The general concensus on Breitling

[Mazdarese]

I'm no expert on watches, far far from it. I know nothing other than I've wanted a Breitling Navitimer for years, and I've promised myself one one day. I've even considered downgrading my car so that I can justify the expense.

But, I often read this sub-forum and notice there's relatively little discussion around them, which makes me think nobody likes them or rates them?

What's the story? Are they good, well-made watches? Or do people, the experts, view them as tacky and unnecessarily expensive?

I currently wear an Accurist that was a gift many years ago, and I like it but it's looking tatty.

[Mazdarese]

1878 said:

So the general consensus is - that there's no general consensus. Some like, some hate, some are indifferent. If you like it, go ahead and buy it - it's for you, not us.

I appreciate all the responses. See, for me, the watch that Podie posted is stunning and just what I want. I want the leather strap really, but Mrs A insists that if I do get one it has to have a metal strap.

I guess if I had ten replies to this thread all saying "over-priced crap" then I'd forget about them and look at something else, so I'm glad I started it.

With regards to the pricing, I 'spoke' to a chap on here about 18 months ago who apparently was in a position to get them a lot cheaper than retail. So, if I sort myself out and get the money ready then I'll make an enquiry.

[Mazdarese]

Is this the bargain that it appears to be, if it's in good condition?

[Mazdarese]

al1991 said:

Also, was it Dominic Hackett you spoke to? Not heard a bad thing said about him,

Yep, it was Dom and he was great. Knows his stuff.

To be honest I still feel like a bit of a tt for not going through with it after he'd helped me so much, but I got nervous about spending that amount of money.

That said, he'll be my first port of call when the time comes.

[Mazdarese]

Murcielago_Boy said:

My Superocean Chrono was sent to Breitling for service and repair via Watches of Switzerland.
I asked for full refurb, repair (it wasn't holding charge nor winding properly) and new pushers - basically make it new again....
The bill is £795 and so far it's been gone some 8 weeks.

Crikey. I'm not sure I'd be happy about it being away for 2 months.

[Mazdarese]

GSP said:

I love them...

I bought a Breitling COLT GMT as my first decent watch. I was inexperienced and paid full RRP from Watches of Switzerland in Edinburgh. It was automatic and used to loose minutes everyday so in the end I took it back to WoS in Manchester. They took it back at full RRP and allowed me take away a new Breitling Avenger Seawolf Chrono for around 16% off RRP





I love it and wear it everyday (offshore, diving on holiday, everything) but it still looks like new. The attention to detail is what I like, down to the B on the crown finishing in the right place.

I was convinced I wanted nothing other than a Navitimer World, but that is pretty gorgeous.

[Mazdarese]

Each to their own regarding the styling, but I think they only look too big on a small wrist.

[Mazdarese]

Lambchopski said:

I'm really not a fan and class them as 'old manny' watches.

I'll stick to Rolex thanks.

Ok.

[Mazdarese]

tertius said:

Mazdarese said:

Each to their own regarding the styling, but I think they only look too big on a small wrist.

You may be right, but this thread alone suggests there must be a lot of small wrists out there ...

I thought the average PH'er had 1ft wrist diameter?

[Mazdarese]

What's an ETA watch then? A watch that only lets you estimate the time?

[Mazdarese]

Welshbeef said:

View chaps? I think I'm being pretty Frank here assume most of you are the very comfortably off in which case it's a case of who cares it's our money can easily afford it and not missing out on anything else - but what about you folk who are a little lighter in the bank balance bulge??

Hmm. I'm by no means rich, and if I was to go ahead and purchase the Navitimer that I want then it would have been the 3rd most expensive thing I've ever purchased (after house & car). However, I was trying to view it as primarily a beautiful watch that I've wanted to own for years, and secondly an investment and something that I could hand down if I ever am fortunate enough to have children.

I even considered selling my car and buying a snotter so that I could get a Navitimer!

However, since starting this thread I've decided to upgrade my car instead so the Navitimer has slid back down the list

I'm currently looking for a 'cool' Casio digital

[Mazdarese]

GC8 said:

What does 'chincie' mean?

Chintzy, at a guess.

[ArsE92]

verminator said:

Have to say i always thought they were to big and bling, but the two shown here with the green and black bezels are really nice. By the way, you cant have a ' general' consensus only a consensus, as a consensus is general.

A consensus wasn't general enough for me, I wanted a wider scope.