The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I have been mulling this over for the last two days, went back and read every thread various times and tried to get a feel for the general taste and preferences of our group. trying to decide what to do to get the best possible outcome for all. Here is my thinking right now.

We are individuals, with varyings tastes, preferences, and budgets. It is impossible to come out with a watch design that will not alienate anyone, let alone satisfy every taste. The best I can hope to accomplish is settle on a design that 60% love, 30% like, and 10% do not fancy, and I am shooting for the stars here.

I thought about having everyone post their preferences and then tallying those numbers in one thread, but that is likely to result in a Frankenstein of a watch.

I also came to the realization that choice might be the enemy here, thinking in a group process is fine, but someone has to make some hard line choice. I do not want to be that person, as it is hard to be neutral, but I have tried to do this by numbers and figures. I would love to come up with a design that everyone loves, even if that means I am the only one who hates it.

So here is our final choice, based on what i feel could result in two watches that most would at least find acceptable, and certinely some will really like. Absolute minimal polarizing choices.


What stays from our design process and is universal to both choices:

Dial: Dark Slate Grey date disc in English
Crystal: Sapphire domes crystal, double anti-reflecting coating on the inside
Indices and Hands: ( SILVER Arabic index) with super-luminova black or grey
Hands: Silver with black super luminova or grey
Strap: grey and black leather
Buckle: deployant with pusher
Diamond crown

In the left corner we have option 1:

Nav B Pilot, 400-450 Euro

Case: Steel, satin brushed
Bezel: Steel, Polished
Diameter: 47MM
height: 16mm
Display back.

Loosely based on this case:





In the right Corner, the original:

Nav B Chrono

750-850 Euro

Case: Steel, satin brushed
Bezel: Titanium
Diameter: 45MM
height: 16mm
Solid Caseback

Loosely based on this watch







Please refrain from criticizing these choices, I understand that there must be something you do not like about one design or the other, and I am sorry about that. But we need to finalizes this by tomorrow morning and get our orders in.

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Certified watch nut.

For me there is only one choice. It isn't the perfect option for me, but the DB framing the absolutely beautiful Lemania movement is an absolute no brainer - Pilot. For those who aren't aware this is a Lemania movement (from my Cossie):

OK, based on the fact that the Chrono (which was my original choice) doesn't quite tick all the boxes for me now design-wise, I am now voting for the non-chrono Pilot.

Reasons - the Pilot has no titanium, I prefer the size, it's cheaper (which as I said in the other thread is a factor if I don't TOTALLY love the design), and it's got a display back (which other than wanting the case in bronze, was something I really fancied).

If we go with the Pilot, I'll definitely be signed up for one. If we stay with the Chrono........ well, I'll need to see a mock up first before deciding.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

[quote="Roffensian"]For me there is only one choice. It isn't the perfect option for me, but the DB framing the absolutely beautiful Lemania movement is an absolute no brainer - Pilot. For those who aren't aware this is a Lemania movement (from my Cossie):

Yes, but just so everyone is fully informed. That is an Elaborated grade Lemania. The ones used in the Pilot are Chronometer. here is a picture of what we will be actually getting

http://gnomonwatches.com/images/Steinha ... hrPG5L.jpg


ETA grades are, Elaborated> Top> Chronometer

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Certified watch nut.

Sorry Altair, didn't realise that it was a different grade.

Doesn't change my vote though.

Oh yeah just one other thing - we are talking about the Lemania Pilot with the small seconds I hope?

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Driver8

Site Moderator

If chosen, would the pilot have the small seconds at 9:00 or not? I vote yes. The dial would look better with it.

Also, have you talked with Gunther aabout the possibility of maybe dressing up the movement a little more and / or adding engraved initials or screen names? Just curious. I wouldnt think a few spins with the mini cup across the movement bridge, wouldnt take that long or add too much to the $$$.

I voted for the Pilot just because I have plenty of chronos and no DB's.

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Breitling Steelfish(black)
Breitling Steelfish(silver)
Panerai PAM 312
Bell & Ross BR03-92 Phantom
Steinhart BreitlingSource LE #5/15

HA!! Driver8 you beat me to the small seconds Q by a few seconds! lol

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Breitling Steelfish(black)
Breitling Steelfish(silver)
Panerai PAM 312
Bell & Ross BR03-92 Phantom
Steinhart BreitlingSource LE #5/15

Yes personally I think it needs the small seconds to keep the dial visually interesting.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Yes

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Certified watch nut.

We can get an Elaborated and decorated/customized movement. You can those options in the Premium section in their website. But that would more than double the cost.

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Certified watch nut.

Not for me thanks. The standard Chronometer grade movement is absolutely fine by me.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Agreed - and the circa 400 Euro price point makes a lot more sense - otherwise we are back to chrono pricing.

I guess I see your point. No real sense in doubling the price.

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Breitling Steelfish(black)
Breitling Steelfish(silver)
Panerai PAM 312
Bell & Ross BR03-92 Phantom
Steinhart BreitlingSource LE #5/15

I just stopped by the steinhart website and while looking at the Pilot watches, there, I couldnt help but notice that the 350 EURO version that seems to be like the one we are discussing ....said:

"backside with gravure
Unitas 6497 Swiss manual wind-up
geneva stripes & blued screws"


Is this the exact same thing we are looking at? The movement looks to be slightly decorated @ the 350 EURO price point. Just curious. I cant find the different sections showing the different movements available.

FYI, I am NOT trying to stir up things I am only curious to the reason for the "double" price for a decorated movement when Steinhart is selling off the shelf Pilots with decorations, for less than the price we are discussing. (I understand the extra premium for an LE and have no problem with that reasoning).

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Breitling Steelfish(black)
Breitling Steelfish(silver)
Panerai PAM 312
Bell & Ross BR03-92 Phantom
Steinhart BreitlingSource LE #5/15