The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I've been lurking here for some time and PMing with some of you here and there--thanks to all for the guidance as I get ready to pull the trigger on my first Breitling. It will be an "almost everyday" watch for me, my mostly-in-the-field job, and my sports (mountain biking, shooting, running, drinking coffee). I'm not overly stressed about it getting some dings and scratches as part of that everyday use.

I'm fairly set on getting a quartz movement due to greater robustness and decreased sensitivity to impact, magnetism, etc (I've been told I have a magnetic personality). For my budget, which is probably capped at about $2300, this seems to limit me to the Colt Quartz or the Chrono Colt. I currently wear a Suunto Vector as my "hard-use" watch and will continue with it in that role (53mm diameter, 16mm thickness). So I'm not afraid of the size of some of the larger quartz Breitlings but the prices are out of my range for now. I definitely prefer subtle and understated over flashy and, umm, bling-y (is that a word?).

With those qualifiers in mind, esteemed chronophiles, my questions:
1) do those of you who own chronographs end up using that function very often? I use the stopwatch on my Suunto frequently--for driving times, for reminders, and other daily tasks.
2) Once your eyes get trained to read the chrono dials, is it easy to do so at a glance (because, never having owned one, it takes me a few seconds to interpret elapsed time)?
3) Any guidance on choosing between the Chrono Colt and the Colt Quartz, or suggestions for a different model quartz Breitling? I want at least 200m water resistance, figuring that will cover me for basic swimming and maybe even some shallow scuba diving...hopefully.
4) On the Chrono Colt: what's up with the "Tachymetre" markings on the inner dial...significance? Utility?

Last factor...the 6-8 year battery life on the Colt Quartz is a lot more appealing than 2-3 years on the Chrono Colt...decisions, decisions.

Many thanks in advance for your counsel!


p.s: I've already been connected with an AD (thanks, Justin )

For just a little bit more cash, the Aerospace is another fantastic option.

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Breitling Emergency Mission-- Breitling B01--
Chronomatic 24H-- Skyland Blacksteel-- Navitimer World--
Emergency Ti-- Chronomat Evo-- Airwolf-- Skyracer Raven
Bentley GMT-- Motors Speed

Out of the 2 watches you mention, I think the Chrono Colt would be my choice. I've owned a Colt Quartz II and got board of it very quickly, within a few months and sold it on. Its still a superb piece, but I just didn't find it very interesting.

I agree with the above post, although an Aerospace is gonna cost more than a little more cash, although I guess you could get one on a Diver pro or leather strap. Chrono functions on this and the Airwolf are far easier to use. I like the look of mechanincal chrono's but wouldn't want to read off a time quickly.

Have you considered used? Fake versions of Aerospace's and Airwolf's are a joke, so you're not going to end up with a fake. Also do you know some of the Avenger's can have their pushers operated under water?

Oh and I'm deffinitely with you on the sensitivity thing. Its nice just to be able to wear a Quartz and not worry about it

It is true, you don't have to worry much about a quartz, but truthfully, one in seemingly countless mechanicals have issues with magnetism and if you're not going to be bashing it on other objects, you probably won't have to worry too much about damaging a mechanical movement. It's simply gonna come down to preference.

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Breitling Emergency Mission-- Breitling B01--
Chronomatic 24H-- Skyland Blacksteel-- Navitimer World--
Emergency Ti-- Chronomat Evo-- Airwolf-- Skyracer Raven
Bentley GMT-- Motors Speed

I'd go with the Chrono Colt of your two choices, mainly because often prefer the chrono look. For me, I wouldn't spend a few extra $ for an Aerospace - I don't like the digital display.

I don't use my chrono function too often, most often it's to time things in every day life or at work. Say 4-5 times a day in average. I believe you'll get used to reading the chrono dials quickly, I don't have a problem with them and haven't heard anyone else having a problem.

The tachymeter is something you can use to determine speed or rates. For example, clock the time it takes you to travel 1 km. Then read the tachymeter scale and you have your speed in km/hour.

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Collection: http://s540.photobucket.com/albums/gg32 ... mview=grid

Modern Breitling automatic watches are very robust.

I’ve thought better of it in the sober light of day, but I’ve played drums with my Bentley GT with no problem. It’s all in the shock absorption surrounding the jewels in the movement.

Sure, if you're “fairly set on getting a quartz movement”, that’s your decision dude. But it’s fair to say the vast majority of watch enthusiasts prefer mechanical watches. But if you don’t feel that, and are after a watch with a well made case, then a quartz Breitling is as good as a quartz can get!

Still, unless you’re in the SAS, a Breitling auto will stand up to expected rough treatment comparably to a quartz. And it will be so much cooler because it will be powered by a little machine. If I want electronics, I’ll check my Blackberry… no apps, but real watches are so much more fun than that!

I recommend you take your time before you spend your cash…you should consider a mechanical.

Thanks for your input, all....I would love to hear some more perspectives so keep 'em coming.

Re: Aerospace...call me a traditionalist, but I've never liked analog watches with digital sub-features. Just a personal opinion. But I appreciate the trajectory you guys are on--namely, other watches with features I'm looking for.

Jadanf wrote: It is true, you don't have to worry much about a quartz, but truthfully, one in seemingly countless mechanicals have issues with magnetism and if you're not going to be bashing it on other objects, you probably won't have to worry too much about damaging a mechanical movement. It's simply gonna come down to preference.

Perhaps, but I have a bad taste in my mouth from a Tag Heuer mechanical watch I used to own--retailed for approx. $1400, and was nothing but problematic. I purchased it new. From the start it kept crappy time (way outside COSC standards, even though it was a COSC watch), allegedly became magnetized, and so on. I could never rely on it. I wore it often, but didn't do anything crazy with it on my wrist. It was serviced twice by LVMH and still never worked to my satisfaction.

I also now want to have a watch that I can leave on the dresser for 2-3-4 days, or a week, then put it on, and still have the correct time. And one that won't die if I accidentally drop it on the concrete.

aleister, thanks for the tachymetre explanation, I appreciate it.

All the best.

My suggestion for a quartz piece would be the Chrono Avenger M1. It's titatium so it's light, water resistance to 1000 meters and you can use the chrono pushers under water. Nice size, 44 m.m., and it wears very easily due to good ergonomics and the light weight of the titanium. The dial is, as usually is the case with Brietlings, very easy to read.

I own one myself and have been nothing but very happy with it. It's a keeper!

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"Either this man is dead or my watch has stopped!"
- Groucho Marx

As long as you can find one as it's now discontinued.

Also remember that running a chrono on a quartz watch will reduce battery life.

I have just acquired a chrono colt 11 superquartz chronometer and I liked the look of it. I did not think when I bought that it was a quartz movement but thinking that underneath or inside this little is one of the revolutionary inventions on humankind that it will keep ticking accurately
+\- 10-15 seconds a year puts a smile on my face. Rolex and Omega does not have because Breilting can afford to pay to have it certified on a quartz movement. (COSC).

I did wanted a mechanical but knowing the history of my watch and also the manager who sold me the watch who wears a breitling and "bias" because she has worked for breitling and trained with them gets me thinking it is not a salestalk.

Just look at people who wears them.


"There will be thousands of omega and rolex around you but you will be smiling when you know that you are the envy of all because you are wearing a breitling."

Id save some extra cash or buy used, and go for an Avenger Seawolf Chrono (new model). That thing is positively bad ass. 44mm, 1000m WR, fully operational pushpieces all the way down to 1000m etc. The Colt quartz and chrono are on the small side, so if youre used to large watches, you might be surprised at how small they wear. That said, if I had to pick between the two models you mentioned, id get the Chrono.

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-RJ