SJX
[Purist]
8540
I admire Breitling because
it is the only independent large volume, mass luxury watch brand out there. All the other big volume brands (except for Rolex but it's so big it doesn't quite count) are part of the big groups. Breitling has managed to survive and prosper, which is quite notable.
Their newer watches are too big and shiny for my tastes, but my 1990s Aerospace which I've had since, well the 1990s, is one of my favourite watches.
- SJX
Available on the marketplace
Flying Haute! Breitling soars to the heights by becoming a Manufacture.
Breitling always was the chronograph watch firm. Their reputation in the area is second to none and over the years, while some designs have remained just as they are (for example the Navitimer), others have been added to the range with almost immediate ef...
I admire Breitling because
it is the only independent large volume, mass luxury watch brand out there. All the other big volume brands (except for Rolex but it's so big it doesn't quite count) are part of the big groups. Breitling has managed to survive and prosper, which is quite ...
Andrew, thanks for your educational information on Breitling.
Before this, I only know Breitling as an aviation and marine watch brand. They produced some very nice chronographs with high quality Venus movement. To me, it is one of the best chronographs. Today, my only complaint is that their watches are too big. Re...
Excellent overview of the company, thank you
I've had 5-6 Breitlings and like some other Purists, rely on my Aerospace for every "across a time zone" journey. Thanks for helping me understand and appreciate the firm. Cazalea This message has been edited by cazalea on 2012-06-08 09:07:51...
a HW Rattrapante?
I never knew Breitlng made such a thing! Must be old enough to pre-date the f.piguet-is-blancpain.... what's the deal with the cover plate over the balance wheel? A
Yes, rattrapante, no balance wheel cover
It's a special module on a JLC mecha-quartz movement. That's the battery cover - a nicely decorated piece of work. The split function is performed by a button in the center of the crown (missing in this shot) Cazalea This message has been edited by cazale...
very interesting read thank you Andrew
i've not read much about Breitlings in house calibre, but it seems to be popular amongst buyers. i would compare them with Omega and their new in house calibres. both brands are now emerging from a few years in the doldrums ready for bigger and better thi...
I've bought Breitlings only for other people.....
Andrew, Thank you for the report and I am glad that you must have got access to Breitling. This is unlike the response at the last few Baselworld shows when Breitling ignored PuristS and we reciprocated the sentiment. Despite that, I am an admirer of the ...
Thanks!
I appreciate the informative post, Andrew! I really like the Superocean Heritage. I only wish the 46mm version could be scaled down into a 42mm watch. The proportions are so much better on the larger variant. Every time I see Mrsnak wearing his, I think t...
Thanks a lot for the comprehensive post Andrew.
BTW, Breitling has just opened its boutique rue de la Paix in Paris. Fx
Breitling
Breitling has a boutique in Westfield, London, as well although it is a tiny one. I went there the other day and tried the Transocean Unitimer. At 46 mm, it is really big. I still treasure my "old" Montbrillant. At 38mm, it sits smugly on my small wrist. ...
Superb article, Andrew. Thanks for havoing taken the time to write it, and
To contribute to let us discover the Breitling world.... They had some really cool watches, and the present looks interesting, indeed. Best, Nicolas
Great reporting mate
Do we know their annual production figure? I have never been a big fan, the only watch I like from their range is the Cosmonuate, which is also the only Breitling I have. Best, Horo
Fascinating detail regarding the delivery . . .
. . . of Breitlings to the RAF during the war, Andrew. One would've expected commercial flights to Lisbon as the normal route; very surprised to learn that the Swiss had to resort to subterfuges. Kudos to Breitling for taking the necessary measures to ret...
Nice report.
I absolutely love that Chonomatic Bullhead Chronograph. When I frist started getting into vintage watches I had my heart set on one of these but the oportunity to buy vintage Omegas came up first and there went my interests afterwards. I would dearly love...
Very interesting background and history ...
... and a very commendable approach to manufacture that raised my appreciation for the brand. And my appreciation was further strengthened after being able to handle several vintage Breitling's in Paris recently. Much to love. Thanks for the background on...