Other Watches / Other Brands

bpsmith · May 12, 2023

What are your opinions of Breitling?

Not looking to purchase right now, but they always catch my eye when browsing. Very mixed reviews online, which are always questionable when it comes to who you listen to.

I trust an honest opinion on here though. Opinions welcome, but post whether you have bought one or just tried them on and/or just have an opinion. Would be interesting to hear if there is a difference of opinion between buyers and just browsers. 😀

McBeardy · May 12, 2023

bpsmith
What are your opinions of Breitling?

Not looking to purchase right now, but they always catch my eye when browsing. Very mixed reviews online, which are always questionable when it comes to who you listen to.

I trust an honest opinion on here though. Opinions welcome, but post whether you have bought one or just tried them on and/or just have an opinion. Would be interesting to hear if there is a difference of opinion between buyers and just browsers. 😀

My dad has a chronomat model. Blue dial gold subdials, which he never wears but was his smart watch. I’ve borrowed it a few time, and it’s one of their more wearable models, from the days when they done big & brash. Did grow to love the rotor wobble from the 7750 Valjoux.

My uncle is a big fan he owns a couple of super avengers & one of the emergencies, bought whilst on a Caribbean cruise. That was a funny day & I wish I was into watches then.

Since Kern has come in they’ve changed they way they’ve been perceived, almost going back into their catalogue. Although I feel they miss the mark on most models, & still generally too big.

Was close to buying the yellow Avenger many times. Although glad I didn’t looking back, size wise not my cup of tea & they tank 2nd hand.

Was also a fan of the ti Chrono Avenger in Blood Diamond worn by Di Caprio, think that was one of my first watch lusts.

I’ll try and dig a picture of the chronograph my dad owns.

I’m sure TH has some Breitling fans on here, especially the Navi, whilst I marvel at its original usage and spec. Far too busy for me.

Now if the produces a 40mm diver with the B logo which I love in italic I’ll be tempted, it’s how I write and my initial.

bpsmith · May 12, 2023

Nostalgic photo of your Dad’s watch is most definitely welcome. 😀

Interesting opinion given. I am one of those who like the Navitimer, which is strange because o don’t do vintage generally. I like the latest Ice Blue and Ice Green ones, with black subdials, though. I guess they’re the least vintage styled maybe. Also like the Superocean, but didn’t feel it was too big.

YY77 · May 12, 2023

bpsmith
What are your opinions of Breitling?

Not looking to purchase right now, but they always catch my eye when browsing. Very mixed reviews online, which are always questionable when it comes to who you listen to.

I trust an honest opinion on here though. Opinions welcome, but post whether you have bought one or just tried them on and/or just have an opinion. Would be interesting to hear if there is a difference of opinion between buyers and just browsers. 😀

Still regret I didn't appreciate the 806 re-edition when I saw it at my local AD just 1 mile from my house (@Mspeedster posts beautiful pics of his) until it was too late.

bpsmith · May 12, 2023

YY77
Still regret I didn't appreciate the 806 re-edition when I saw it at my local AD just 1 mile from my house (@Mspeedster posts beautiful pics of his) until it was too late.

Cool one that. Sorry you’re disappointed.

imagwai · May 12, 2023

bpsmith
What are your opinions of Breitling?

At risk of triggering Rob, this one is pretty nice!

On the brand overall, I'm a bit on the fence. I want to like them, and I appreciate the heritage of the Navitimer (would have to be one of the smaller models, though). I'd equate the finishing quality to be in a similar category to Tag. But like many Tags, I think they're a little bit overpriced. And some of their models are a bit big, colourful and gaudy - in other words, a lot of people who buy them are wanting to be noticed for wearing the brand. But models like the pistachio above are getting away from that image a bit.

I'll say one other thing about quality, and this is obviously a very small sample size of one, but my ex-wife once bought a quartz ladies Breitling and I wasn't very impressed. It was sent back as it didn't keep time properly - pretty poor for a brand new watch. But I guess it could happen anywhere.

bpsmith · May 12, 2023

I will be upsetting Rob too. Far from a vintage fan, but I do like the pistachio dial in fairness. Very different from the everyday choices.

That does sound worrying on the quality of that Quartz. 🙁

Anthony. · May 12, 2023

I like the brand from way back to the early 2000's.
Have a Navi and the B01.
New management has been good for the brand also.
Breitling and Tag Heuer running neck and neck with turnover in the watch numbers also.

abrod520 · May 12, 2023

Late to the party but I like mine 😀

Obviously the Navi is vintage but I really really like the Superocean. Unfortunately those have gone out of production already but I have heard great things about the B01 Navitimer. I’d definitely say go try em on!

abrod520 · May 12, 2023

I also liked the 765 AVI reedition, didn’t quite want one for MSRP but I’m totally in once a few more start showing up below 5k.

Mspeedster · May 13, 2023

As I've mentioned before, I like Breitling. They are similar to TAG Heuer in many ways. I own two Navitimers.

Many view the following as the undisputed icons of land, sea, air, and space:
- Land/Racing: Heuer/TAG Heuer Monaco (although there's a case to be made for the Carrera as well)
- Sea/Diving: Rolex Submariner
- Air/Aviation: Breitling Navitimer
- Space: Omega Speedmaster

I made a point of having at least one of each in my collection.

McBeardy · May 13, 2023

bpsmith
Nostalgic photo of your Dad’s watch is most definitely welcome. 😀

Interesting opinion given. I am one of those who like the Navitimer, which is strange because o don’t do vintage generally. I like the latest Ice Blue and Ice Green ones, with black subdials, though. I guess they’re the least vintage styled maybe. Also like the Superocean, but didn’t feel it was too big.

Here you go, with Vito RIP in the background

bpsmith · May 13, 2023

Very cool!

My Dad ‘only’ has a Sekonda but was a wedding gift from my Mum. I feel the same as you looking at it though. Nothing like nostalgia.

McBeardy · May 13, 2023

bpsmith
Very cool!

My Dad ‘only’ has a Sekonda but was a wedding gift from my Mum. I feel the same as you looking at it though. Nothing like nostalgia.

Think I got the watch bug from my dad.

He bought an OG Seiko Arnie when I was born, wore it for many years & passed to me on 18th. He also has an early 90s Sub.

I’ll post pictures later, I’ve also bought him countless G Shocks & Seikos over the years

abrod520 · May 13, 2023

Had a chance to try these at an event today. The Zenith is nicer in person than it looks in photos, but I was really surprised at how well the ceramic Tudor wore. Super light and futuristic-feeling in a way not many other Ceramics seem to be

dtf · May 13, 2023

bpsmith
What are your opinions of Breitling?

Not looking to purchase right now, but they always catch my eye when browsing. Very mixed reviews online, which are always questionable when it comes to who you listen to.

I trust an honest opinion on here though. Opinions welcome, but post whether you have bought one or just tried them on and/or just have an opinion. Would be interesting to hear if there is a difference of opinion between buyers and just browsers. 😀

I've always run hot and cold on Breitling, some look great, some are hideous, most aren't my style. This was an impulse buy, I didn't know it existed and was looking for something different entirely, just browsed the Breitling case while waiting for an assistant to be free. Tried it on and fell in love with it, for a big watch it's super lightweight (titanium helps) and quite thin so it wears very well. I'm in a pretty constant rotation between this, bb58 and night diver now:

bpsmith · May 13, 2023

McBeardy
Think I got the watch bug from my dad.

He bought an OG Seiko Arnie when I was born, wore it for many years & passed to me on 18th. He also has an early 90s Sub.

I’ll post pictures later, I’ve also bought him countless G Shocks & Seikos over the years

Cool purchases there over the years.

No idea where I got my interest in watches from? I just drooled over them in the shop windows all my life, until recently when I was able to join the club.

bpsmith · May 13, 2023

abrod520
Had a chance to try these at an event today. The Zenith is nicer in person than it looks in photos, but I was really surprised at how well the ceramic Tudor wore. Super light and futuristic-feeling in a way not many other Ceramics seem to be

I fancied that Ceramic BB too, but could not find one to try on, so gave up looking. Nice on the wrist in fairness.

bpsmith · May 13, 2023

dtf
I've always run hot and cold on Breitling, some look great, some are hideous, most aren't my style. This was an impulse buy, I didn't know it existed and was looking for something different entirely, just browsed the Breitling case while waiting for an assistant to be free. Tried it on and fell in love with it, for a big watch you it's super lightweight (titanium helps) and quite thin so it wears very well. I'm in a pretty constant rotation between this, bb58 and night diver now:

That Avenger looks cool, fair play, on that fabric strap. Sounds like you’ve got a nice 3 piece rotation going on.

I hear you on the love hate thing. I popped into my local AD today, as a break from the Comic Con I went to with my Son. Looked at the SuperOcean Heritage again and don’t feel as fussed as I once was.

I tried on a Planet Ocean with White dial and Orange bezel, which was on my list before buying the Orange Aquaracer. Felt lovely on, despite the size and heft. Wasn’t fussed on the space between the case and the bezel when looking side on though.

I then tried on the MoonWatch, as it was sitting next to the PO. Never paid these much attention, due to the Hype and not being hugely into vintage. I have to say that they are growing on me now (sorry Rob). New bracelet looks lovely, but the fabric strap was surprisingly very nice too!

Pitfitter446 · May 13, 2023

I tried the ceramic BB last year when on holiday but found I could get it cheaper at home! But sense took over as I already a black (titanium) beauty. It was very nice though, even the gaffer had to agree.

Other Watches / Other Brands

bpsmith

McBeardy

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imagwai

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abrod520

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Mspeedster

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abrod520

dtf

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Pitfitter446

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