good thing to do for the Holiday Season !

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LING MAN

Right - you're on - first things first, I'll dig out all my good STRAP pictures.....now where did I put my camera?

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Navitimer World, Evo, Blacksteel, Avenger
Loads of Panerai
Submariner Date, GMT Master llc