The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hello Breitling Source forums!

I'm a new Breitling owner! Not new to fine watches though! I had been eyeing the Superocean since it's incarnation in 1998 when I saw it in the Chronolog. Never got one though. Had a Seamaster, a Seadweller, (a few other non dive watches; Rolex, IWC). But finally, after selling off my collection, decided to start anew with a late model Superocean on the Dive Pro strap.

This watch will be used for diving and other sporting activities as well as casual daily wear.

I love this watch. For some reason it just suits me. Living in Los Angeles, you see all sorts of watches. Most are nice, but most are tacky. I think the last time I saw a Superocean on the wrist of someone it as a dentist I had years back. He had the Superocean Pro on Professional bracelet.

To say the least, I'm very pleased with my purchase. It was a little hard to track down for my jeweller, but after a couple days, he found me the one I wanted with box/papers etc. He's always provided excellent service. This watch is in perfect cosmetic condition.

I picked it up yesterday and thus far it has kept perfect time.

The one thing I am a little distressed about is the online presentation of crown problems with the Breitlings (in particular the Superocean). I'm sure these posts/reviews/complaints aren't new for you.
I've done a search function on here and the info seems to come up when someone's crown has indeed popped off/been stripped/ etc.

My question for you all is: How likely is a crown problem actually? Is this like a shark attack? Rare but publicised when it happens?

Thank you all for having me on the forum. I hope to gain a knowledge of Breitling here. I'm new to the brand and excited to dive right in. (no pun intended).

thank you! And please excuse the quick iPhone snapshots attached. Provided solely so you can see which model I have. (papers say watch was originally purchased in July of 2008).

Crown / crown stem issues are more prevalent among titanium watches than steel, and then not exactly common. Certainly not something that I would worry about.

Welcome to BreitlingSource.

Thank you so much for the response and piece of mind. Titanium problems make more sense. Loving this Superocean a lot. Proud to be part of the club and the forum!

Hello from a fellow Angeleno!

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"I don't got the bright watch I got the right watch" -Jay Z

Hey King Ling! - Whatsup?! Nice to be welcomed by a fellow Angelino! Love this Superocean. And great forum. Been looking through old and new threads. Getting acquainted with you all and the brand in general.

I've always liked Breitling models, in particular the Superocean and old Chronomat Blackbird but never bravely ventured into the brand. A few very old and dear friends always wear/wore Breitling.

Finally I know what's it all about. (at least I'm starting to!)

Welcome to Bretlingsource! Congrats on the SO. Beautiful watch and much nicer than the latest model.

Thank you Novacastrian. the new Superocean II is nice, but I like this one better for me. Stands out on its own and is symbolically a Superocean you know?

Welcome and congrats on joining the Breitling ranks with a bang. That SO is a core model for Breitling collectors IMO.

Thank you. I think it's a good way to start the collection. I know Breitlings are known for pilot/chonograph watches, but nothing wrong with a diver first go around.

Also, glad to hear I didn't get a defective model with the crown issue. That had me worried!

It's a great watch! Love the black dial version.

Cheers and welcome.

Ross

Man I love this watch. Might be my favorite watch to date. It's so simple. Such a strong design. Doesn't look like any other dive watch I've seen.

Why would titanium be more prone to crown / stem issues than stainless steel?

Because the titanium that Breitling uses (grade 2) is fairly soft and it's easier to strip the threads than on SS.

For one thing the grade of titanium that Breitling uses (Grade 2) is softer than stainless steel, and also titanium has a tendancy to "self-weld", meaning that screw-threads can "stick" together to certain extent, which in turn can lead to threads being stripped far more easily than in stainless steel.

Edit - Roff beat me to it by seconds (as usual!) so I'm posting it anyway!

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Great info, and good to know, thanks. So I will stick to stainless steel for any future purchases as well. I was under the mistaken assumption that titanium is harder than steel.