The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Since I'm very new to all this I have, what I assume is, a basic question.

I've been planning to buy a Blackbird, but the size of the Super Avenger got me interested in that too.
I noticed that the price difference between the two is significant, with the SA being cheaper (or less expensive perhaps ).
The difference can not be material, since the SA is the heavier one. So what is the reason? The mechanics inside I suppose, but what is the difference?

The Blackbird uses the Breitling 44 movement and the Super Avenger uses the Breitling 13.

Is it the Big Date?

I'm very curious about this.

/Jimmy

First price difference comes from being in different range, SA-Aeromarine, BB-Windrider.
Second one, as you guessed it is the cal., 44 is more complex.
Third is, BB's Pilot Bracelet is almost 3 times more expensive than SA's ProII.

Well, the BBs Pilot Bracelet IS beautiful.

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Wish list: Brushed Breitling Blackbird with Pilot Bracelet

The cases of the Windrider range are also significantly more complex than the Aeromarine range - not necessarily better (although easier to repair), just more parts.

In what way is it more complex? Is it something that is of use for the end user? Durability? Precision (spelling?)? Is it even something a n00b like me would understand?

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Wish list: Brushed Breitling Blackbird with Pilot Bracelet

I knew I was opening a can of worms there......

Other than aesthetics the case has one main function - to protect the movement. The aeromarine range is a rugged watch that protects the movement by wrapping it in a big hunk of metal - a relatively unsophisticated approach that does a very good job.

The windrider range is less rugged and has a generally dressier look, so takes a different approach to protecting the movement - making the case of many different pieces that are designed to work together to protect teh movement.

There are also some aesthetic differences - windrider rider tabs are separate from the bezel, aeromarine are integrated into the bezel.

The difference is largely one of preference, but if repairs are needed the windrider costs may be lower as less has to be replaced. Using the rider tabs again as an example, you can replace a damaged rider tab on a windrider, but you have to replace the hole bezel on an aeromarine. Of course the flip side of that is that you can't lose a rider tab on an aeromarine.

As I just bought a Blackbird, I'm finding this very interesting. I bought it because I fell in love with it, but I'd love to know more about its construction.

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Follow me through my Journalism degree

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Breitling Blackbird, Breitling Superocean Heritage 38

I can buy jewels for under $2 each, and I suspect that Breitling has a little more buying power than I do

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Breitling Blackbird, Breitling Superocean Heritage 38

If you compare the prices of just the heads, then the price difference isn´t that significant at all. Here the SA and AS heads cost 3200€ against Chronomats 3600€. So if you buy them with leather or rubber their only 400€ apart. How ever the SS Pilot Bracelet for the Windrider line is 1000€ against Aeromarines SS ProII bracelet 400€. Then it´s 3600€ against 4600€ which makes the price difference much more significant.

The Blackbird how ever, with it´s 5480€ price (4480€ for the head), is the second most expensive SS Ling after Montbrillant Olympus (Bentleys excluded). It´s quite a special piece with some unique features. It has the 44 movement with the big date at twelve o´clock (exclusively), satin finish (only one in the Windriders and unusual with lings. There´s a polished version too with a polished bezel which is rare too.), faceted SS Pilot, black dials only and big lume indicators. It´s sort of a special edition Chronomat without beeing LE.

The Pilot is one of the nicest bracelets on the market. It takes more man hours to finish and assemble then the Pro/ProII, hence the price. When the Pro changed to ProII for the Aeromarines and Professional line, it came closer in style and quality to the Pilot. The ProII has the slated links which is one of the most recognicable Breitling features.

Marketing wise they´re positioned differently which affects the pricing too. The Windrider line is more refined in style and a little dressier. The Aeromarines style is a little more rugged and a little more tool. Both lines are very high quality time pieces and they have incredible attention to detail.

Wow, great reply and explanation JaVa. Thank you!

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Wish list: Brushed Breitling Blackbird with Pilot Bracelet

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Breitling Blackbird, Breitling Superocean Heritage 38

Stunning photo, g-star.

Man, those Blackbirds are stunning.

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Chris
Club Member #0070
2009 TT Chrono Evo w/Rose gold, blue face
2009 Airwolf w/black face, Co-Pilot module
2009 TT Lady Cockpit w/Mother-of-Pearl, Diamond face for the wife