The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I actually managed to see a new Chronomatic 49 in the flesh today at my AD. And disappointingly I have to say I wasn't enormously impressed.

Yes it IS very big in diameter, but it's also very flat which doesn't look right to me. The rubber bezel didn't look as bad as I thought it might, but the matt finish on it seemed at odds with the nice shiny dial. God knows how it will wear over time too...... (And why has it got a right-hand crown??? Surely the left-hand crown is what a Chronomatic is all about! ) It was next to a Navi World in the window and the World is just streets ahead IMHO.

Oh and the £4050 price tag didn't do much to endear it to me either!

Now that I've seen the CM49 in the flesh I think I can safely say that the 2008 models have been a resounding wash-out for me. The only model that I think is even approaching OK is the SOHC.

Come on Breitling! Give us fans what we REALLY want - a 46 to 48mm Chronomat / Crosswind, or a nice fully automatic Rattrapante!!!!!!!

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Hiya

Thanks for this preview! It does seem expensive too, but the price rise makes many pretty expensive now.

Where was this AD? Don't suppose they had a new Super Avenger did they?

Davey

Not quite so anti as you Driver 8 - I thought it at least added to the range, but I wouldn't buy it. No 2008 acquisitions for me either, probably just as well given recent, current and planned watch expenditure.

I think I was just expecting more from the CM49. When I saw the pictures and read the size, I thought that was going to be the one to get this year. I guess my expectations of it were too high.

But then again, I'm with you on the expenditure to date this year too! And I'm planning to trade in my Seamaster for a Steelfish as my knockaround watch......

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Driver8

Site Moderator

I was looking in Parkhouse the Jewellers in Southampton. They aren't usual AD, but I have bought from them before. They had one new model SA a couple of weeks back, but I guess it must've sold as it wasn't there yesterday.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Thanks for the opinion Driver. I have wondered how that rubber dial would be IRL. Although I have to disagree with you a bit on the new models - I've handled the Bentley GMT and it is a nice one, I think.

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

I've not actually handled a Bentley GMT yet, so I bow to your greater knowledge on that one Aleister, but from what I've seen the bezel looks to be a little too thick to me IMHO....

Maybe my opinion on that might change though!

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Driver8

Site Moderator

I'm not sure about the bezel - I was more worried about how the bracelet fitted to the case, especially the rubber strap. But I think it looked good in person and I didn't reflect any special thoughts on the bezel (so it can't have been THAT bad... ).

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

So does anyone know what the MSRP is for the 49 on this side of the pond?

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Nice watch, but as others have stated in is much thinner. It does fit the wrist nicely though. This pic was a little blurry...

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BC

My AD just called they said they had some 49's coming in next week. With the Aero Classic in woven steel bracelet the MSRP is $6850 but they of course will "work with me" =]

I think I'd prefer the Ocean Racer but let's just see how it looks on my wrist first

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Besides the ludicrously large size, I dont really like the look of it. I cant really pinpoint what it is either. I just dont like it much.

I was like you on bronze dial model, but the white dial version in the flesh is actually very, very nice IMHO.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Newby here, but that bronze dial is sort of washed out.

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Coasterkid
Breitling Super Avenger
Breitling Steelfish
Breitling B01
Omega Seamaster
Rolex T/T Yachtmaster
TW Steel TW22

Oh Dear !!!!
That must be the worst looking Breitling for the past couple of decades. Racking my brain trying to think of an uglier one. Seems like the whole 2008 range will do little to promote the brand, though perhaps if i see it in the flesh at Fairford i may change my mind