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17 January 2019, 04:21 AM | #1 |
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Navitimer 8 - Pros, Cons, and Pics Please
Hello all.
As many of you on this forum are aware, our taste in watches changes [almost too] frequently. I never thought I'd be interested in a Breitling, as I typically associate them as too big and gaudy for me. Then last spring I came across the Navitimer 8 and thought they were very nice looking. Fast forward 10 or so months, I'm still intrigued by the Navitimer 8 and I'm looking to get a nice leather strapped watch. I would like to choose from one of the following: Blue Dial/Brown Strap Blue Dial/Blue Strap Black Dial/Black Strap Black Dial/Black Strap/Black Steel Can anyone provide me with actual photos of any of these watches or similar ones? Majority of them online are stock photos. Anyone have any good/bad experiences with a Navitimer 8? Pros and cons? I have an Explorer and black Submariner, so I am leaning towards one of the blue dial ones. Are they closer to navy or royal? I originally envisioned getting one to wear with my navy and/or brown suit. I know this post is now dragging on, but any help is appreciated. Thanks. |
17 January 2019, 05:18 AM | #2 |
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breitling is closer to a navy blue (at least on the pieces i own)... i would steer away from the black steel. blue with blue gives it a unique finish, looks great in most suit applications as well.
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17 January 2019, 09:17 AM | #3 |
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Thanks. I'm definitely leaning toward blue. I don't like how dark the brown strap is, but I also feel like I may get sick of the blue strap easily.
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17 January 2019, 10:26 AM | #4 |
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Get more than one strap! The leather strap inserts are inexpensive, cool to mix it up. That's what I do with my Breitlings.
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18 January 2019, 03:00 AM | #5 |
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19 January 2019, 05:50 AM | #6 |
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19 January 2019, 12:08 PM | #7 |
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I'm not a fan of black steel and you may come to regret it in the future. Because you already have two black watches, I'd go for the blue dial on the brown strap, as the blue strap is a little too much blue, in my opinion, especially if you're going to wear it with a blue suit and a brown suit. You can always change straps at a later point. Brown alligator would dress the watch up considerably.
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19 January 2019, 01:54 PM | #8 |
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Bigger issue with black steel is if you scratch it, you are kind of screwed. I believe you have to get the whole watch refinished. You can't just polish it.
This is why I have stayed away from all black steel models.....I liked some of the Bentley ones but could not live with the scratches with normal use on the black that would not be able to be polished. |
20 January 2019, 02:59 AM | #9 | ||
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Quote:
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Another slight concern is I'm used to a 39-40mm watch. I'm hoping the 1-2mm difference won't bother me. |
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13 February 2019, 03:23 AM | #10 |
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So I went with the brown strap/blue dial but unfortunately it came with the white threaded strap, which is not what I wanted at all. I don't like the threads and they will get dirty.
Does anyone know where to get an all brown authentic Breitling 21mm strap? It seems like they are hard to come by, or not even made anymore. I'm open to different types of leather, but do prefer a darker brown. https://www.ebay.com/itm/264159311069 I found that but eBay is always questionable. |
13 February 2019, 06:40 AM | #11 | |
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13 February 2019, 08:24 AM | #12 |
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They said they don't make them without the white threads anymore. Such a shame because that really takes away from the watch, in my opinion.
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13 February 2019, 01:11 PM | #13 |
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14 February 2019, 08:23 AM | #14 |
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Hopefully you'll give the straps a chance. Maybe different to what you're used to but I really enjoy mine. The contrast of the stitching against the color of strap pops and I've had several for years and never really had any issues with thread getting dirty/changing color.
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14 February 2019, 05:29 PM | #15 |
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You can get any strap you can dream up, complete with tool-less changing spring bars in a quality similar or better than OEM from places like Camille Fournet and ABP, these are both in Paris, but I take it they ship internationally. I have my Navitimer on a custom Camille Fournet and would not go back.
Another option is going with a JLC strap (though these are also often made by Camille Fournet and rebranded). They have several sizes that will fit my Navi and I’m sure they should have something in 21mm too. Same with IWC.
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Greetings from Switzerland Remember, the dignity you surrender at your AD‘s doorstep will never be recovered by wearing the watch he may get you. |
15 February 2019, 06:22 AM | #16 | |
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15 February 2019, 12:55 PM | #17 | |
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16 February 2019, 07:52 AM | #18 |
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Breitling offered 21mm on there Bentley Barnato model. May be worth calling an AD?
I had one of these watches and it was a beautiful strap. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
17 February 2019, 02:28 AM | #19 | |
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18 February 2019, 07:45 AM | #20 | |
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18 February 2019, 07:49 AM | #21 | |
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4 October 2019, 02:04 AM | #22 |
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I ended up getting the blue dial/brown strap Navitimer 8 last spring.
I was randomly checking the Breitling site and noticed the Navitimer 8 is now the Aviator 8. When/why did this happen? |
4 October 2019, 03:51 AM | #23 |
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The name was changed based on feedback that Kern received. I think it's a good idea since this creates a better identity for this watch.
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6 October 2019, 02:46 AM | #24 |
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6 October 2019, 05:52 AM | #25 |
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Tags |
breitling , dress , navitimer , navitimer 8 |
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