Breitling Watches

[rhmaddever]

Couldn't think of a better forum than the rotor heads for this question (we're good at these sort of things)

Do any of you wear breitling wathes and which ones?

And, to anybody who owns a B1 - Why is the outer biezel qeared to the outer biezel of the flight computer (after 1 revolution they do not line up) ???

Please God, anybody who knows the answer to the second question let me know?

Thank you

RHM

[Recuperator]

I didn't know helicopter pilots could afford Breitlings? ;)

[BossEyed]

I understand that it's a flight safety thing.

The immense weight helps you get the collective down faster in the event of an engine failure.

[Bright-Ling]

I have a had a few.....

Now on a Chronomat Blackbird special edition.

You will not find a better watch!!! :)

Cheers,

A poor ATCO

[Outwest]

After 28 years in this business and numerous cheap watches, I thought it was time I treated myself to the best. The B-1, is a great watch, has all the functions you will ever need and then some. Not sure why the inner bezel is geared, but it really doesn't matter as the outer and inner rings have 2 completely different uses, and of course at my age reading the small numbers is my biggest problem. If the size is an issue for you, you may want to wait till the new edition of the AEROSPACE comes out. It has almost every feature of the B1 at half the weight since it is titanium. You can check out this link

http://www.watchuseek.com/forums.htm

There will be someone there that will be able to answer all your questions.

[andyhelo]

Ive had my B1 for 2 years and only had a few problems. The question about the bezel, not too sure, i know exactly what you mean though. I got the B1 cleaned and serviced recently, and it came back as if it were new! Absolute stunning job. There isnt a function on the watch that do not use frequently! Go for it, you only live once!

[aeromys]

If you'e a Blue Eagle, they give you one ! :cool:

[Heliport]

So where's the cheapest place to buy a Breitling?

[AlanM]

Not so much the cheapest place, but the better deal (There is a difference!) is with Alexanders of Farnham (and other locations)

Ask about the 0% finance and 100% P/X deal :)

[DeltaFree]

I got an Aerospace from my wife for my 40th. Would not have dreamt of spending that much on myself, but I am very pleased to have it. The Aerospace is relatively slim and light, just a minute bezel ( Unlikely to seriously use the slide rule anyway), but is robust enough to wear all the time. Worth the money? If you can spare it why not. If it means kids don't go to college I guess not.

[B Sousa]

As one who has done damage to many watches. I still have my Rolex GMT Master. When Im out of the country I use the new Casio Pathfinder www.casio.com . It tells time and if Im on the ground it tells me which direction not to go.........Casio is cheapest by shopping the internet.
Best place I have found for both Rolex and Breitling is in the U.S. Virgin Islands. A.H. Riise is the store that has the franchise for Rolex. Breitling is either there or Little Switzerland. Either way the prices can be negotiated a bit and no tax. Know what you want before you go looking as neither is cheap.

[TTSN]

Check out AATIME at www.aatime.com - they seem to be the cheapest for Breitling. ie a Breitling Navitimer with a steel strap -every shop in the UK £3,040 -they sell them for £2,260 and they say they offer 6 months interest free credit if you want it. I have not brought a watch from them (discovered it after I'd brought mine!) so can't comment on service etc but they do say they come with full warranty etc. Anyone had any experience of this company ? comments etc

[Mark Six]

Recently had a Swiss pilot working for us for a short time in Hong Kong. He bought a Breitling while he was here. Said it was much cheaper than in Switzerland. I bought a Chrono Superocean for 1124 pounds at the same shop. It is listed on the aatime.com web site for 1610 pounds. You could just about pay for your holiday in Hong Kong with the savings. And yes, they are definitely genuine (unlike my Bolex Yachtmaster).

I'm happy to check on local prices if anyone is contemplating buying a Breitling in Hong Kong. Just pm me.

[CyclicRick]

I hate to put a downer on this but did you know that the actual movement inside the beloved Breitling is worth about Euro 15,- and mass produced, albeit in Switzerland?
Makes you wonder doesn't it.
Saying that I still like them and I'd like one, they do have the best styling in my opinion but I'm loath to pay around 2k for that.

[paco]

Funny you should say that - I once took a lookalike Omega into a watch shop for repair, and he said that the movement inside was a rolex.

Phil

[rhmaddever]

Thank you for your great response so far (i knew there was only one forum for this question!)

Am still wondering why my B1 has a geared biezel though?

A little further explanation - The "very" outer biezel is geared to the outer biezel of the flight computer. One rotation of the biezel and they do not line up?

Any ideas please post and let us know,

RHM

[2bart]

I thought K-L far East was the cheapest last time I looked or is that a long haul secret.

Get it checked if not an auth dealer, have been known to get original case but fake mech from all around the globe.

[verticalhold]

RHM;

I own a B2, the mechanical one with the same bezel as the B1. Mine wasn't in alignment on purchase (in Norwich, unfortunately duty free was out of the question) Owned it now three years and the bezel is in exactly the same alignment as when my ex bought it for me. A beautiful posession it feels wonderful every day when I put it on, much nicer than my old Rolex.

VH

[Capt Hollywood]

Have had my B1 for a couple of years now. The only gripe I have is that I've put two batteries in it in that time, thought they might last longer than that. It may have been in the shop for a while with the first battery I suppose.

With regard to the geared bezel, a full 360 degree rotation of the bezel turns the outer ring of the flight computer about 440 degrees. Maybe it's just to speed up the process, it just may save you valuable seconds when calculating that fuel burn!

I have also just had my B1 returned after a battery and service. They polished it too, looks like new again. They did try and tell me that it needed a new crystal (flash name for the glass!) as it was scratched but at AUS$265.00 I gave it a miss. I'm buggered if I can find any marks on the crystal!

Just buy one!

Cheers,

Hollywood :cool:

[rhmaddever]

Hi Capt Hollywood,

Thanks for your reply,

I have also recently had the battery changed on my b1...How much did you use functions on it though, like the backlight 3 times a day will use more power?

Nice idea with the biezel - More than possible as it speeds up rotation both ways!


Im interested to know how much you paid for the service - have heard many people say it came back like new?

I love my B1 to bits but I wish it could have the date and the time togther (one on the top and one on the bottom display)

Thanks for your response,

RHM

[EddieHeli]

My wife treated me to a Breitling Chronometre for my 45th birthday (some time ago now),:(
I had hankered after one for donkeys years. Its got two hour hands so is useful for UTC and Local and is autowind so doesn't use batteries.
I love the watch, but it irritates the hell out of me that I have to wind on the date after a month of less than 31 days on a £2.5 k watch, when the £35 seiko I used for 20 years did it automatically.

[wishtobflying]

Check this out ... http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=3853&item=4999577956&rd=1
I cant believe this watch which I thought was a worthless "hand me down" is of so much value

:{ Weep - if only I'd been at his house when he picked it up ... "Oh no matey, that old thing? Not worth a cracker, you let me look after that for you now, hey?"

[bigfoot206]

I bought a used (like new) Aerospace on eBay for about half the price of a new one. It's a great watch, but too nice to wear flying a GOM field ship job.
Be careful buying watches on eBay. There are many look alike knock offs. I watched and waited about 6 months before I found the model I wanted being offered by a reliable seller. Good luck.

[Mark Six]

As Bigfoot says, be very careful buying watches on eBay. I also checked the watches on eBay for a few months before buying (from an authorised dealer). There are definitely fakes out there, and most of them are worded like the one quoted by Wishtobeflying. They usually state that the watch was a gift so they don't know the history, have no idea of the value (like it's so hard to find out), and have no papers. Then they describe what is written on the watch without ever claiming it to be genuine.

[McHover]

I'm afraid I can't comment on the B-1, however I've been living with a 1960's 24 hour Cosmonaute on my wrist for twenty years now and I'd fight you to the death for it!

I have to say though that the the tick is bloody loud!

[ATCO Two]

I recently had my B1 serviced and it cost £225, but came back as good as new. I bought it on eBay for £900 from a chap who found it too heavy to wear.

[GonTek]

Afternoon Watch lovers.


I have a Hercules,nice watch but has been returned twice to Breitling to be regulated and still wont run for 42 hrs.


And have no problem making ladies squeal!!! (eagle 86)

[Capt Hollywood]

rhmaddever,

My service and a battery cost $238 (Aus) and they polished it too, looks like new.

Cheers,

Hollywood :cool:

[Gunship]

Sorry stupid question but what is a B1 and B2 ?

[Gunship]

I bidded on this classic but sadly the reserve was not net :sad:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4999136058&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEDW%3AIT&rd=1

[rhmaddever]

wishtobflying,

Ok 1) So far I only fly R22s so can never take my hand of the cyclic and cant therefore use the slide rule in the air,

However 2) I do try to use it on the ground - basic calculations are obviously not relevant, but the advanced calcs are great - you just have to splend time learning them and then remember them!

The stopwatch is an interesting one - the only time I would use it is for Dead Reckoning which poses the question... Do any of you higher houred pilots use Dead reckoning?

Anways - I love my B1 to bits and me too "would fight you to death for it"!

RHM

[Stringfellow Dork]

As this has come back to the top again -

Can someone please tell me what makes these watches worth the kind of money they retail for?

I'm not making a point; I just want to know...

Ta.

[Bright-Ling]

Same thing that makes a 1.9TDi VW more expensive than a 1.9TDi SEAT with the same engine!

And a B1&B2 are aircraft types........ and therefore Watch models.

ATCO Two....

bought it on eBay for £900 from a chap who found it too heavy to wear

Be very wary of buying anything of limp wristed types on ebay matey! :ok:

[hemac]

There's a B1 here

http://www.blitzwatches.co.uk/productdetail.asp?productid=215

for only £1,588

It says the bezel is for Tachymeter conversions. I would imagine a full rotation will a particular reading between the inner and outer bezels.

H.

[idle stop]

I've had my Breitling for 18 months. It's kept perfect time until the last 4 or 5 days, when after a quick spurt of +3 mins in a day it's now losing 1 min or more each day.
I guess it's the battery, since it's a genuine watch rather than a 'Changi Road' version.
The previous thread was closed. Grateful for an update on best place/best agents to use. Pity we're out of the airshow season at present: Sod's law!

[Flying Lawyer]

I recently had my battery replaced by the Breitling service centre at Tunbridge Wells and was impressed by the very quick service.

[Hughes269]

Which one have you got? I bought one of the navitimers recently, they run on a 'self-winding' mechanisim that don't operate on batterys. I suppose if you maybe leave your watch on the desk for a while, they say a few days, then it will slow down/stop eventually until re-wound. I think most of the new ones run on the same principle, dont know if that could be the cause

[idle stop]

269: it's definitely a Quartz. The Handbook tells you that battery changes will be needed form time to time, but doesn't describe the symptoms of imminent battery failure.
FL; thanks for the tip. If I can't find the TW co-ords, I'll give you a ring or email for the info, please. If you used Goldsmiths (the chain) I've got one in my home town, but TW's not too out of the way for me.

[Flying Lawyer]

Idle Stop

I took my watch into Breitling's UK office in central London. They sent it to the Service department at TW, and it was returned direct to me.
I assume Goldsmiths are agents; there's a list of authorised retailers on the Breitling website (http://www.breitling.com).

I've got the Aerospace - the original, not the latest model (which I don't like as much). The low battery warning flashed and, after a few days, the watch stopped. I didn't notice any inaccuracy during that period.

[Kulwin Park]

I've had a Breitling for a few years now, but unsure of model type?
Light Silver face, with 3 gold dials on it, red needle in top one, date @ 3 position. Silver Gold all over, adjustable Tachymetre face, and has pic of fighter jet on back, serial no.10 of 500.

Runs fantastic, and weighs a tonne too :ok:

[Mr Toad]

My Aerospace (old type) has seen about 16 years of service now; bought in Singapore, I've removed the cheap add-ons from the crown (always likely to snag on the 76's throttle quadrant etc).

Titanium case and sapphire quartz face still perfect; it's unobtrusive, lightweight and nobody notices it in the street which is a major plus in Asia. It doesn't tell me anything but the time of day and the date. It's just a watch innit.

However, be warned: battery changes should be done by an authorized Breitling Dealer with the correct tool for undoing the caseback, and a water pressure testrig to validate that the seals are properly installed and working afterwards. The charge is minimal; an ordinary watchshop won't bother. HK has a real dealer in Shun Tak Centre and Tsin Sha Tsui. But not Singapore...

[Outwest]

Authorised Breitling service center in Singapore is
C. Melchers GMBH & Co.
101 Thompson Road #24-01/05 United Square, Singapore.

Excellent service, fast turn around and $25 Sing for a battery replacement for my B1.

[MD900 Explorer]

I bought an Emergency a couple of years back. The only pain i had was the first service, which was free, but i was without watch for 6 weeks. I used a Jewllers in Edinburgh. But the next one will no doubt cost me £225.

I was told the Emergency watch has to go back to Switzerland because of the transponder. Well as long as the damn thing works should i need to used in an emergency, then i can tolerate 6 weeks waiting.

MD :eek:

[g-mady]

just as long as you dont have an emergency in those 6 weeks!!!:ugh: :ugh:

MADY

[ToTall]

I have had my Navitimer for a year now and love it. Had an B1 before but sold it to a friend and thougth I could manage without my Breitling.

Has any one used their Emergency for real?

[Mr Toad]

Outwest
--------

Replaced my first battery in Singapore at the authorized service centre.
Crimped "o" ring, no pressure test to validate the seal; water leak lead to ultimate disaster, circuit board had to be replaced.

Repairs quickly and efficiently carried out in HK with all the right equipment. Cheap too. Now it's watertight again and I don't replace batteries in Singapore anymore.

[scooter boy]

"Has any one used their Emergency for real?"

I may be wrong but as I recall Q Smith and Steve Brookes may have used one to get help when they ditched in Drake's passage 3 or 4 years ago (on their first attempt to reach the pole in G-NUDE, an R44). Apparently the water was rather cold.:uhoh:

Alan Sugar has one if you look at his wrist next time the apprentice comes on...if things get really heated in the boardroom he can just untwist the bezel, pull out the aerial and await rescue (or a large bill!:E (which I am sure he can afford!!)).

I'm a Rolex datejust man personally, these specialist pilot watches are all a bit complicated for me, I am sure they are a great help though if you can be bothered to read the instructions and fly an aircraft equiped with an autopilot.

Ho Hum,
SB

[bullshitproof]

E Bay is good value ,I have 4 breightlings all bought on E Bay all genuine and nothing ever seems to go wrong with them,

[skadi]

E Bay is good value ,I have 4 breightlings all bought on E Bay all genuine and nothing ever seems to go wrong with them


If you bought 4 breightlings, you never owned a genuine Breitling :rolleyes:

[idle stop]

Initial diagnosis correct. It (the battery) died at 04:10 this morning. Have taken FL's advice to use Breitling's UK service centre for the battery change.

[SirVivr]

Sold my Rolex GMT Gold Stainless 15 years ago for the the price I paid. Could not wear it safely in Bangkok, Port of Spain or Detroit.

Stopped in Singapore for a Breitling Aerospace. Unobtrusive good looks that only another pilot can appreciate. (Read: No one will knock you on the head for a plastic looking watch.).

Very happy with it for about 3 years. Since then, standing in the shower will cause a malfunction. Water ingress. Perhaps I shouldn't have pressed the stem for timing when I was at 120 feet for my advanced diving course. The Manual says: Don't Do That.

Pilots should read the manual.

Last time it started blinking, I was on my way to Bangkok. Took it to a replacement specialist at Porntip Plaza. He said the battery was good and used a hairdryer to dry the watch out. Wrote on the inside of the cover. When asked, he said: One year guarentee. Returning Bangkok in April for my checkup and ceckout.

It's my duty.

About the B1. Details too small for these older, sheltered eyes.

Chas A

B1 details can't be seen ay my age.

[bullshitproof]

Well now Skadi what do you base that answer upon ! ! I have a navitimer on a steel bracelet for evening ware, and one on a leather strap for a change, and an areospace for every day use, and a bentley as i like looking at it ,so mer mer mer mer mer to you.

[skadi]

bull****proof wrote
Well now Skadi what do you base that answer upon ! ! I have a navitimer on a steel bracelet for evening ware, and one on a leather strap for a change, and an areospace for every day use, and a bentley as i like looking at it ,so mer mer mer mer mer to you.


Well, my answer was ironic......

:) :) :)

[Outwest]

SirVivr,
I think you mean PANtip Plaza.......a Freudian slip maybe:)

[SirVivr]

Outwest:

I may be wrong. If so, I will apologize profusely and give the right address for most pirated items.

Chas A

[KNIEVEL77]

Now that the new Breitling Emergency is out i'd quite like to add the old Breitling Emergency to my watch collection if anyone is thinking of upgrading and has one for sale (preferably with the Coral dial).

[GoodGrief]

I know, I'm a cheap bastard, so for $19000 a piece which is 4 times the price of the old one, I stick with my conventional PLBs and rather buy 2 new motorbikes...

[cattletruck]

12 months ago going OS I arrived at the airport and realised I left my watch at home so I picked up a no name cheapie at a flea market at my destination for 9 EUD.

Two hours ago I pulled it out of the drawer and noticed the time was still accurate to the minute.

My uncle had a similar one and said its the most accurate watch he's ever owned.

[Arm out the window]

You're all mad! Thousands on a watch, absolute lunacy.

[Windsor Loft]

Apple, is that your watch or just found it on ebay?

[ShyTorque]

Thanks for the link to the Puma watch, which (as I'm ex Pumas) has just led to me buying a little something for myself....

A new watch!

No, not that one - the one I bought cost £14.99!

[neilb767]

Ive lost my watch and its time for a new one, oops no pun intended...

Im looking at buying a breitling, so far im only getting 10% discount anyplace I look.

if there is anyone else out there who is ready to buy before then end of July, lets see if we can hit some retailers up for 20%.

Im based in Dubai, but . dont mind to shop on line or have the watch shipped out.

On that matter, anyone got info on where the best deals might be ?

cheers

[KNIEVEL77]

My local dealer has offered me 25% discount on the now discontinued Breitling Emergency MK1 but even at that price it's a no goer especially as it only partially works on 121.5 these days.

[bar fly]

I just bought a Chronomat 44 GMT and I'm delighted with it. I had looked in various duty free airport shops around the world in the last few months and wasn't bowled over by any great value. Their official partner in Manchester is Beaverbrooks and they charge £7360, and the cheapest I could find it anywhere online was £5350. However, I visited the official partner in Jamaica (Montego Bay) and got it for $8000 USD which worked out at £4800. So by getting it in Jamaica I was able to get it duty free (had to provide flight information and proof of travel even though it wasn't in the airport) for £2560 cheaper than my local store at home. As this is one of the models that has Breitling's own movement inside, it also has a 5 year worldwide guarantee including services and any repairs. I could have flown there, had a week on the beach, bought the watch and still been better off than buying it at home.


My next challenge is to work out the best way to insure it. I rent a fully furnished flat and so don't have household contents insurance, and I'm struggling to find a company in the UK that will insure one item. Any ideas on that would be welcomed but I may just have to takeout household insurance and pay a premium for the watch.

[belly tank]

Hi Bar,

Nice choice, however my favourite is the Navitimer GMT. Im looking at getting one in the next 12 months. I got quoted $10k Aud.

Navitimer GMT - Breitling - Instruments for Professionals (http://www.breitling.com/en/models/navitimer/navitimer-gmt/my-breitling-made-to-measure/)

[Bravo73]

However, I visited the official partner in Jamaica (Montego Bay) and got it for $8000 USD which worked out at £4800. So by getting it in Jamaica I was able to get it duty free (had to provide flight information and proof of travel even though it wasn't in the airport) for £2560 cheaper than my local store at home.

Did you declare it when you returned to the UK? :E

[FSXPilot]

I wouldn't waste your money on fancy watches. It's a well known fact that helicopter pilot's whilst being able to tell the time rarely turn up when they say they will.

[bar fly]

FSXPilot - I suppose I should declare that I'm not a pilot, and I posted here simply because this is where a pprune search on the topic led me. I should also admit to not always turning up when I say I will, and the Breitling so far hasn't seemed to have cured that.


Bravo73 - of course!!


belly tank - Yeah the Navitimer is also a nice watch. Good luck, and do negotiate even with the official dealers. I think most people don't and mine went down from $8500 to $8000 with relatively little pushing.

[Bravo73]

Bravo73 - of course!!


Of course, you did! You did very well if it was still '£2560 cheaper than my local store at home' after Customers & Exercise took their slice. ;)

[Hot_LZ]

Have you looked at personal possession insurance? Much like contents insurance but linked to an individual opposed to an address. For items over certain amounts you have to declare, such as watches, bikes etc.

Used to get kit insurance in the military, this is more aimed at personal belongings than expensive issued kit.

LZ

[bar fly]

Hot_LZ - Yeah, a few and it seems as though the best way is through household which will be expensive for me, but likely the only way.


Bravo73 - Erm....who do you work for again? [squirms uncomfortably in chair]