The Breitling Watch Source Forums

[quote="jnelson3097"]I'm 5'10" and 180 lbs and this is my Chronomat on my wrist. It fit good on my wrist.

Oh wow that does look really nice. Thanks for the visual! Is that a black or grey dial?

I see you also have a Colt GMT- how does that compare?

The Colt GMT was a lot smaller. Here are some comparison pics:

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Justin
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Almondine,

I am a physicist, so I am probably nearly as technology focused as your husband (and I certainly seem to know a lot of electrical engineers). Have you considered how he would feel about an automatic movement vs. quartz movement? There are several reason I ask this:

1. Practicality. The first is that if he is around magnetic fields regularly, an automatic watch does have the susceptibility to become magnetized. I know another EE who wears a watch that has the automatic movement mounted in a protective anti-magnetic case just for this reason (he wears an "Ingenieur" by IWC, although I believe there are other brands with this capability). Others on this board have a better sense for what kind of exposure is required for a watch to get magnetized. If he works around digital stuff, then there should be no problem. If he works for the power company or something like that, then maybe it could be an issue. If he ventures into the tunnels of particle accelerators.....well, then he wouldn't care because he would be required to take off his watch before entering.

2. Perception of value. Breitling is known (among other things) 1) for excellence in automatic chronographs, and 2) for their "superquartz" thermocompensated quartz movement. There is a techno coolness factor for each one. to me, mechanical movements are fascinating because they do such amazing things without electricity...and chronographs especially so. Therefore, the quintessential Breitling watch is one of their automatic chronographs (the most popular one, as people have been saying, is the Chronomat). However, the nerd in me is totally fascinated by the concept of a watch that is accurate to 10 seconds a year! So in addition to the added functionality of the Breitling "Professional" watches (like the Aerospace) of timers, countdowns, alarms, and multiple time zones, you also get an incredible accuracy that you can brag about to all of your nerdy (er, I mean "technology focused") friends and coworkers.

So I would ponder what would make the watch more special and interesting to him. Some guys would be more fascinated by the technical superiority of the superquartz models (especially electrical engineers), others more by the sense of the mechanical movement making the watch seem more special and "alive."

Also, have you considered the Emergency? It has a built-in aviation-band emergency transmitter. Sure, he is unlikely to ever need a feature like that, but it is a pretty darn cool to one have, and Breitling is the *only* company to ever offer something like this. After all, watches like Breitlings are not about need.

Mofongo

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There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness." --Dave Barry

not against the emergency or anything, but servicing this watch is a bit out there. I'm of course biased towards my airwolf for practical & nerdy reasons.

Now I am really considering the Aerospace- I think it would be more of a fun gadget for him and he could use a lot of the features while traveling. Plus it's titanium so it would be much lighter than the rest without sacrificing the size. Any opinions on that model? Does anyone know about how much that one runs?

Can't comment on the watch directly, though others will.

Pre increase (imminent) US prices are:

$2,890 on calf with tang buckle
$3,130 on calf with deployant buckle
$3,210 on croc with tang
$3,450 on croc with deployant
$3,630 on Pro II bracelet
$2,840 on Diver Pro rubber
$3,140 on Ocean Racer rubber

All of those are list prices and the same discount percentages mentioned earlier would apply.

If he likes his gadgets, I don't think you can go too far wrong with an Aerospace. I've got one of the later Avantage models and swap between leather strap and the titanium bracelet. Both make it very wearable every day. Its thin so doesn't catch on anything. The fact you can set the digital time differently to the analogue makes it good for travelling as well.

If he intends to use functions like stop watch etc regularly, then you may need to consider a model with seperate pushers rather than the multifunction crown of the Aerospace. Also if he wants a weighty watch though, then its the wrong choice.

Yes, the Aerospace is very very light and reasonably thin as current high-end watches go (38g, 10.4mm thick). As MartC points out, the one potential disadvantage is that it has no pushers, just a multifunction crown. It is amazing the functionality that Breitling packs into that single crown, and it is really pretty slick, but the watch is not designed around a stopwatch function. You could, however, get the Aerospace with the Co-Pilot module or just buy the Co-Pilot later if he really finds he wants that. (The trouble with the Co-Pilot module, however, is that it is quite pricey).

The Airwolf is a similar superquartz model with essentially the same functionality, but with a design tilted slightly more towards the chronograph function. It has separate buttons and an analog seconds hand for the chronograph. It is a more "traditional" weight and thickness (107g, 16.7mm) as it is steel rather than titanium. It has separate buttons for the chronograph functions, and a more unique dial design. With the dial design and the nice, shiny stainless bracelet, it is really built to be more of a "looker" than the Aerospace. (IMHO the Airwolf is more stunning to look at, especially the newer non-sunburst dial)

It's hard to go wrong with either one of these. It just depends on which features you think he would favor more. The Aerospace is a little cheaper but only by a few $100.

Mofongo

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There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness." --Dave Barry

HI

Its all about personal choice, I like the sky racer of the ones you have mentioned but I have an airwolf which has took me by surprise how much I love it, more than my previous chornomat, chrono avenger and even gets more wrist time than my super avenger,

And if you think he'll like the aerospace he'll love the airwolf, they come in a cool slate grey, blue or white

Let us know what you choose

Your fella is a lucky guy

I have asked my wife to get me a new blackbird (very nice watch, have at look at this one also) for my fourtieth birthday in a few years, hope she has been listening

John

I just wanted to thank you all for your help and let you know what I decided on. I ended up getting the Colt GMT with a dark blue dial. It just looked like him and even though all of the other options are wonderful, I think this is a good one for him to start with. I had a $1000 off coupon at Tourneau, and paid less than $2000 with tax so I think the price was pretty good and he will be able to exchange it up to 30 days after his birthday if he decides he wants something different. I may have been able to get a better deal on the internet, but I wanted to be able to go into a store with him if he wants to exchange it or has any problems. So we'll see- hopefully he'll like it!

Nothing wrong with the Colt GMT, especially the blue dial. Great minds think alike...check out my pics here: Subject: My Colt GMT

You got a good price for it considering it is coming from an authorized dealer. The online stores are not ADs and Breitling will therefore not do warranty service on watches purchased from them. Not necessarily a deal-breaker, but if you can come close to the online price from an AD, you are better off.

Mofongo

P.S. Actually, my wife is wearing my Colt GMT now. She really wants a Cockpit Chrono with the turquoise dial, so I am letting her borrow my Colt until she gets it (although I am really starting to miss it!). So when you get your husband another Breitling in a few months, remember that the Colt GMT also looks good on a lady...

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There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness." --Dave Barry

Now you need to keep your eye peeled for a watch you'd like to have. It's your hubby's turn to buy you something.

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Breitling Navitimer 01 46mm
Breitling Chrono Avenger
Breitling Chronomat Evolution
Breitling Chrono SuperOcean
Breitling Avenger Seawolf
Omega Seamaster Pro James Bond LE Co-Axial Auto

You're right!! I already know what I want- a Cartier Roadster or Tank- and my husband is probably willing to buy it for me for my bday this month, but it's just a lot of money. I have a lot easier time spending money on him than myself. We'll see though, we're going on vacation at Atlantis in the Bahamas and I may come home with one!

From what I have read from you almondine I think you are worth every penny and more of the Cartier, you can't go wrong with either, I love Cartier and their service is second to non! Make your husband happy and let him get it for you!

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All the best.
Ian

Yeah, those Cartiers looks great...my wife has come close to buying one several times (but has decided she wants a Cockpit Chrono first). I don't know if you would consider buying one used, but there are lots of pre-owned Roadsters and Tanks out there. Often, watch dealers will have a few of them in stock, even if they don't usually sell pre-owned jewelry and/or are not a Cartier AD.

Also, although many Cartier women's are quartz, they do make at least one automatic model for women (I think it's a Tank, but I don't remember).

Mofongo

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There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness." --Dave Barry