Breitling

Jun 09, 2012,15:31 PM
 

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. Cheers.

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Flying Haute! Breitling soars to the heights by becoming a Manufacture.

 
 By: 219 : June 6th, 2012-23:57
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

 
 By: SJX : June 8th, 2012-04:16
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.

 
 By: ling5hk : June 8th, 2012-05:54
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

 
 By: cazalea : June 8th, 2012-08:44
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?

 
 By: aaronm : June 10th, 2012-11:38
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

 
 By: cazalea : June 10th, 2012-13:32
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

 
 By: G99 : June 8th, 2012-08:55
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.....

 
 By: MTF : June 8th, 2012-09:35
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!

 
 By: dxboon : June 8th, 2012-11:57
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.

 
 By: foversta : June 8th, 2012-11:57
BTW, Breitling has just opened its boutique rue de la Paix in Paris. Fx

Breitling

 
 By: GPRL : June 9th, 2012-15:31
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

 
 By: amanico : June 8th, 2012-13:34
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

 
 By: Hororgasm : June 8th, 2012-15:04
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 . . .

 
 By: Dr No : June 12th, 2012-01:26
. . . 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.

 
 By: flightmaster71 : June 12th, 2012-04:28
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 ...

 
 By: AndrewD : June 14th, 2012-16:40
... 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...