From Rolex to Breitling

[Jackxv]

After a bumpy ride flipping watches

Rolex Datejust 16030
Rolex Datejust 6605
Omega Speedmaster Reduced "Cart series"
Rolex Datejust 116200
Rolex Datejust 16014
Rolex Explorer II 16570
Rolex Datejust 16200

First I bought a Seiko Arctura Chrono, I am going to South America this summer for about six weeks, didn't want to take any risks with a watch, It is surprisingly accurate, within 1 second a month.

It was time for me to look for a compromise between rugged, GMT, Chrono and a little stylish.
I decided to buy a Breitling Chronomat Longitude Chronometer A23048 in the completely brushed finish.

The lume is like Radio-active, it glows like a torch.
The bracelet is really comfortable though rather nasty to size when never handled before.
The saphire is crazy, when seen from upfront it seems there's no saphire at all, just a dial.

Everything on this watch feels firm and sturdy though it's a little high on the wrist.

Now I am going to enjoy it, here's a little picture of it, next few days i'll make some sweet wrist shots.

[buz-lh]

Very nice...enjoy it.

[2th Dr]

Very nice! I love how the crystal looks invisible on the Breitlings!

[Jackxv]

Just made these pictures, incredible how there seems to be no crystal.


Jack

[1000ftSub]

[karmatp]

There is way to many fantastic brands out there to just wear a Rolex everyday. I have been a chronic flipper for years, owning handfulls of Rolex sport watches. Once I decided that I wanted to experience other brands, my eye's finally opened. I recently picked up a Superocean Heritage, and it flat out rocks. The fact that I could buy two of them for the price of one Rolex is just silly to me, congrats on enjoy your newest.

[htc8p]

they are two very different animals. i dont see any connection between the two. its good to have variety

[Jackxv]

I still have to get over the "Eta" in the case but everything else on the watch seem to be superb.

The bracelet is a grade of it's own.

Jack

[BASSETHOUNDS]

Originally Posted by Jackxv

I still have to get over the "Eta" in the case ..

Jack

Yes , that would be my problem too .. ETA does make some excellent movements , but to me it always "sounds" like the thing that all Rolex counterfeiters are "proud" to say their rubbish is fitted with

[Jackxv]

I've seen the movement and it look rather nice.

This one has a GMT function Chronograp Chronometer, only seen on this watch.
It is said it was developed by Kelek ( now Chronometrie Breitling)) for this model exclusive and after the discontinuation sold by Eta to other brands.

The watch is spot on and the lume is crazy.

Jack

[bewithabob]

very nice example of Breitling chrono; I prefer Rolex, but this has such good contrast on the dial... what's not to like? You say it rides high- these cases are thicker but looks like it would be very comfortable on the wrist...

[newmedia]

I like the beat up look, great watch with work horse movement.

[Jackxv]

Originally Posted by bewithabob

what's not to like? You say it rides high- these cases are thicker but looks like it would be very comfortable on the wrist...

I think it's a mind thing, beacuse I know even the fakes are equipped with a 7750 movement (and the asians ARE value for money movements)

The finish on this, the dial, complete brush finish, quality of bracelet together with the price looked like a steal to me.


Jack

[SSSS]

That is one nice looking and functional watch. I'll have to check it out as I've been looking for a GMT. The other functions I find useful as well. Enjoy...

[warp_foo]

Originally Posted by Jackxv

I still have to get over the "Eta" in the case but everything else on the watch seem to be superb.

The bracelet is a grade of it's own.

Jack

Folks basing their entire judgement on the fact that a watch has an ETA movement is a bit short-sighted, and are denying themselves a very great many fantastic watches.

I have a number of watches with 7750 movements:

Breitling Superocean Heritage Chrono
Glycine Airman GMT
and
CWC Military Chrono

None of the companies using ETA movements use them without modification and upgrades.

There is an *obvious* and marked difference between the feel of the three when winding, setting the time and date, or using the pushers. As you would expect, the CWC, at 1/20th the cost, is far less refined and 'looser' than the Breitling.

The Glycine is a fantastic watch, at 1/4 the cost, and while better finished than the CWC, it still lacks the solid feeling while operating the crown when compared to the Breitling.

As far as fit and finish are concerned, the Breitling is *easily* the same quality of my GMT II. I'd go as far as saying that, in some respects, the Breitling surpasses the Rolex. Two examples: The bracelet is much more robust, and the convex crystal is a nice touch.

Maybe if I were able to afford the truly high end watches (AP, PP) I'd bypass the ETA movements, but for me, I'm perfectly happy with Breitling or Rolex.

m

[Jackxv]

The watch exceeds all expectations.

It runs fast about 1,5 seconds per day
Rather high though comfortable on the wrist
On leather it's even better though pilot bracelet is BETTER then all of the Rolex bracelets I've owned so far. All Oysters and Jubilee except the 63200 and Presidents.

Research has told me the movement is developed by Kelek (now Breitling Chronometrie)

Yes, the baseplates are ETA and also some other parts but on the Cal.20 big improvements and tuning took place.

Untill the Cal 20 was discontinued at Breitling the technology was not used by other brand in a 77XX.
Propably before use by ETA the patents were sold by Breitling to them.

Only crazy thing is the price of the Leather bracelets and especially the Croco ones with folding clasp, they are as expensive as a brand new 78360 Oyster....
So I've bought a new Rios 1931 with a Breitling clip.

Jack