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Post by carl on May 24, 2021 21:56:14 GMT -6
Must admit, largely due to Ron's enthusiasm for the Breitling brand, and my recent acquisition, I have been paying lots more attention to Breitling these days. I really am, over the past couple of years, enjoying more and more of the aviation/old flieger type watches more than anything. A few weeks ago, I spent a good hour combing through the Breitling website. Basically looking for just a simple, stainless steel chrono tool watch. I had the Seawolf at once point, and really liked it, but I hope by now I have learned not to buy the same watch twice. Actually, I had two of them! After my disappointment with the first Avenger Blacksteel chrono, I steered clear. And some of the others were just to blingy. When I saw this one on the website, I didn't realize that it is pretty much all brushed, except for the rider tabs. The regular Avenger 43mm has a lot more polished bits, although it's a beautiful watch, too. What I had never paid attention to, however, is that all the Avenger models have a 300M water resistance. Except the Seawolf at 3000M. Very impressive, I would say, for a watch built mainly for airborne activities. I suppose the word "Adventurer" is a more appropriate term. While I have no need for a watch with that WR, I think it's damn impressive. Trying the watch on, one can see it's built like a tank. I really have to stop and think about my next move. Lots of wonderful and some very expensive chronographs out there. But when you see how robust this one is, it does make you think twice. Of course one does have to consider also the Omega Planet Ocean chronograph, which has an impressive 600M WR, eh Rommel?! The Avenger is also quite thick at 16.4mm. And also more affordable. Especially for a watch this robust.   |
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Post by rw16610 on May 25, 2021 7:29:00 GMT -6
carl This is a great piece! Glad to see you're considering other Breitling watches. With this one though I would be 100% sure it's a keeper or that your friend is potentially interested in one day owning it. For a lifelong keeper, absolutely! I suggest going to see it in person a few times (along with competing models) and thinking long and hard about it. Your other piece was a different story. The Avenger models are popular though, so there's that. The Planet Ocean Chronograph is really something special! It's at least worth seeing in person. The next step here I feel is trying both on, taking some wrist shots, and seeing how you feel.
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Post by carl on May 25, 2021 10:17:59 GMT -6
rw16610 I really like the PO, and never really considered it seriously. However....it would be really great to have an Omega! 
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priamo
WWF Veteran
Posts: 2,288
Name: Bernie
Location: NE USA
Since: Apr 23, 2018 14:22:24 GMT -6
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Post by priamo on May 25, 2021 12:46:08 GMT -6
That is one heckuva nice Breitling. The brushed treatment is very appealing.
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Post by rw16610 on May 25, 2021 14:54:26 GMT -6
rw16610 I really like the PO, and never really considered it seriously. However....it would be really great to have an Omega! There's something very appealing about the slightly larger, thicker Chronograph pieces in my opinion. Partly why I'm drawn to AP as an end goal. I wanted the Deep-Sea (James Cameron) but that's comical with regards to availability. That Breitling is something I would buy, for sure I think. Still highly recommend seeing it a few times in person. Does that one have a solid case back? priamo Agreed! Breitling Chronograph watches are very appealing. I like the fact this has the logo synonymous with the "Instruments for professionals" era. For these tool watches it's the only way. |
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Post by carl on May 25, 2021 19:16:00 GMT -6
rw16610 I was at the Breitling AD today. I was delivering the FOIS to my friend Ryan who bought it from me. So we spent a couple of hours talking about and looking at watches. Of course, I tried on the Avenger Chrono 43mm, then the 45mm, and even the 48mm. They actually all worked on my wrist. But I think if I was to get the Avenger Chrono I would go with the 45mm. Just a bit more wrist presence. They are built like tanks to be sure! All have a thickness of 16.4mm. And certainly not bad at all for price and value.
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Post by rw16610 on May 25, 2021 21:44:51 GMT -6
carl What a great day out, I'm glad you got to check out each variant. For a piece like this I would also prefer a bit of wrist presence. Breitling's do have a heft and finish to then that convey a sense of strength, indeed. Hopefully you were able to get some shots of it in your wrist!
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Post by carl on May 25, 2021 22:34:46 GMT -6
rw16610 no pics, sorry! I left the house in rather a hurry. But I will get some next time! Nice to be able to look at a watch in real life, especially when the have all the variants!
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Post by carl on May 25, 2021 23:34:03 GMT -6
I spent over 2 hrs at Time & Gold today. Actually, one of my favorite pieces I tried is the Navitimer 43mm B01. Gorgeous watch! Back over a year ago, I sadly missed out on the Navi 806 Revival, with the b09 manually wound movement. A friend of mine got the only one they were able to get. And a mutual friend of ours has an original. I have seen both the original and the revival side-by-side and it is almost impossible to tell the difference. I would love a Navi in my collection, but I don't think I could ever be happy unless I had the 806!   |
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Post by rw16610 on May 26, 2021 7:17:35 GMT -6
carl No problem! What's most important is what you saw it. Those wrist shot photos come in handy. I've tried on my fair share of watches over the years and thankfully in some instances I was able to capture wrist shots. This is how I was able to buy some sight unseen and be happy. It wasn't technically unseen as the previous model of the same size was tried on, etc. The Navitimer is fantastic! In your case I agree with that and feel it's go all the way with the AOPA version or go home. I prefer the older Navitimer, with the same logo as Ron's and the Avenger. Don't think I would want the new one to be honest, a watch with that heritage should have the other logo as an option still. In your shoes, given the choice of an Avenger or a Navitimer would be a tough call. I could see a Navitimer on a nice strap suiting you incredibly well, and the history behind the piece being a large part of its appeal. The Avenger certainly has appeal as well, a nice wrist presence, and is more rugged over all. Bonus points again for the logo on the dial, and its size / thickness makes it stand out from the other watches. Each piece would offer something different and stand apart from eachother more. If only you could somehow get your hands in that particular Navitimer though! It would be game over for the Avenger, but only time will tell.
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Post by carl on May 26, 2021 8:58:12 GMT -6
rw16610 very little sleep last night! My friend at Time & Gold is going to try and source the 806 revival for me. If he doesn't, I have located 3 that are within a couple hundred dollars of the new one, at Watchbox and Watchfinder. Obviously they are both like new, as the watch was only introduced in 2019. So, it looks like I am set either way. Of course, I would rather get one new from Time & Gold if possible. For a guy who is really into pilot/flieger type watches, it does not get any better than the 806 revival. I just never seriously thought I could get one, they sold out so quickly. When I saw the one my friend has, I loved it instantly. Lots of guys don't like it because the dial is so busy. At first, I was one of those guys. But a few years ago, I started to look at the Navi seriously. When you discover all the functions, especially the slide rule, and realize the significance, you start to see past only the initial aesthetics. And aesthetically, the 806 is beautiful, as it is so identical to the original. Well, one way or the other, looks like I will go for it. Since it is a LE, there are absolutely no discounts available even for long term customers. So I don't mind getting a pre owned, as I would have to pay tax on a new one here anyway. A couple hundred bucks for import duty/customs would be worth it to get the watch. Will definitely keep you posted!
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Post by rw16610 on May 26, 2021 13:18:58 GMT -6
carl This is wonderful news! I'm very excited for you and agree, try get one new but a pre-owned is ideal! If bought private sale in Canada you don't have to worry about the fees portion. If you import and the seller correctly declares it as manufactured in Switzerland, you'll likely pay sales tax with some duties. I got hit with duties importing my Plant Ocean Chronograph from the AD in Michigan, USA. No big deal though, as I still came out on top. Either way, if bought new or used, I wouldn't worry too much about that. Because it's an acquired taste, there could very well be one sitting somewhere that the AD can get for you. At least there's a contingency plan to source pre-owned if need be. THIS is a watch worth getting! No offence to the Avenger, it's fantastic, but has nothing on this other piece. That model exemplifies what the brand was all about from the start. Flight computers and aids conveniently on the wrists of aviators. The dial being busy is what makes it what it is, I think it's perfect! This watch is so different from the others in your collection, is a limited edition, and has an even richer history than the typical Breitling model, especially with the AOPA dial. Very excited for you and my fingers are crossed one can be located soon, be it new or pre-owned. In your shoes I would try source a pre-owned piece if it yielded some savings considering important fees (taxes and duties). This watch would be in the keeper category as well, long-term.
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Post by carl on May 28, 2021 1:19:06 GMT -6
rw16610 it looks like the Navi 806 is not going to happen, at least for now. Time & Gold is unable to source one. All sold out. I was chatting with a gentleman from Watchbox, but long story short, in the end I got nowhere. I sort of seemed to get cut off. And, for some reason, I just didn't feel comfortable since I was not able to get one from local AD. Sometimes, I just go by gut instinct, and this did not feel right. I still have my eyes on the 43mm B01. Although I wish they would used the B09 manually wound movement, and remove the date. However, it still would not be anything like the 806 Revival. Anyway, as is the best part of this hobby, still searching! I have an idea what is next on my list, and that will be a surprise if all works out! A newer model somewhat on a controversial level! 
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Post by rw16610 on May 28, 2021 7:48:09 GMT -6
carl It's important to follow your instincts in life. The thrill of the chase (I never felt this way about searching) can quickly become an ordeal that's not as much fun and more stressful. I've been there before, and the best part was finally getting the watch or obtaining something that took it's place. Sounds exciting! Can't wait to find out which model you're considering. With do many good ones to chose from I'm certain it won't disappoint.
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