Someone pls enthuse me about movement that I will never see!
Discussion
Got my nicest proper watch ever in lieu of all the cancelled holidays this year - a deal and 'every cloud', right? 
Always had quartz watches before and now feel this significant outlay seems a bit pointless as I will never even see the magnificent mechanical movement in all its intricate wonder. So what is the point? Also a £650 bill every 5 years for a service? I'm just not getting it!
I also feel that in using it daily it will 'wear out' - dealer even said don't use the chrono too much as it quadruples the moving bits' wear! May be best to stash it for special use (with resulting annoying resets for time/date etc)? But it looks absolutely immense and increases the strength in my right arm through increased muscle resistance.
More cultured views welcome - help me 'get it' pls!
Always had quartz watches before and now feel this significant outlay seems a bit pointless as I will never even see the magnificent mechanical movement in all its intricate wonder. So what is the point? Also a £650 bill every 5 years for a service? I'm just not getting it!
I also feel that in using it daily it will 'wear out' - dealer even said don't use the chrono too much as it quadruples the moving bits' wear! May be best to stash it for special use (with resulting annoying resets for time/date etc)? But it looks absolutely immense and increases the strength in my right arm through increased muscle resistance.
More cultured views welcome - help me 'get it' pls!
Yep your just not getting it 
Watch this video of the Breitling factory and you will have some idea of what goes into making an automatic movement. It's about craftsmanship and engineering, and this is why so many PHers appreciate good watches as they do good cars.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zMalJbKYvU
Watch this video of the Breitling factory and you will have some idea of what goes into making an automatic movement. It's about craftsmanship and engineering, and this is why so many PHers appreciate good watches as they do good cars.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zMalJbKYvU
It could be termed as a 'private pleasure' knowing that the device on your wrist is a marvel of microscopic mechanical engineering.
Of course an iPhone or cheap quartz will actually do a better job of telling the time - the same as a Tesla will be faster than a Porsche. But it's the pleasure of the inner workings, even though you sometimes will never see them.
I am wearing a watch with an annual calendar complication. I can't see the movement - but it's a pleasure to own just for the fact it's so beautifully made.
Not everyone will appreciate such intricate marvels, but those that do enjoy owning them.
Of course an iPhone or cheap quartz will actually do a better job of telling the time - the same as a Tesla will be faster than a Porsche. But it's the pleasure of the inner workings, even though you sometimes will never see them.
I am wearing a watch with an annual calendar complication. I can't see the movement - but it's a pleasure to own just for the fact it's so beautifully made.
Not everyone will appreciate such intricate marvels, but those that do enjoy owning them.
Rolex use a modified Breitling chronograph movement in their Tudor watches. Regardless if you have any time for Rolex, if they have decided to use another company (competition) in their products, it must say good things about the supplier’s product.
If you look at a Seiko quartz chronograph movement there is a whole lot going on, the skill taken to design and set up the production of the components and the watch itself is immense.
With mechanical movements it is that they were being done so long ago before computer aided design and manufacturing, that makes them special. (The same can be said for early quartz)
Please take the plastic wrap off, it’s a cracking looking watch!
If you look at a Seiko quartz chronograph movement there is a whole lot going on, the skill taken to design and set up the production of the components and the watch itself is immense.
With mechanical movements it is that they were being done so long ago before computer aided design and manufacturing, that makes them special. (The same can be said for early quartz)
Please take the plastic wrap off, it’s a cracking looking watch!
Edited by r159 on Sunday 27th December 21:27
Edited by r159 on Sunday 27th December 21:29
It looks like a nice watch.
If you don't get it, then mechanical/hand wound/automatic watches clearly aren't for you.
I would have a mechanical watch over a quartz any day of the week. You could let a mechanical watch sit for years in a drawer, lift it out, start wearing it again. With a quartz, the battery will probably be flat and require changing.
The feeling of a watch being an incredibly fine piece of machinery is wonderful.
I don't need my watch to be accurate to the second. If I ever need to know the exact time, then I can always glance at my phone.
(Quartz does have it's uses. I have a couple of Casio G Shock watches with digital displays in them)
Couple of other points:
You can wear a mechanical watch for a long time without servicing it, my mum probably wore her Rolex for more than 20 years before it needed a service.
If you are paying £650 for a simple service then you need to find a new watchmaker. I get watches serviced and repaired independently for around £100-200 plus any parts.
If you don't get it, then mechanical/hand wound/automatic watches clearly aren't for you.
I would have a mechanical watch over a quartz any day of the week. You could let a mechanical watch sit for years in a drawer, lift it out, start wearing it again. With a quartz, the battery will probably be flat and require changing.
The feeling of a watch being an incredibly fine piece of machinery is wonderful.
I don't need my watch to be accurate to the second. If I ever need to know the exact time, then I can always glance at my phone.
(Quartz does have it's uses. I have a couple of Casio G Shock watches with digital displays in them)
Couple of other points:
You can wear a mechanical watch for a long time without servicing it, my mum probably wore her Rolex for more than 20 years before it needed a service.
If you are paying £650 for a simple service then you need to find a new watchmaker. I get watches serviced and repaired independently for around £100-200 plus any parts.
Lord Marylebone said:
If you are paying £650 for a simple service then you need to find a new watchmaker. I get watches serviced and repaired independently for around £100-200 plus any parts.
I'd agree £650 is a bit over the top, but chronographs are quite a bit more expensive to do. My stepdad had a nasty bill when he got his Speedmaster done recently.Hi
Congratulations
I’ve owned 6 Avengers, only 1 ever went for sevice because it was PART battery powered, other than that they were no trouble at all!
And when they do a service they come back as new, I sent an abused Emergency Mission for service and was amazed.
I absolutely get the private pleasure aspect 100% but don’t worry about wear, I no longer own any Avengers but I think they are fantastic
I kind of like the idea of a titanium Seawolf on the Pro 2 bracelet, they are tricky to switch with “regular” size watches because they make them feel like ladies watches
Congratulations
I’ve owned 6 Avengers, only 1 ever went for sevice because it was PART battery powered, other than that they were no trouble at all!
And when they do a service they come back as new, I sent an abused Emergency Mission for service and was amazed.
I absolutely get the private pleasure aspect 100% but don’t worry about wear, I no longer own any Avengers but I think they are fantastic
I kind of like the idea of a titanium Seawolf on the Pro 2 bracelet, they are tricky to switch with “regular” size watches because they make them feel like ladies watches
Edited by don logan on Monday 28th December 15:03
Edited by don logan on Monday 28th December 15:19
Thanks guys - really positive input and tips there - appreciated And I've picked all the plastic off now!!!
I would love to see the movement one day as I'm frustrated I can't even 'open the bonnet' to see the immense craftmanship here and give it a drop of 3 in 1 and a vac like I do the car.
I got really lucky on the price as these things are never discounted (openly) so just had to do it getting an almost 4 fig saving.
It's such a perfect piece of intricate craftsmanship and justifies its huge 48mm dimensions and cost!
And I've picked all the plastic off now!!!I would love to see the movement one day as I'm frustrated I can't even 'open the bonnet' to see the immense craftmanship here and give it a drop of 3 in 1 and a vac like I do the car
.I got really lucky on the price as these things are never discounted (openly) so just had to do it getting an almost 4 fig saving.
It's such a perfect piece of intricate craftsmanship and justifies its huge 48mm dimensions and cost!
Ken Figenus said:
Thanks guys - really positive input and tips there - appreciated And I've picked all the plastic off now!!!
I would love to see the movement one day as I'm frustrated I can't even 'open the bonnet' to see the immense craftmanship here and give it a drop of 3 in 1 and a vac like I do the car.
I got really lucky on the price as these things are never discounted (openly) so just had to do it getting an almost 4 fig saving.
It's such a perfect piece of intricate craftsmanship and justifies its huge 48mm dimensions and cost!
And I've picked all the plastic off now!!!I would love to see the movement one day as I'm frustrated I can't even 'open the bonnet' to see the immense craftmanship here and give it a drop of 3 in 1 and a vac like I do the car
.I got really lucky on the price as these things are never discounted (openly) so just had to do it getting an almost 4 fig saving.
It's such a perfect piece of intricate craftsmanship and justifies its huge 48mm dimensions and cost!
You could always get a nice picture of the movement and put it where you keep the watch to remind you of what you’re putting on (or tape it to the back!
Service price seems about right for Breitling own servicing from a friend’s experience.
Ken Figenus said:
Thanks guys - really positive input and tips there - appreciated And I've picked all the plastic off now!!!
I would love to see the movement one day as I'm frustrated I can't even 'open the bonnet' to see the immense craftmanship here and give it a drop of 3 in 1 and a vac like I do the car.
I got really lucky on the price as these things are never discounted (openly) so just had to do it getting an almost 4 fig saving.
It's such a perfect piece of intricate craftsmanship and justifies its huge 48mm dimensions and cost!
Hi And I've picked all the plastic off now!!!I would love to see the movement one day as I'm frustrated I can't even 'open the bonnet' to see the immense craftmanship here and give it a drop of 3 in 1 and a vac like I do the car
.I got really lucky on the price as these things are never discounted (openly) so just had to do it getting an almost 4 fig saving.
It's such a perfect piece of intricate craftsmanship and justifies its huge 48mm dimensions and cost!
The part quartz Avenger I had was surprisingly good looking from the back, considering it had a battery in it.
Ken Figenus said:
I got really lucky on the price as these things are never discounted (openly) so just had to do it getting an almost 4 fig saving.
Hate to say this, but it’s the exact opposite. Breitling are notorious for being soft on prices; quick google or YouTube will confirm and turn up dozens of videos of people booming that you should never, ever pay list for one. They also depreciate like a car does, frankly.Powerfully Built Company Director said:
Ken Figenus said:
I got really lucky on the price as these things are never discounted (openly) so just had to do it getting an almost 4 fig saving.
Hate to say this, but it’s the exact opposite. Breitling are notorious for being soft on prices; quick google or YouTube will confirm and turn up dozens of videos of people booming that you should never, ever pay list for one. They also depreciate like a car does, frankly.Two of them have held value since then, and one has actually crept back up by around £300-400 over what I paid for it, so if you buy smart you can do ok with them.
It's horses for courses, but I tend to always buy depreciating watches (such as Breitling) used, because losing money on them can be avoided for the most part.
If you don't care about depreciation and get more enjoyment out of buying and owning a brand new watch, then fair play to you, I can't disagree with that. I tend not to buy new from any brand because it actually puts me off wearing it! If I buy something that already has a few tiny marks on it then I don't feel bad about adding some more marks!
Powerfully Built Company Director said:
Hate to say this, but it’s the exact opposite. Breitling are notorious for being soft on prices; quick google or YouTube will confirm and turn up dozens of videos of people booming that you should never, ever pay list for one. They also depreciate like a car does, frankly.
They openly discount them too. Still a nice watch though.
don logan said:
I kind of like the idea of a titanium Seawolf on the Pro 2 bracelet, they are tricky to switch with “regular” size watches because they make them feel like ladies watches
If you know your Breitling watches, why did you post a photo of a fake Seawolf. It's embarrassing!Edited by don logan on Monday 28th December 15:03
Edited by don logan on Monday 28th December 15:19
Chicken_Satay said:
don logan said:
If you know your Breitling watches, why did you post a photo of a fake Seawolf. It's embarrassing!I own several Breitlings, but not a Seawolf, and I would have absolutely no idea if that was real or fake from the photo.
And that sums up why I bought new from an authorised retailer - just too many (excellent) fakes abound. I bought (an in-budget 
) TAG F1 first with full money back guarantee but it was a fake - the one giveaway is the marks on the small dial - they are NOT symmetric on the real thing. Minefield!
Given my education and what we have discussed I now so don't get this more expensive quartz one with a cloth strap! https://www.goldsmiths.co.uk/Breitling-Chronospace...
) TAG F1 first with full money back guarantee but it was a fake - the one giveaway is the marks on the small dial - they are NOT symmetric on the real thing. Minefield!Given my education and what we have discussed I now so don't get this more expensive quartz one with a cloth strap
! https://www.goldsmiths.co.uk/Breitling-Chronospace...Lord Marylebone said:
To be fair to Don, that photo appears to have come from http://www.oldworldjewelers.com who claim to specialise in used watches, so you can hardly blame him for assuming an established jeweller in the USA would be showing photos of legit watches.
I own several Breitlings, but not a Seawolf, and I would have absolutely no idea if that was real or fake from the photo.
It was the first pic I could find of a Seawolf with a Pro 2 bracelet, I wasn’t really looking at anything in detail!I own several Breitlings, but not a Seawolf, and I would have absolutely no idea if that was real or fake from the photo.
It’s a fake??
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