Rolex owners--What do you think of Breitling?

[ShawnK]

Having been spoiled by my Rolex GMT, I find myself in a situation. I want a chronograph, but a Daytona is just out of my price range (at least until the kids move out!).

I've been drawn to the Breitling chronos (Blackbird and Skyracer in particular) and was wondering what the opinion is about their quality. I know they are ETA based, but what about fit, finish and durability?

I'm not necessarily trying to compare with Rolex, since I see the brands in a different category. But Breitling does have several models in the price range I want to spend.

Anyone want to share their experience?

[Spencer]

I have a Breitling Crosswind Special, and love it! But if I were in teh market for a more modestly priced Chrono I'd look at IWC.

[jordo9998]

hello,

I own a couple rolex's and a couple breitlings.. this year i bought the breitling for bentley 6.75..

I love breitlings.. I'm going to keep this short and sweet because its late and im sleepy so i will point out the facts between the two.

Rolex does NOT make the best chrono watch.. Buy the daytona because you like the look and not for the chrono.. Rolex makes a great dive watch and breitling is known for their flight watches which is why they make only chronos... it's what they do best... ETA is great, just because they didn't buy every company breitling outsources from like rolex did doesnt make the qulity less.. Rolex is more popular and holds it's value more for several reasons... As for breitling does not.. Some people around here buy rolex's because they are easy to flip after time. anyways, buy a breitling because you like them, not for any other reason.. and breitling is up there with the best of them.. I am nothing but happy with mine. their look and operation is top notch.

hope that helps..

[JJ Irani]

Most Rolex owners don't think about Breitling!!!

[Texsubmariner]

Actually, I am thinking of a Breitling Colt GMT. Anyone here familiar with this model?

[Incurable]

Were I to get an alternative brand chrono, it'd be an Omega... Pretty good value if bought used. JMHO but most 'lings are way too busy (gauche) for me.

[Thani]

my brother has the emergency, the avenger skyland LE and an aerospace

my fav is the emergency, but the rest are okay too,

[frostie]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Most Rolex owners don't think about Breitling!!!

[TARDIS]

Originally Posted by Texsubmariner

Actually, I am thinking of a Breitling Colt GMT. Anyone here familiar with this model?

They are a nice watch Tex, I had this one for a while.....





Cheers,
Steve

[Texsubmariner]

Thanks, Steve for the awesome pics! Colts do look nice... Makes my decision so tough now.

[ashu2289]

Originally Posted by Texsubmariner

Actually, I am thinking of a Breitling Colt GMT. Anyone here familiar with this model?

I've owned one last year and I must say its a fantastic watch

[ashu2289]

Originally Posted by ShawnK

Having been spoiled by my Rolex GMT, I find myself in a situation. I want a chronograph, but a Daytona is just out of my price range (at least until the kids move out!).

I've been drawn to the Breitling chronos (Blackbird and Skyracer in particular) and was wondering what the opinion is about their quality. I know they are ETA based, but what about fit, finish and durability?

I'm not necessarily trying to compare with Rolex, since I see the brands in a different category. But Breitling does have several models in the price range I want to spend.

Anyone want to share their experience?

No doubt Breitling make excellent watches and regrading finishing, quality and precision they are awesome in fact Breitling dials are one of the best IMO.

[GoldenBear]

I have 2 Rolex Submariners, a Blue TT Sub (the best watch ever, IMO), and a SS Sub. I love them both. To mix things up, I got a Breitling Emergency about 6 mos. ago. Now, I have 3 amazing watches. Every day it's a tough decision which one to wear. My "B" works as an amazing Chrono and is accurate to about a second a month (or so). I don't check that closely. Both brands are great in their own ways. No reason to own one and hate the other. To each his own (or a couple of each).

[Tools]

I admire the Breitling craftsmanship and history..

Most of them are just to busy for me..

[haakon59]

Breitling makes great watches. You are correct they use ETA movements, but ETA movements are reliable and sturdy and accurate. Breitling goes the extra mile and adds several enhancements (upgrading the quality of some parts of the movement) and most owners report the watches as keeping good time. I believe the movement in the model you are considering is the (formerly Valjoux) ETA 7750, which is a proven, reliable movement.

2 other brands you can look at are Omega and Zenith. Frankly, Zenith's El Primero (and other) chronograph movements are considered world class. When Rolex started out with their Daytona model, they initially used the El Primero movement until they developed their own. Best of luck.

[Welshwatchman]

Why not get a Classic (not the modern monstrosities) Zenith El Primoero chronograph.

Rolex quality for 1/3 of the price.

[DS/B MINI S]

Originally Posted by Incurable

Were I to get an alternative brand chrono, it'd be an Omega... Pretty good value if bought used. JMHO but most 'lings are way too busy (gauche) for me.

+1

[Mort]

Breitlings are great looking watches and the fit and finish is top notch.

[Rockrolex]

Originally Posted by Tools

I admire the Breitling craftsmanship and history..

Most of them are just to busy for me..

An that's exactly what I love avout my Navitimer Olympus. They don't get much busier than this.

[Haroldglen]

The Breitling is a beautiful watch........but it is not a Rolex.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Haroldglen

The Breitling is a beautiful watch........but it is not a Rolex.

The Rolex is a beautiful watch.....thank God it's not a Breitling!!

[Goodsets]

I have a blackbird that I got in I want to say 99 or 2000 when they were a limited series watch and I have a navatimer as well(white face with leather strap) both watches are great and reliable and attract alot of praise from friends and strangers alike. I race motor bikes and cars and when I need a quick stop watch I can do it with style.

Rolex Milgauss
Breitling Black Bird
Breitling Navitimer
Omega Seamaster Quartz
Omega Seamaster Automatic
Panerai Luminor Marina
IWC Portuguese
Anonimo Cronoscopio

[roadcarver]

I'm a fan of Breitlings. If I could get myself another Chrono Avenger (Blue Dial) I would be a happy camper.

[DC watchman]

I know the Rolex drones have been voicing their opinions but Breitling is definitely a watch worth owning.

Great bracelets that are very disctinctive looking. The navitmer is an icon watch in it's own right. Great brand and plenty of models to choose from.

[watchlady]

Brietlings seem busy and blingy to me

[ShawnK]

Originally Posted by Incurable

Were I to get an alternative brand chrono, it'd be an Omega... Pretty good value if bought used. JMHO but most 'lings are way too busy (gauche) for me.

I'm also looking at a Speedmaster Pro. It's a classic that never seems to go out of style. I had the smaller "reduced" version that I enjoyed wearing, although it was a little small by today's standards.
Never owned a "moonwatch", but I think I've narrowed my search to it or a Navitimer.

[CPTL]

I like the look of Brietlings (the less busy ones), and they're supposed to be a great company, particularly with their historical association with chronos. Two things make me wonder if I would like one long term, though:
1. AR coating on the outside of the crystal said to be prone to scratching.
2. Everyone who has one indicates that it feels HUGE and HEAVY. Much more so than a Rolex.

[CPTL]

Originally Posted by Welshwatchman

Why not get a Classic (not the modern monstrosities) Zenith El Primoero chronograph.

Rolex quality for 1/3 of the price.

This is a great watch, and they used to be available for around $3.5k. However, they seem impossible to find these days, at least for that price. The chronomaster or class chrono--the old 3-subdial style--is one sweet watch with a first-rate movement.

[TARDIS]

The Colt GMT is my favorite Breitling. Good value for money as well.

[stewie]

I have had a Breitling in the past, and I really liked it.