The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Wow! Thanks for all the opinions!

After some looking I think I am narrowing down the specs. The rubber strap is a must. Since I have a Navi World, I am leaning toward a less busy looking watch, thus no chronographs. Plus I think I want one with numbers rather than batons because it looks a little more sporty IMO. Of course, maybe I am saying this because I think the new Avenger Seawolf with the slate dial is beautiful!

I have always found the Rolex Submariner a beautiful watch but I always think people would assume it was a fake since it is probably the most copied watch on earth. However, I did run across a very distinctive Sub, the Pro Hunter version....WOW! If you haven't seen it you need to google it. It is awesome, but I am not dropping that much cash on a watch that is supposed to be my "casual" watch. Same goes for the IWC Aquatimer Galapagos...bad ass watch but too much for a casual watch. I need to take a closer look at the Omega. I did spy a sweet looking Planet Ocean on rubber.

I looked at the Colt but it is too small. So the front runner is the Avenger Seawolf, followed by the Superocean Steelfish and then the standard Superocean. I am concerned the Seawolf maybe a little too chucky though. Next stop is to the AD to try them all one where I am sure one will rise to the top.

The hunt continues!

Galapagos is a bad @$$ watch but hard to find and discounts are very very scarce on that model. What about the IWC Aquatimer 2000?? I think that's a beautiful watch and the non-chrono is gorgeous also....and the LUME is incredible!!! It has the quick strap change system, and looks super sport on rubber. A few guys on here have them and speak very highly of them.

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"I don't own any watches, I just lease them"

You can't go wrong with either the Steelfish or Avenger - both have amazing presence and work very well on bracelet, leather, and rubber. By all means spring for the fantastic deployment clasp if you go for a rubber strap.

I have the IWC Aqautimer Chrono and it's surely one of my favorites. You can save some jack by getting it on the rubber strap only. Great strap, great watch. It's my "sporting event watch." If I'm going to the football game, it's the ATC on rubber. Something about the sapphire covered bezel makes it seem a bit impervious to scratching in rowdy crowds. And it's heavy enough to konk a Raiders' fan over the head - in self defense of course. Likely will have it on this Sunday.

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SHARKMAN

I would look into Bell & Ross watches. Take a look at the BR01-96 Commando. Go to their website and look through their selection. the watches come with a rubber and an extra strap.

Does it matter if it's an automatic or quartz?

IF budget is no consideration, gotta go royal oak non-chrono... 15300 ST One of the finest sport watches, on THIS planet....On the breitling line, why not cockpit series big date ? now known as galactic 41...bracelet OR strap.... IWC ingenieur is certainly one if the finest timepieces available; as well.. ...........

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Keepin' Time...

I agree. The Admiral's Cup models are great looking things IMO. If only they had some in-house mechanics going on I'd definitely have one.

EDIT 1 (10 mins later) : Tell a lie - it now looks like they have started using some in-house movements. More research is now needed I think!

EDIT #2 (an hour later) : No, they still don't have any in-house calibres. A couple of overly enthusiastic reviewers elsewhere claimed they did, but a bit of research shows they all still run modified ETAs.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

To me Breitlings hit that spot 100%. If I´d have a dressy watch like the Navi and was looking for a reasonably priced nonchrono sportster, I´d be looking at the Steelfish black dial with ss bracelet. That´s my sweet spot for a sizewise believable diver. It´s brushed so not too flashy. All that value for the price is hard to beat.

The Seawolf´s a nice chrono and worth a look too.

For a smaller sportser the SO II looks good, fast and very understated. Although not very Breitling-y in design.

As for a chrono, The Avenger (I have the AS so I´m well biased ) can´t be beat, but the chrono feat ads quite alot to the price. It´s polished so a little of the flash factor added.Surprisengly it´s a little less chunky than the Seawolf.

This search is like dating...trying to find just the right one.

Over the last two days I have tried on a ton of watches. Unfortunately, some of the ones I want to try I can't find, such as a Steelfish, and the one I really want doesn't exist (Avenger with brushed case and slate dial). I am also torn on whether I want an all black (strap and case) watch or a brushed case and black strap watch. I like the flexibility of the brushed case/rubber strap combo because you can swap a metal bracelet on the watch and it becomes dressier, where as a black on black will always be a sport watch. The problem is I REALLY and falling for the black on black combo! PVD is my new favorite acronym. Also, I have changed my mind and am allowing chronos back into the picture.

Here is a list of the candidates:
SuperOcean: Nice looks but it doesn't say "Breitling" to me.
Seawolf: Too thick and heavy otherwise it would be the winner as it is the only one with a brushed case and that beautiful slate dial.
Avenger: Love everything about it but can't get the finish and dial color I want.
Super Avenger Black Steel Edition: My neighbor has this watch and I love it. He just bought is and is regretting not buying the Cartier Santos 100 Titanium so I am trying to talk him into selling it to me.
Omega Planet Ocean: Like it but don't love it.
Corum Admiral's Cup Special Edition Black on Black: I really like this watch but I think I may get tired of the styling. It has great presence.
Chopard Gran Turismo Miglia Millie Limited Edition (with fuel meter): I actually really fancy this watch but I am not sold on Chopard. I don't really know much about the brand.
Cartier Santos 100 Titanium: Completely different than the other watches and I really like the feel of it but there is no why I am dropping $10k on a sport watch. I really should never have tried it on.
IWC Top Gun: Speaking of never should have tried it on...I think this watch would be the hands down winner if it wasn't Cartier expensive.
IWC Aquatimer Galapagos Edition: Starting to fall in love with this one. It just feels right on the wrist. Not too small or big, not too bling or understated.

Top 5 in order:
Super Avenger Black Steel Edition
IWC Aquatimer Galapagos Edition
Chopard Gran Turismo Miglia Millie Limited Edition (with fuel meter)
Corum Admiral's Cup Special Edition Black on Black

Top Gun and Santos don't make the list because they are not feasible.

I really need to find an AD that has the Steelfish. It would be the best value by far and I think I may really like it if I could try one on.

I really appreciate all the suggestions, it is kind of fun to hear the different viewpoints on the various options. I am definitely learning a lot as well.

I know I'm a little late to this party but for a straight up sport-casual style watch I"m torn between the Steelfish (Blue dial, OR strap) and the Omega PO (Non-chrono, Orange numbers, black bezel, rubber strap with orange stitching). I think either of these watches would be great in the setting that you described in your OP, nice tough watches that aren't too flashy but are still amazing timepieces. Good luck with whatever you choose.

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"Leave the gun, take the cannoli."

I would definitely go for the Steelfish in the configuration you mention.

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- This is Ghost Rider requesting a fly-by. - Negative Ghost Rider. The pattern is full.

Well, you were right Sharky, just ordered mine. (just in case ). I expect to receive it by next week, so I'll post some pictures.

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- This is Ghost Rider requesting a fly-by. - Negative Ghost Rider. The pattern is full.

From what you are saying, I think you have two options -

1. Try on (and then no doubt buy!) a Steelfish as it fits a lot of the criteria you set out, and it is a great utilitarian watch.

2. The other option may actually be more preferable to you in teh long run : you could buy a slate grey dial Avenger (or Skyland as it was called) and have it professionally brushed. A lot of jewellers will provide this service for quite a small outlay....... and then you'll end up with what you have already said is the watch of your dreams. Worth considering I think........

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Depending on your budget, for a casual sport timepiece, I like the Montblanc TimeWalker or Tag Carrera.

Both are pretty close to the same money. I don't see many of either piece. Of course, both are available on leather wrist bands.





~Brian

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Breitling Super Avenger
Fortis Flieger Chronograph
Rolex Submariner Date

Driver8 could be onto something. What´d you think?