B-1 Group Purchase?

Ironflight · #1 02-19-2006, 08:59 PM

OK Doug, your review of the Brietlign B-1 has me once again wanting that watch - I thought I'd put that urge to bed when I started spending all my money on airplane parts! Had to settle for a Citizen Eco-Drive SkyHawk (hey, I set it to Mission Control time last August, and it is still within 5 seconds!).

But hey, if I have any money left after Grady paints the -8, well....do you think you can get us a REALLY GOOD discount on a group buy?

How about a "special edition VAF band?"

Paul

Kyle Boatright · #2 02-19-2006, 09:27 PM

My experience as a Breitling owner hasn't exactly been the best.

Here's what they don't tell you when you purchase a Breitling. I'm sure some of this applies to other high end brands.

1) You must get the watch serviced (every two years in my case) at the US distributor or the warranty is void.

2) A biannual "service" costs a couple hundred bucks.

3) The biannual service takes 4-6 weeks.

Broken-wrench · #3 02-19-2006, 10:12 PM

In the Florida Keys " We don't need no stinking Watchs"

TTU_RV7 · #4 02-19-2006, 10:24 PM

Great review of the watch Doug. I know several people who fly with them and love them.

Paul, a group buy is possible from Breitling. When I was active duty AF, the AWACS community wanted to get our Breitling made. In fact lots of squadrons were getting them a few years ago. If I remember correctly, you had to have 50 people sign up/put down a deposit for the watch. The price would be established after you had 50 people committed and Breightling had the artwork you wanted on the watch. We were shooting for simply an AWACS rotodome on the face, problem was no one could ever come to a consensus on the watch style to make it happen.

Couple that with everyone rotating in and out of country all the time and interest was lost.

Point is, it can be done if someone were to work as the intermediary with Breitling and more than 50 people were willing to buy a $1K watch.

Mikey

lorne green · #5 02-19-2006, 11:02 PM

Man, most of the Breitlngs I've seen would throw out the CG of most small planes!

AX-O · #6 02-20-2006, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TTU_RV7

If I remember correctly, you had to have 50 people sign up/put down a deposit for the watch.

You are correct. US Naval Test Pilot School orders Breitling watches every year and we are required to order a min of 50. I did not purchase one after graduation due to the fact that the watch cost as much as a -8 tail kit

DeltaRomeo · #7 02-20-2006, 07:11 AM

Thanks Paul. Cool watch to review (link).

You guys are absolutely right, watches are one of those topics where opinions run the complete scale (like primers and NW vs. TW)

.

Kyle, I feel your maintainence pain. I own a '72 Omega Speedmaster that costs ~$400 every five years for a complete overhaul. This 34 yr old watch comes back looking and running brand new, which is pretty cool (to me).

I've been in posession of this (B-1) watch for one week now - it has not gained/lost one second (I use the free 'Dimension 4' atomic clock time sync software on my PC). Not the case with any of the mechanicals I've ever owned (they usually loose/gain 15 seconds a day).

I wish the B-1 was bigger

.

This watch rocks (but it's expensive to own). So is my RV

.

BTW, I'll email Jamie at Feldwatch to discuss a group purchase option. You never know...

Best,

f1rocket · #8 02-20-2006, 08:43 AM

I've owned a Breitling Chrono-Cockpit for about two years now. It's a fabulous watch and like anything that complex, requires an occasional tune-up and cleaning. I intend to pass this on to my son eventually. It should last both our lifetimes.

ptrotter · #9 02-20-2006, 10:03 AM

I have a Breitling Old Navitimer. Great watch. I had it serviced about a year ago for the first time since I've had it about 8 years. It cost about $400 and it took the almost 6 months. And Breitling USA is located nearby. About a month ago, only a year after service, it started slowing down and then stopping. SInce I need my cash for my -8, I guess the watch will have to wait for a while to get fixed.

Breitling used to send chocolate to all their owners each Christmas along with a new catalog.

jbDC9 · #10 02-20-2006, 12:35 PM

I used to want a Breitling Titanium... but I'm over it. They're just too expensive for me; a $35 Timex from Target does just fine. Maintenance and upkeep? How about 5 bucks for a new battery say every 9-10 years; not too shabby! My current one is 6 yrs old, going fine, the one before that is almost 12 yrs old. It's now the dashboard clock on my motorcycle... had to replace the factory battery on that one a year or two ago. Will the expenses never end on that thing?? lol