The Breitling Watch Source Forums

After over a month, decided to visit my AD today, and see what they have in new Breitling models. Specifically, I was hoping to see the Navitimer 125th Anniversary edition. Unfortunately, the one that is on order has not arrived yet. What I did see, however, for the first time:
Chronomat B01: This was a combination stainless steel/gold with a mauve colored dial, gold subdials and a matching mauve croco strap. Unfortunately, the date window was the only thing on the entire dial that was white, and to me it looked very tacky. The date is also between the 4 and 5 o'clock position, which is another pet peeve of mine. Overall, I was not impressed with the aesthetics of the watch in person. I am a great one for reserving judgement on a watch until I see the actual watch, and it usually works for me that I kind of like - or dislike - the watch in the photos, but am impressed when I see the real thing. In this case, it was just the opposite. The new bezel does absolutely nothing for me.
Airwolf Raven: With the new rubber bezel, and rubber on the inserts of the push crowns, did not look good. It also had a new Diver Pro rubber strap, which looks cheap to me in it's simplicity. I much prefer the older Diver Pro. Hope that it will still be available.
Colt GMT: This time it has the integrated PRO strap, which is quite wide at the lugs (I would say maybe 26mm?), then tapers quite a bit. Not a bad look. However, the new bezel does not turn me on. It had a black dial, and the numbers, which are silvered, are very hard to read.
So, that was my visit. While I still love Breitlings, this is really the first time with new models that I have been disappointed. There is not one of these - cost aside - that I would take over any of the older models. As a matter of fact, one of my very favourite models is still the Blackbird. If I was in a position to get one, or still interested, I would rush out and get my hands on the current non-polished model, for fear that it will eventually take on the new B01 look.
I will still reserve some judgement on the B01 until I can see an all stainless model with a black, grey, silver or blue dial, as the gold and stainless combo left me so unimpressed.
Just some of my opinions and comments regarding some of the new models.
Cheers,
Carl

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'63 Omega Seamaster, 2014 Omega Speedmaster MarkII

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

Great comments Carl, and very consistent with my own feelings.

Still - plenty more watches in the world

It's so nice to see people talk like that about the Blackbird. I fell in love with it when I saw it and blew far more money that I was planning to spend on a watch. At the time, I didn't know how highly it was regarded in the world of Breitlings and now Roff has kindly taught me a thing or two about just how cool it is on the inside as well. Maybe the wrong order to doing things; buying a watch and then learning about it, but it worked out well!

I talk about it far too much on this forum, but that's because I'm so proud of it and the people on here are kind enough to talk back! In fact I'm going to post something about it now. I love my watch and this forum.

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Follow me through my Journalism degree

It is still one of my favourite Breitlings! As a matter of fact, if it wasn't for the fact that I don't want or need a chronograph, plus I cannot afford to get another watch, I would own one. I recently sold my Steelfish and Avenger Skyland Blacksteel, both of which I purchased last year. I went into my AD, intending to see single watch I might get to replace those two, with the specific intent of trying on the Blackbird. I did try it on, but I also mentioned my interest in the Omega Hour Vision with the new Caliber 8500, but it was out of my price range. My AD showed me a brand new Aqua Terra, with the same movement, and which I liked better than the Hour Vision, so that did it! I had almost settled on the Blackbird, but I know I made the right choice. I still look at the Blackbird in admiration, and I know that if I had the funds, it would be one of the watches I would own.
I am sure that one day they will either change or discontinue it. The only change I can see happening is to adapt the style of the new Chronomat B01, but maybe I am wrong. Nobody seems to have any idea. For the present time, however, I think the Blackbird is perfect as it is.
Please talk about all you want!

Cheers,
Carl

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'63 Omega Seamaster, 2014 Omega Speedmaster MarkII

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