Which watch?

[bubba716]

I've been shopping around for a new watch, this is going to be my first high quality watch. What is you all's input about which features I should definitely look for. Thanks for the help.

 

[phrogpilot73]

Something followed me home today...

So last week, I dropped off the Omega to be shipped off for battery replacement/preventative maintenance, etc... I guess I missed it.

PSW and I left the local Breitling authorized dealer tonight with one on my wrist, and one on hers. I had only planned on going into drool - until they offered me 30% off. Picked up the one I've been coveting for a while. The Airwolf:

The case book is really, really cool:

 

[East]

That....watch....is...AWESOME!

 

[Citation3]

Beautiful Breitling you have there. I love the older dial on the Airwolf. The newer one with the vertical grooves is not as appealing. Excellent buy and real beauty.

Since this topic has been revived I'll share my new Breitling addition as well. Out of the darkness of the drawer.

Tomcat lover first...Breitling fan second.

Separated at birth together again...

 

[GroundPounder]

If you are thinking about a Breitling, now is the time. Of the mid range luxury watch brands, they have had the largest drop off in market share. There are some great deals to be had on the entire range. On a side note, the last of the Rolex old style Subs are out now, and will be getting harder to find.

 

[phrogpilot73]

Beautiful Breitling you have there. I love the older dial on the Airwolf. The newer one with the vertical grooves is not as appealing. Excellent buy and real beauty.

Thank you! I've been lusting after this one since they introduced it in '07 (I originally was bummed that they replaced the B1, but I think they hit the nail on the head with the Airwolf). Walked into the store and asked to see the Airwolf (ok, I also tried on the Aerospace, Bentley, Colt, Emergency, Skyracer, and Chronomat). Couldn't take my eyes off of it, and the $2700 price tag made my jaw hit the floor. Not to mention it was the older face, not the newer one (I also think the vertical lines aren't as stunning as the starburst). Hard to turn down.

We were there long enough that PSW finally gave in and tried on a Colt Oceane and fell in love as well.

I've been wanting a Breitling for 15 years, so needless to say - the smile hasn't left my face at all today...

 

[Treetop Flyer]

Phrogpilot, why did you choose the airwolf over the aerospace?

Citation, which watch of the two in the pictures do you prefer? I have always liked Breitlings and I think either an aerospace or airwolf would be my most likely choice but I'm not close to making a decision.

 

[phrogpilot73]

Phrogpilot, why did you choose the airwolf over the aerospace?

Several reasons (none of which were in the forefront of my mind when I was shopping, although now reflecting over it, I know they were in the back of my mind). I've always liked the Navitimer, I mean that's a classic Breitling watch. However, I also like the modern features available on watch with a digital component. The B1 balanced those nicely, with the whiz-wheel (not that I'll use it, I don't on my Citizen Nighthawk) and the digital component. However, the B1 was discontinued in favor of the Airwolf. The Aerospace doesn't have the whiz-wheel, and the Airwolf does. To me, that just says "Breitling, Instruments for Professionals." I know it's cheesy - but it's true. The Airwolf is the first one I looked at last night, and no other watch could compare. When I first tried it on, the starburst on the face kind of turned me off. I was thinking "man, that looks worse in person than on Breitling's site". After each watch, I'd look back at the Airwolf. By the end of the night I was thinking "man, none of them have that gorgeously unique face. I think that my gut feeling was correct."

So there you have it, a logical dissection of the completely illogical decision making process that occurred.

 

[Alpha_Echo_606]

So last week, I dropped off the Omega to be shipped off for battery replacement/preventative maintenance, etc... I guess I missed it.

PSW and I left the local Breitling authorized dealer tonight with one on my wrist, and one on hers. I had only planned on going into drool - until they offered me 30% off. Picked up the one I've been coveting for a while. The Airwolf:

The case book is really, really cool:

Very nice I approve. I'm just a bit jealous.

 

[Citation3]

Phrogpilot, why did you choose the airwolf over the aerospace?

Citation, which watch of the two in the pictures do you prefer? I have always liked Breitlings and I think either an aerospace or airwolf would be my most likely choice but I'm not close to making a decision.

Between the B-1 and the Aerospace the B-1 wins hands down. For me, I like the look and heavy feel of the larger watch. I also find the crown and the two pushers make scrolling through and operating the functions easier vs. using only the crown on the Aerospace. If I could change one thing I would love to have had the B-1 done with a brushed finish and titanium like the Emergency. To me, that would be the ultimate B-1.

The new Aerospace is also a beautiful watch as well. I like it because the new Avantage is a bit larger than the older version by 2mm, yet not as large and thick as the B-1. It's wicked light and very comfortable to wear. My only issue with it is that I wish they had kept the original luminous numerals instead of moving to the polished ones. I think it had the classic cockpit instrument look. It was classic Aerospace.

All in all...you can't go wrong with either the Airwolf or Aerospace. Both are just stunning pieces of engineering.

I would encourage any of you guys that can get in on a Breitling buy to do it. For the price you all are extended, you can't beat it. Breitling does amazing work on the dials. The planforms of the Tomcats are printed beautifully with crisp detailed panel lines. Bummer Breitling requires such a large order of them for the buys. It has to be tough to get 25 guys to part with that chunk of change.

On a side note about Breitling or squadron watches...Has anyone ever seen the Aerospace, B-1, or Airwolf done for a Super Hornet squadron? I would be interested is seeing pictures of any logo watches that may be out there regardless of squadron or A/C type. I recently saw a ships company USS Theodore Roosevelt CVW-8 white faced Aerospace that was pretty cool looking.

Lastly...You lucky guys sporting my unobtainable Holly Grail Omega X-33 Generation II watch...Stunning as well.

 

[Treetop Flyer]

I have seen someone with an aerospace with a harrier by where the 9 would be and the shape of Iraq where the 3 would be. That's the first I'd heard of custom Breitlings and I would love to get one with a harrier on it.

 

[phrogpilot73]

Between the B-1 and the Aerospace the B-1 wins hands down. For me, I like the look and heavy feel of the larger watch.

I agree wholeheartedly. Something was "off" about the Aerospace, it may have been the weight...

All in all...you can't go wrong with ANY Breitling. They all are just stunning pieces of engineering.

Fixed it for you.

I would love to have had the B-1 done with a brushed finish and titainium like the Emergency. To me, that would be the ultimate B-1.

That sounds like my Omega X-33. I looked at an Aerospace in Titanium, and didn't like it. I liked the stainless...

You guys sporting my unobtainable Holly Grail Omega X-33 Generation II watch...Stunning as well.

I'm sure you'll eventually get your hands on one... Patience is a virtue (although with your models, you probably have more than I do!)...

 

[Citation3]

"All in all...you can't go wrong with ANY Breitling. They all are just stunning pieces of engineering."

Corrected I stand...well said.

Did you by chance see the new Airwolf Raven? Saw it last week at MacArthur Mall in Norfolk. You may want to invest in the rubber strap for you Airwolf if you plan on wearing it on deployment. It would save beating up that pretty bracelet. Also, very comfortable in hot humid WX.

 

[phrogpilot73]

Did you by chance see the new Airwolf with the black bezel?

Only on the website. Reed's in Lynnhaven mall had a good selection, but only one Airwolf (lucky for me, I always wanted the blue face!). I still can't get past those ugly vertical lines. I looked at one in Reed's that had a billion lines (vertical, circular, diagonal, etc) on the face. I got vertigo just standing in front of the watch case. Maybe that's their goal? Get you not in "control" of your faculties, and just spending money willy-nilly??

 

[Citation3]

For any Limited Edition Breitling lovers here is the best collection of Navy, Air Force, Royal Navy, and misc. B-1's. The most recent edition of the Navy VFC-13 is sweet.

http://donindiano.lanetcie.com/watches/breitling/b-1/special_editions