So I have had the pleasure of wearing this for a week now and have come to understand the appreciation of Breitlings that many have had before I strapped one on.
Immediately I was struck at both the heft of the watch and at the same time how very comfortable it is, quite cool to be able to pull both off simultaneously.
The Pro2 bracelet, after sizing, was/is comfortable as well and the clasp is very stiff, not that that is a bad thing. I wore the bracelet for the first few days then went to the black zulu for a different (opposite) look and again, the SOII wears both very well = balanced and comfortable
After the first overall wow factor, I found upon closer inspection how much I like the applied markers - the texture and elevation changes are striking to say the least. Urban Legend has it that the applied logo is White Gold - it definitely has a different shimmer to it - can anyone confirm or deny this?
The blue chapter ring is a wonderful blue in real life - it is dynamic and muted at the same time. very strange and very nice. you notice it, but it does not jump out or detract in any way. Being between the black dial and black bezel promote this cool effect.
I have owned other watches with the double AR (Sinn, Omega) and can without reservation say Breitling's is superior. Total clarity with barely any blue hue and hardly any finger prints, or at least not as blatantly obvious.
I have read the steel numbers/hash marks on the bezel are actually part of the bezel and not loose bits forced into the rubber - very solid. Speaking of the rubber, it is much better looking in real life than I had imagined. The coin edge of the bezel is super easy to grip and very defined clicks around the dial. everything about the SOII is says "strong"
It's only been a week, but if you are the sort that is into timing - the week's average is -1.75 seconds a day. Probably could use more time on the wrist to adjust and/or settle.
The Lume on the hour/min hands matches the dial markers better than any watch I have owned and only the second hand is a bit "lighter". Lume is intense initially and while it fades during the night, is still easily legible for my morning coffee.
okay - to be fair, the one "issue" I have is the polished finish does tend to show/magnify little swirlies that come along with the finish. , etc. the good thing is, they only show up at certain angles and in certain light - If you've owned a Doxa, you know what I mean. Swirlies happen, no getting around that, so I get over it and enjoy wearing the SOII
Signed crown screws down with a bit of pressure, probably since it's "newish" and again, probably not a bad thing and date changes promptly at midnight.
so how 'bout a few shots:
