What's your favourite Breitling model and why?

[BruceS]

I know this is a highly subjective question, and it's meant to be. We're all different and that's why there are so many different models.

My favourite is and always has been the Chronomat. In the current lineup, that would be the smaller Chronomat. I would have used it's real name, but this innane language checker changes it to Thingypit! Grrrrrrrr...

I prefer the stick markers on the older models, and I've read rumours that Breitling is going back to them.

Here's why the Chronomat is my favourite:
1. The size is perfect for me. 39mm in diameter (not counting the pushers) and not terribly thick on my older model, although it's listed as 16 mm on the new one.

I'm not crazy about huge thick watches anymore. I know they're popular, but having owned a few, I find the 38-40 mm range is perfect for me, although I'll go up to 42 mm depending on the watch.

2. I love the pilot bracelet. The professional bracelet is very nice, but I really like the look of the pilot. I also really really like the Navitimer bracelet!

3. Good water resistance at 100 meters, which makes it a nice all around timepiece.

4. It's a chronograph. May not use it much, but it's there if I need it.

5. Comes in a great variety of configurations (dial colours, finish, all stainless, two tone, etc)

The only thing I don't like, at least on my older model with gold markers, is the lack of lume. It's pretty pathetic. That's probably why Breitling changed the markers. On the other hand, I love the look of the gold stick markers on my two tone model. It's a trade off.

My second favourite Breitling is the Navitimer, particularly the original. It's a work of art and history, but not the best all around watch in the world.

So...that's my purely subjective choice. What's yours?

[martynjc]

For me it is the Breitling B-1

It is for me the definition of a tool watch with maybe the Omega X-33 has similar functionality (I owned one for a while but it didn't do it for me, a personal thing - mainly the 30m wrt which basically meant I couldn't get it wet).

I like the look of it. Some (other forums) have indicated it is not the most 'pretty' watch, but I think it has functional appeal and I actually *like* the look of it.



Functions are:

• Time of Day (Local Time)
  
• Alarm Local Time, alarm repeats twice at intervals if not cancelled
  
• Date with calender programmed to 2100 - displaying:
• Day, Date, Month, Year which can be formated in US / UK formats
  
• Chronograph with Split Second display counting up to 99d23h59m59s in 100th second dispayed increments
  
• Count Down Timer is second intervals down from 99d23h59m59s down to --d--h--m01s with alarm that repeats twice at end
  
• Second Time Zone
  
• Second Time Zone Alarm, repeats if not cancelled
  
• UTC time - independant of Local or Second Time Zone, adjustable by 15m intervals sychronised with seconds
  
• Adjustable for ENG/ESP/FRA/DEU languages
  
• Hour mark / Count down Hour mark / Audible tone on|off for pushers
  
• End-of-life flashing display for battery
  
• 'Sleep' mode that reduces battery load when off-wrist for extended periods
  
• Backlit digital display (colour compatible with night vision googles)
  

AND - it is easy to operate!

For me it is at the upper limit size / weight wise but I find it comfortable to wear: being 42.20mm Diameter, 16.50mm thick and weighing in at 95.70gr

It has innovative design - the slide rule (Navitimer style) is actually useful eg currency conversions on holiday.

The alarm is loud and repeats (as stated above) if not switched off.

I can not reset this watch in a year and can know it will not have varied by a couple of seconds from radio timed signals.

Only gripe is the 50m wrt - would like it to be 100m but Breitling have improved on the Navitimers 30m and still kept the side-rule which again is innovative.

I know it may not last 100 years being quartz based - but like any tool, in time it will be superseded hopefully
by something even better. The calender is programmed to 2100 which should see me until I, "shuffle off the mortal coil" (Hamlet).

Great looking - great functionality - great example of Breitling!

Cheers - Martyn

[BruceS]

It's definately a tool watch with incredible functionality. Too bad it's not 100 m w/r or it'd be close to perfect. I was so close to buying it again once. I saw a preowned one with black dial, bracelet, and an aligator strap with deployant for a good price. I decided not to test the missus' patience though

[martynjc]

BruceS said:

I know this is a highly subjective question, and it's meant to be. We're all different and that's why there are so many different models.

My favourite is and always has been the Chronomat. In the current lineup, that would be the smaller Chronomat.

Bruce - I almost got the gold/white chronomat when looking at the CWSLE. To be honest it fitted my wrist better than the CSWLE but the CW swung me on WOW factor - it just smiled at me! For daily use though a Chronomat is a better size (for me).

Martyn

[cockpit173]

for me it is the cockpit 173 two tone, because of the size and it's look.
i love this one ,it's totally my style.

[BruceS]

I looked at the new tt Chronomat Cockpit yesterday. It's still a beautiful watch, but I like the stick markers on the older version more. They had a steel white face one that looked really good too!



I gotta take some new pics

[JohnR]

Martyn,
I've always loved the B-1. I've seen it in person on people and it has quite a presence on your wrist. I just wish I could justify ANY of the functions it has for my needs. It is one cool looking watch though!! I've also seen some great pics of it that you've taken.

[haakon59]

Yes, I realize that there are no complications on this watch, just hours, minutes, seconds, and date. But I like the toughness and I like the solidness of the watch. Also, since I swim nearly every day for exercise, I like the water resistance.

Strangely enough, I have yet to buy it. I still have never owned a Breitling, although I have tried on this watch and the Colt GMT several times now at the dealer. Every time I do, I get this feeling of solidness, this feeling that I would be able to rely on the watch to keep good time. The comments I read about it are nearly always favorable, especially when it comes to timekeeping and water resistance.

So I think this is the year that I will buy my first Breitling and the first purchase I will make will be the Superocean. I have also been considering getting the Oris TT1 (stylish and a great value for the money), the Omega Seamaster (which I also really love and will buy at some point), the Rolex Sea Dweller (an icon of style and certainly tough and reliable) and the Ulysse Nardin Marine Diver Chronometer; but in my mind, I always come back to the Superocean--as if I have some sort of "mental magnet" that keeps telling me that "this is the one you will be happy with". Well, I am looking forward to it!

[BruceS]

I've said it before, but it's the only watch I regret selling. Sounds like that's the one you keep coming back to, so the Super Ocean must be the one for you! It does have beauty in its simplicity.

The UN is a beautiful watch, btw.

[haakon59]

Thanks for your reinforcing comments on the Superocean. I just get the sense, whenever I try one on, that it's going to be a highly satisfying purchase. The Ulysse Nardin Marine Diver Chronometer is also high on my list. The last time I put it on at a dealer, I could just feel the quality in the bracelet and I also love the stylish look. Plus, Ulysse Nardin, in the history of time, has a proud naval tradition, which is also an appeal.

Looks like I have a lot to look forward to, horologically speaking.

[kelvinlauyt]

For me, I like Chronomat Evoluation the most:

1. 43.7mm in size (I like heavy and big watch which give me a better build quality feel)
2. Screw-in push buttons which increase the water resistance to 300M. For the older model, WR is 100M under the condition that the push buttons are not pushed under water, or else, still have risk to let water comes in. For screw-in type, the push buttons are firmly locked and it is absoultely water resistant. As Hong Kong is very high in humidity, it is much better for me to clean and wash the watch under water with no worry.
3. The watch case is more well shaped which add more comfortably while wearing.
4. The stainless bracelet is wider in length, so as the size of the double locked buckle, 2mm wider than the older version which looks much better in overall balance (personal feel only, no offense)
5. Better workmanship on the rider tab, I have compared the new Chronomat Evo with my Crosswind Special, the little screws and the four tabs on the Evo are made better than the Crosswind Special (using the same type of rider tab as Chronomat, but CS rider tab is in polished shinny style while Chronomat is using brushed type)

Above are personal comment only, nothing offensive and sorry if there is anything sounds not good to Breitling owners.

Thanks and regards,

Kelvin