The Breitling Watch Source Forums

You know what Otto, despite the fact that I'm really not into Quartz that much, there is something about the EM that grabs me. I like what you're saying!

Let me start out by warning all you die hard Breitling fans that there is going to be some criticism of the current Breitling organisation in this post, if you are easily offended I suggest you dont read this thread

I am sorry, but I just need to vent! I have always loved Breitlings, and still do many models. In fact I am looking at getting a Navitimer model soon. I mean there really is so much to like about the brand, the amazing history is right up there with the best of them, technical innovation, military and civilian flight association, space flight, excellent external quality for the price range, attention to detail, and just fantastic bracelets and straps to boot!

I guess it is those very reasons that make me so agitated with the current affairs of Breitling. I want to enjoy the brand and be as enthusiastic as I used to be but the direction Breitling SA is taking is just not for me. For one thing the catering to the masses with designs that impress the non-WIS but will most definitely disappoint the hard core fans, Galactic my eye.

Another thing is the gross mass production of almost all models, I cant remember the last time I walked into an AD and did not find a model I was looking for, I mean really anyone know how many Super Avengers they actually made? They must have made a fortune out of those!!! That also hurts resale like you wouldn't believe, I should know

Then there is the technical innovation, or lack thereof. The B01 doesn't cut it in my book, too similar to the 7750 and only introduced after Hayek threatened to cut off their supply. No points in my book, Just a way to make sure they can keep on introducing more "comfort watches" how about some real technical innovation like Breitling used to be known for?

Well there you have it, those are the reasons I love and hate Breitling, the curse of my watch collecting habit. I suppose I do have a passion for the brand even though I will not admit it, hence why I am now looking for a used Navitimer World. But it is when I compare it to my other favorite brands, IWC, JLC Panerai, Rolex, and Omega, I see such high potential for Breitling yet I know the brand will keep going for the easy buck. Look at how Panerai has developed their in house calibers, introduced fantastic new materials, inovated AND kept the traditionalist happy all at once and not producing more than 1000 units of a single model per year. I just get the sense of pride and honest love for the brand the people working there have. They could have introduced a 127 look alike, thrown in an ETA something and sold 5000 a year at 9000. I guarantee they wouldn't see the store shelves and that comes to what, 45 000 000 in sales? Whearas if Breitling thought they would sell we would be debating the merits of the new Mickey Mouse-themed, PVD-dipped, Giganto-Vengers.

I hope there is a change in Breitling management soon, and that someone with an iota of integrity and love for the brand as it used to be comes into power and gives me back my Breitling, the Breiling that pilots, scientists, and military men and enthusiasts used to reach for, the "Instruments for professionals" Breitling . Until then, I will always have a few of the older models in my collection, I might even start visiting the Vintage section soon, and enjoying the efforts of other brands that don't cater to the whims of Johny "hey mom I just graduated" Public.

If anyone finds my post offensive, I am deeply sorry. I do not mean to bash a brand to the audience of its fans, and I am not. Again my objections are against the direction of the organisation in contrast to the potential of the brand. This is just my opinion, and it is worth much less than two cents

their one truly saving grace has been the B01 movement.

Amen to that D8.

You know, what I admire about you is that you are much more open-minded than quite a few on this forum and that you have the courage to admit open and wide your change of mind.

But in the end, as you have said so many times, it's only a matter of personal taste. Point is, does this personal taste evolve or does is stay for ever the same?

tomcat, you are becoming boring with your 'no open mind people' to all people that don't like the your B-01 you are loving...d

I guess that's why I plan on keeping my Steelfish and Skyland. They represent a classic Breitling look the company may, indeed, regret departing from in the future.