The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi Folks,
For my rainy Sunday afternoon adventure, decided to take a bus out to a local mall here in Vancouver, BC, called Oakridge. Been about 10 years since I was there last, and decided I wanted to see if there were any good watch stores.
Surprise! Soon after I got there, I came upon Rodeo Jewellery, a beautifully appointed and rather large store, selling multiple watch brands. For me, I would say a treasure trove of watches, especially Omegas, and probably the biggest and best selection of watches I have ever seen in one store here in Vancouver.
I was greeted with a warm and sincere smile, then the gentleman noticed a ring I was wearing, which happens to be made by a local guy named Malcolm. We had a discussion about that, then about my 09 Seawolf, and also the fact that I had a new Omega Aqua Terra Caliber 8500 on hold at another AD. They happened to have the exact model as well, with the Tech Grey dial. I also mentioned that I was impressed with their Longines collection, and they had just received a Charles Lindbergh Limited Edition, prominently displayed in the window.
I also mentioned that I really liked the Railmaster. Then I fell in love! A Railmaster mid-size with stainless bracelet. At only 36mm, I thought it would be too small, but I tried it on and it looked perfect, and very retro looking with the small size.
To be honest, I really wish that I had seen that model before I decided on the Aqua Terra. But the Aqua Terra is something else again, and I feel that eventually I will wind up with both models.
The salesman showed me the 50's Omega that he was wearing. About 36mm, gold coloured dial and gold case. It was apparently made in 1957, only for Omega sales people, because it has an exhibition back that could be shown to the customers. A beautiful watch, and obviously now a collector's item.
I was also introduced to the owner and to another gentleman, who is interested in adding a Breitling to his watch collection, and was very interested in my Seawolf and may be interested in buying it!
The owner had on a very interesting new watch, which he apparently picked up at Basel 09, , with two crowns: one which operates the normal functions, and another which operates the bezel, which is enclosed inside the case under the crystal! I wish that I could remember the make, I thought it was Longines but I can't seem to find it anywhere. Could also be Zenith, for which I now have a catalogue courtesy of Rodeo Jewellers, but it's not in there either.
A very interesting afternoon, and well over an hour at Rodeo Jewellers, and I did not feel any pressure to buy. I really do want that Railmaster, though!
I suppose I feel a bit badly really, kind of like I have jumped ship on Breitling. Just sold my Steelfish and Blacksteel, and am waiting to get my Aqua Terra. Now I am contemplating the sale of my Seawolf for a second Omega. I guess a lot of us go through this type of thing, in our quest for the perfect watch. If I could afford it, I would have all five! But maybe then it wouldn't be so much fun.
The simplicity of the Railmaster is much the same as the Panerai Basic models, but I gave up on Panerai because of the lack of a suitable AD here in Vancouver (IMHO). Now I am glad, because I do like the Omega even better!
Thanks for listening!
Cheers,
Carl

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'63 Omega Seamaster, 2014 Omega Speedmaster MarkII

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

Thanks for posting that, Carl, I enjoyed reading it. I feel a bit the same way, having no Breitlings any more and, if I'm honest, being unlikely to make my next purchase a Breitling either.

Anyhow, it's a great thing to find a dealer where you can feel relaxed and just talk about and look at watches without feeling any pressure. All the best, whichever way you decide to go.

The Railmaster is beautiful, by the way. I tried on the XXL version over the weekend and now I can't stop thinking about it.

Cheers

carl, sounds like you had a good sunday afternoon.i have never seen a railmaster,but the way you speak of them they sound pretty awesome.well i am sure your decision will be the right one. great post!!!!!!!!!!

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Emergency
Bentley GT
Chrono Colt
Avenger Skyland Blacksteel
Steinhart LE#9/15

Great story Carl. I was at a Panerai AD on Friday and tried on the Pam 210 but figured I'd have to get rid of my Evo to get that but I felt like I had waited so long for my Evo and that was the original Breitling I've wanted since I first saw them. I never thought I'd buy one because of the price but I was lucky enough to pick mine up slightly used for a great price. But every time I look at my Evo on my wrist, I just can't part with it. I love the 210, but I'm just not sure I'd feel the same way further on down the road.

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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

Carl, you have to follow your heart, watches, especially luxury watches ( if all that mattered in a watch was accurate timekeeping then we would all be wearing those great quartz timexes) are an emotional thing so you have to follow your emotions, remember a fine watch can always be sold to finance another with not much to lose. I checked out the railmaster, a fine looking watch, I think the connection is also historical after what you said about your dad! Whatever you get my friend wear it in great good health, Oh yes, I was impressed with rodeo as well!

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All the best.
Ian