I have my own views on how / why this forum isn't like it used to be, but the world moves on. Breitling models today are very different to the models that attracted me and others to here 9 (!) years ago. Different models appeal to a different demographic and a different 'vibe' here. Some of that I am less able to relate to. Social media is also far more advanced than 9 years ago and forums aren't necessarily as important as they once were.

For my own part, I am going through a significant period of change, selling a home in Canada, building a home in the Caribbean and trying to move a business both physically and from a face to face consulting based model to a remote worker / distance consulting model. It means I have far less time and am usually accessing the forum on a phone. I will be leaving here once the transition is complete and I have moved all my watches on - semi-retirement in the Caribbean won't be including this forum because as a moderator for the last few years this has (unfortunately) felt like 'work' a little too often.

This is where I started in the whole watch forum/blog world, now over 5 years ago. I can only speak for myself, each has their own experience, but I'll offer the following:

1. Breitling changed-- If the product changes in a way you don't like, it's harder to be a regular contributor in a forum focused on that product. I jumped in a time when all sorts of people were waxing poetically about their SuperOcean Chronos, Chronomat Evos and Steelfish (which was about to be discontinued, a precursor perhaps). That's not even considering the staple Navitimers and other pieces. People, even then, were freely and happily talking about all their "other" watches too, a by-product of being here which was welcomed by all, and some were buying and selling different ones (did a few myself) at a pretty rapid rate. Then some popular models were discontinued, the replacements were not as well received, and the rough introduction of the B01 movement came along. Since then came more models again not universally loved, and the again-rough introduction of the B50. Also, and B01 related, the price tag for Breitlings moved up, into a more-crowded and highly competitive market. I don't remember the numbers but as I recall, sales have been down. Right now there are a few Breitlings I like, but nothing approaching the lineup 5 years ago. I still consider this the place to go if I ever get up the courage to go vintage, but when you look only towards past watches and not to future, it's going to be a smaller crowd.

2. People change-- What I liked and wanted in a watch was different 5 years ago. My tastes ran bigger, and Breitling fit that need so well. But then they got even bigger. 41.7mm Navitimers became 43mm, then 46 and 47. 40 and 41mm models of any type were few and 38s were called ladies watches. While that happened, my tasted trended smaller, and thinner. From what I read, I'm not alone. On top of that, lives change. Roff mentioned the evolution of his work life. Mine has been nonstop crazy the past two years. With that and funding with two in College, it's been 'run silent, run deep' time. I know of a couple other retirements, health changes and in general changes in interest with active members here.

I don't have as much time these days for the watch fora, and frankly there's not a new Breitling out there right now which really grabs my attention, but I still consider this place "home". I still come here first. There are still wonderful people who stop by, some frequently, some less often, and if I had a question about any watch this is still where I'd come. I may not have much to report on the watch front these days, but I still drop in.

This is where I started in the whole watch forum/blog world, now over 5 years ago. I can only speak for myself, each has their own experience, but I'll offer the following:

1. Breitling changed-- If the product changes in a way you don't like, it's harder to be a regular contributor in a forum focused on that product. I jumped in a time when all sorts of people were waxing poetically about their SuperOcean Chronos, Chronomat Evos and Steelfish (which was about to be discontinued, a precursor perhaps). That's not even considering the staple Navitimers and other pieces. People, even then, were freely and happily talking about all their "other" watches too, a by-product of being here which was welcomed by all, and some were buying and selling different ones (did a few myself) at a pretty rapid rate. Then some popular models were discontinued, the replacements were not as well received, and the rough introduction of the B01 movement came along. Since then came more models again not universally loved, and the again-rough introduction of the B50. Also, and B01 related, the price tag for Breitlings moved up, into a more-crowded and highly competitive market. I don't remember the numbers but as I recall, sales have been down. Right now there are a few Breitlings I like, but nothing approaching the lineup 5 years ago. I still consider this the place to go if I ever get up the courage to go vintage, but when you look only towards past watches and not to future, it's going to be a smaller crowd.

2. People change-- What I liked and wanted in a watch was different 5 years ago. My tastes ran bigger, and Breitling fit that need so well. But then they got even bigger. 41.7mm Navitimers became 43mm, then 46 and 47. 40 and 41mm models of any type were few and 38s were called ladies watches. While that happened, my tasted trended smaller, and thinner. From what I read, I'm not alone. On top of that, lives change. Roff mentioned the evolution of his work life. Mine has been nonstop crazy the past two years. With that and funding with two in College, it's been 'run silent, run deep' time. I know of a couple other retirements, health changes and in general changes in interest with active members here.

I don't have as much time these days for the watch fora, and frankly there's not a new Breitling out there right now which really grabs my attention, but I still consider this place "home". I still come here first. There are still wonderful people who stop by, some frequently, some less often, and if I had a question about any watch this is still where I'd come. I may not have much to report on the watch front these days, but I still drop in.