Breitling Watch

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Doc
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Breitling Watch

Post by Doc »

Anybody own one of these? If so, which model? Do you like it? Of course you do! Why?
My sister, who has way more money than I, has decided that for my next birthday, she wants to buy me a Breitling! Who am I to try to talk her out of it?
I'm leaning towards the Super Ocean.
This is NOT something I would ever consider, if it were coming out of my bank account.....I'm a Timex Ironman user!
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Brewguy
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Re: Breitling Watch

Post by Brewguy »

What a great sister you've got!

A friend of mine has one, and loves it. Says it's the best watch hes ever owned. I'm afraid I don't know which model, but can ask and will find out what it is about the watch that he likes so much.
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Cat Driver
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Re: Breitling Watch

Post by Cat Driver »

Doc the Breitling watches are status symbols and as such priced out of reach of most pilots.

The mechanical autowind ones are quite heavy and fairly big, but if you have wrists like a gorilla it should not bother you.
Anybody own one of these?
Yes.
If so, which model?
Aviastar.
Do you like it?
Not as much as my Rado.
Of course you do! Why?
Breitling gave it to me. :smt040
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crankedup
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Re: Breitling Watch

Post by crankedup »

My wife gave me one for our tenth wedding anniversary and it was the most wonderful gift I ever received. I always though that these designer watches were for posers intent on impressing others and I suppose they are to an extent, but after wearing mine for a day or two I realised what a lovely thing it is to have such a nice watch.

So give her the pleasure of presenting you with this watch. Both of you will never regret the move.

My birthday's June 7th if you decide not to take it. Can you pass that on to her?
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Doc
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Re: Breitling Watch

Post by Doc »

crankedup wrote: My birthday's June 7th if you decide not to take it. Can you pass that on to her?
My birthday is June 5th, so if I hate it, I'll fire it right off to you. :smt040

What model did she get you?
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Re: Breitling Watch

Post by . ._ »

I'd tell her to forget the watch and ask for an extra motorcycle. :P
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Captain X
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Re: Breitling Watch

Post by Captain X »

I don't own one myself but the aerospace would be my pick
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Just another canuck
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Re: Breitling Watch

Post by Just another canuck »

I know we're pilots and all, but why not something different like an Omega or Bvlgari or Chopard... just a thought. Ah, I'd probably go with the Breitling as well. :)


or maybe one from this list.
http://stylecrave.com/2009-05-29/luxury ... e-watches/
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Re: Breitling Watch

Post by desksgo »

Man, you could do worse. That's a pretty classic looking watch. Any preference in colour? The black seems the most timeless, the blue looks a little more trendy. I guess it depends on how much you plan to wear it.


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Re: Breitling Watch

Post by . ._ »

I wonder how many people here have some of these Breitlings?

http://www.breitlingreplicawatches.net/

Fine Chinese craftsmanship!

-istp :D
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Doc
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Re: Breitling Watch

Post by Doc »

I visited www.breitling.com

She's buying it at La Swiss on Bloor Street, so I think it'll be a "real" one. Thinking of the "Cockpit" in stainless with the dark gray face. Not into the push buttons, just the basic watch.
These things are silly expensive. Rather have a nice condo next to Brian's in France.... :smt040
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Re: Breitling Watch

Post by Rowdy »

I have a navitimer and love it. It was my graduation present way back in the day... well actually it was also birthday/christmas as well haha. Timeless classic...

My father has the model with the ELT in it.. cant remember the exact name. I'll ask him when I'm back in north america
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Re: Breitling Watch

Post by Captain X »

Rowdy wrote:My father has the model with the ELT in it.. cant remember the exact name. I'll ask him when I'm back in north america
That would be the Emergency model
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crankedup
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Re: Breitling Watch

Post by crankedup »

Doc..

The one my wife bought me is the very basic model that's very light with no extra buttons to confuse me. Sadly it was stolen in BKK and was replaced with a very nice Longines, once again very basic and once again stolen, this time from my home in Philippines.

Now I have no watch so I would be grateful if you would pass it to me on the 7th if you don't like it. lol

Enjoy your new watch.

ps. does anyone have the time?? I don't want to miss the game and I have no watch!!
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Re: Breitling Watch

Post by ETOPS »

No offense to anyone, but in my opinion, there's no point to getting a Breitling unless its a Navtimer model.
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Doc
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Re: Breitling Watch

Post by Doc »

ETOPS wrote:No offense to anyone, but in my opinion, there's no point to getting a Breitling unless its a Navtimer model.
Why?
It's the most, shall we say, delicate model?
The push buttons are not all that water tight.
The crown is a non screw down.
The computer is too hard to see by anyone over 30.
My GPS tells me everything I need to know.
I don't need a "pilot" watch.
I have a Timex Ironman (two actually) for day to day flying.
Lastly....it looks like a rich man's Navihawk!
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Re: Breitling Watch

Post by xsbank »

I'd get an Aerospace because in about 3-5 years you will have to have a mechanical watch cleaned. If you can find someone to do it for you, the price will take your breath away. Think 'C' check on a Mercedes. I have a nice Omega chronograph so ask me how I know. It now lives permanently in a drawer and the iPhone tells me the time.

The Aerospace is also a chronometer but it is electric and titanium to boot. Actually, 'chronometer' means a type of mechanical escapement, which an electric doesn't have, so its a bit of a misnomer.

Whatever you get, it will give you lots of pleasure as you think of the person who gave it to you.
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Re: Breitling Watch

Post by ETOPS »

Yeah well... to each their own Doc.

Since you've asked: I'd get one of the Navtimer watches because for me (and based on the first 3 Google image results, the majority of people) they are Breitling's most attractive models. And that's what I care about in a watch like this. I don't know what you've read or heard but I'm sure the thing won't fall apart or stop working if it gets wet.

Your strike me like a guy who'd argue the practicality of a 911 GT2.
-I'd rather get the Cayenne because it has more cargo and seating capacity and I can drive it in the winter and over speed bumps. Plus its not like I can do 200mph anyway. I got a plane for that.
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Re: Breitling Watch

Post by CrackerJack »

@Doc: I have to agree that if you're not getting a navitimer than a Breitling is a waste of cash. The navitimer is the watch that launched the sports chrono revolution. Sure they have some other interesting models but from a horological point of view Breitlings are way overpriced for what they offer. Their movements are standard prettified ETA. A $20 movement in a $5000 case.
If you like a simple design I suggest an Omega Planet Ocean with the co-axial escapement. Even a Rolex GMT-Master would be around the same price and that GMT module in it is pretty neat.
I would stay away from expensive quartz watches. There is nothing there justifying that price point. Not that a mechanical will justify its, but it's way more reliable in the long term, especially a robust Rolex movement.

@Xsbank: Chronometer is a precision standard and not en escapement or any other "physical" thing. A mechanical chronometer is officially allowed to have -4 - +6 seconds deviation per 24 hours. A quartz chronometer is way more accurate.
3-5 years maintenance intervals are a bit of an overkill. I have been told by watchmakers and collectors to service a watch ones it starts to deviate from its normal timekeeping. I have a 10 year old unserviced Blancpain and it doesn't skip a bit. Unless a lemon or a dropped watch, a quality mechanical, unlike a quartz, will not just stop. It will give you few months of leeway to get it serviced.
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Doc
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Re: Breitling Watch

Post by Doc »

Crackerjack, I've been looking at the Omega Planet Ocean as well. Always liked the Omega. Starting out in this business, I lusted after a Speedmaster. Still kind of do. Now it has an automatic movement, it looks even better. Quartz watches are off the table. Love the Rolex GMT Master, but are they not a Hell of a lot more $$ than the Breitling?
Hey, if this wasn't a "gift" I'd stick with my Ironman. I have a 100$ Casio for diving.
Really appreciate all the input. It's a pretty major investment.
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Re: Breitling Watch

Post by Cat Driver »

Doc:::

Listen to me for a moment...

Wearing a Breitling is a status symbol and the cost need not be a factor.

Do like I did, get a job flying in the air show circuit with Breitling as your sponsor and they give you one for nothing. :mrgreen:

But just between you and me I still prefer my black Rado. :mrgreen:
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Re: Breitling Watch

Post by CrackerJack »

@Doc: The Planet Ocean is one of my favorite watches. Looks very good in person with its doomed anti-glare coated sapphire. It's really a nice watch. Probably one of the best in its class at that price. Yes the Rolex would be more expensive than the Omega but will probably be around the same price of a Navitimer. The Navitimer is Breitling's best seller, and I don't think anybody buys it for the slide-rule. It's just a cool "busy" looking watch. The Speedmaster is a classic that hasn't changed much since the 60s. The movement is one of the best and most reliable ever produced, but also not the most accurate. I like it's clean look and very good readability but it's water resistance sucks just like Navitimer's. Also, check out IWC. They make great watches with a cool pilot's line. If you're into chronos check out IWC 3717. It's a step up from the Omega though.
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Re: Breitling Watch

Post by Airspeed-Alive »

I feel like I owe someone money (that I can't afford) just for reading the word "Breitling". :lol:
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Re: Breitling Watch

Post by Doc »

ETOPS wrote: Your strike me like a guy who'd argue the practicality of a 911 GT2.
-I'd rather get the Cayenne because it has more cargo and seating capacity and I can drive it in the winter and over speed bumps. Plus its not like I can do 200mph anyway. I got a plane for that.
I find the Cayenne to be a really UGLY car! If you are going to buy a Porsche, it just HAS to be a 911! I owned a 912 back in the day. Always wanted a royal blue, late 60's, 911. Esthetically, that's the most attractive Porsche ever built! Then of course, there was the XKE of the same vintage. Today, my dream car has to be the Lotus Elise, in BRG. For your dollar, that's a pretty good buy!
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Re: Breitling Watch

Post by bezerker »

I have a B-1 I am happy with. It was supposed to be Breitling's "Ultimate" pilot watch. Unfortunately they stopped making them.
A good website on the B-1 http://donindiano.lanetcie.com/watches/breitling/b-1/ (and a few other models).

Image

I always loved the Crosswind as well.


Image
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