The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Proud Breitling Chronograph owner here looking to get a black dial diver on a black strap. Until now, I hadn't considered a Breitling diver but then I got a good look at the Superocean II 42.

Options are between:

- Panerai Luminor PAM 219 left handed (because of the novelty), 44mm
- Tudor Black Bay, 41mm
- Breitling Superocean II 42mm

The "grail watch" would be a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique (45mm)...

So which one would you choose?

Blancpain for me

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Breitling B-1 1999
Breitling Chrono Superocean 2004
Casio G Shock
Citizen Eco Drive AT4000-02E (for gardening)
Seiko 5 SNZG15J1
Hamilton X Wind LE

If is one thing that I have learned while collecting watches is that you have to love it if you are going to buy it. There are great watches out there for less than $1000 US, I would look at those and save for the Blancpain! Good Luck!

I love the Black Bay but I think the ultimate tool watch in that price range is the Pelagos.

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Mat

Breitling Navitimer 01
Omega Seamaster 300mc
Omega Speedmaster Pro "Mitsukoshi Mod"
Seiko Prospek Orange Samurai

For me, it'd be the Blancpain every day of the week and twice on Sundays. That said, it's in a totally different price bracket to the others, so a little unfair a comparison. (It also has the distinction of being one of only two 3-handers with a 4:30 date wheel that I actually like!)

Of the other three, then I'd go with the Black Bay without a moment's hesitation.......but then I'm a sucker for an in-house movement.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

You're spot on. I'll admit, I love the Blancpain but I'm not sure the brand (while absolutely in the top tier of the horological hierarchy) holds its value all that well.

Does your opinion change if I were to throw in The Godfather of dive watches, the Rolex Submariner (no date), Ref 114060? The price falls in between the Blancpain and the others...

Go try them on and see how they feel on the wrist.

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Mat

Breitling Navitimer 01
Omega Seamaster 300mc
Omega Speedmaster Pro "Mitsukoshi Mod"
Seiko Prospek Orange Samurai

Try the Tudor Pelagos as well

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Justin
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I tried the Tudor Pelagos LHD (because even though I'm a righty, I thought the novelty of the 9 o'clock crown was neat).

I have a smaller wrist; my Breitling Chrinomat is a 40mm. The Pelagos seemed big -- both end-to-end on the lugs but also a super thick case. It's still a beautiful watch but I think I like the Black Bay better in the Tudor lineup.

Tough choices for a classic black diver!

Well, if you're talking classic diver, then they really don't come any more classic than the Submariner, and especially the no-date.

With money no object I'd personally still go with the Blancpain FF, but the Sub would definitely take a close second place. BUT, I just notice you said you found the Pelagos a little large : if that's the case then you may as well write off the FF as it's noticeably larger than the Pelagos.

There's no substitute for trying them on, so if I was you I'd try to find a Sub no-date and try that bad boy on!

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Driver8

Site Moderator

OP wants a black diver on black strap. Therefore among your choices I would choose PAM. If you are not asking specifically for black strap but a versatile classic diver I would choose a Sub with Cyclops. If you want a power diver then the Deepsea comes into my mind.

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Breitling Chronomat 01 Limited Edition
Breitling Navitimer 01 46mm

Great point -- and now I'm sounding schizophrenic. Were I to go with a no-date Sub, I'd "settle" for a bracelet!

You're on the money re: FF size. I haven't found any in my area but will keep my eyes peeled to try it on. Obviously the 40mm size of the Sub works very well..

Thanks for your thoughts!

But of course there's always this option to go with the Sub -

https://www.everestbands.com/

http://rubberb.com/

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Driver8

Site Moderator

My black diver on a black strap, I can't afford the others.

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Breitling B-1 1999
Breitling Chrono Superocean 2004
Casio G Shock
Citizen Eco Drive AT4000-02E (for gardening)
Seiko 5 SNZG15J1
Hamilton X Wind LE