Never meet your heroes!
Have been back in the watch collecting hobby for about 4 years now and have a rather modest 10 watch collection. Started small as most do with a selection of micro brands but then got more of an interest in the ‘luxury’ side of the hobby. Have a couple of Tudor’s now but I have always had Rolex on my radar, particularly the Explorer/ExplorerII. Never been a big fan of the Rolex hype and shenanigans so actually owning one has always been a bit of a pipe dream.
Anyway last week I found myself with a long wait while my car was being repaired so decided to wander around the city centre which had plenty of AD’s all within walking distance. So commenced a long day trying on watches interspersed with visits to local cafes for coffee and cake.
I was hoping to see some of the new Tudor releases but unfortunately not widely available in my area at the moment so at the fist AD settled for looking at the Pelagos range. The 39 is so much better in the flesh and fit perfectly on my 6.5” wrist but the rest were just far to big and chunky. Spent a pleasant hour of so in the Omega Boutique and even though they didn’t have the green SMP to view I did try on a couple of other variants and was pleasantly surprised that on the rubber strap at least they weren’t overly big or uncomfortable on wrist. The polar dialled one is so damned sexy.
Now for the crunch. At the next AD I decided to look into my favourite Rolex models. I can’t believe I have never actually tried on any Rolex before so I was really looking forward to it. The only Explorer they had was a bimetal but I thought try it on anyway. In the case it looked small and on even on my diminutive wrist it just looked lost. Thank god there is a 40mm version coming out I thought, not withstanding the fact will you be ever able to get one at retail anyway! No ExplorerII on display but they did have a preowned one to view in black dial (my favourite). When I put it on though I felt so underwhelmed. I’m not sure if it was due to the fact that retail for these are just over £8K in the UK and that this preowned version was £12K but I I was left feeling a little meh! I was expecting the the heart to race and the wow factor but it just left me a little cold and disappointed. I was absolutely gutted and the only thing I could think of was what if the Explorer 40 leaves me feeling the same way and that I have just trashed my dreams of a what was up until then a grail watch.
Sorry for the long winded nature of this post but there is a final kick in the balls ending to this story. Feeling a little deflated I walked past a Breitling Boutique and I thought what the hell let’s take a look. Never been that interested in their watches before but when I caught a glimpse of the 42mm Superocean, the green/bronze version and especially the white dial version with the blues bezel and strap I thought I had been hit with a brick. The reaction to this watch is what I was expecting with the Rolex but just wasn’t there. I was eager to try them on and they both looked and fit absolutely gorgeous on wrist. The only thing that stopped me making a rather large impulse purchase was the rather large bill I was about to pay to get my car back. It’s certainly a watch I’m going to consider as a future purchase although disappointingly they did inform me that a 5% increase is due on this shortly. Without a decent discount I think my heart would have to beat the crap out of my head to justify a purchase as this is getting into the realms of being costly for what you get considering the other great watches in and around that price range.
For me though Breitling over Rolex? Go figure!
It's better to learn that you don't really like a watch before you spend thousands on it.
That’s a tough one. Both honestly great brands in the industry. Both with great history. I think the biggest issue is with the difficulty or overpriced expense of getting a Rolex has ruined it. I purchased a Milgauss this year through the grey market. Love the watch and gotta say, that bracelet is probably my favorite of all bracelets I have across my collection and that says a lot as I have some pretty heavy hitters. I just hate I had to pay $2000 over retail. But the dial of my #breitling Datora is probably my favorite dial that just catches your eye! So great things from both brands. Maybe you just need to try on other Rolex’s to find that one that catches your breath.
It's better to learn that you don't really like a watch before you spend thousands on it.
Very true. Some of the other comments have suggested looking at alternatives and I may just do that 👍
I would take the new Superocean over the others any day of the week - especially the bronze / green version!
If you can wait for a little while to let the hype die down a bit, Breitling pricing, new, from professional dealers on Chrono24 tends to be pretty good - you can typically get a hefty discount.
Good luck!
Every luxury watch purchase should only happen if in the metal you feel like you have been hit by a brick 🧱
Always try… Mine was the opposite to yours with the Brietling superocean, absolutely loved the images, I was at the AD the following weekend, absolutely buzzing Money burning a hole in my pocket. I got hold of it, never even tried it, I found it awful, for me even chav like and it even felt cheap. That’s why you always try walk away and try again 👍
That’s a tough one. Both honestly great brands in the industry. Both with great history. I think the biggest issue is with the difficulty or overpriced expense of getting a Rolex has ruined it. I purchased a Milgauss this year through the grey market. Love the watch and gotta say, that bracelet is probably my favorite of all bracelets I have across my collection and that says a lot as I have some pretty heavy hitters. I just hate I had to pay $2000 over retail. But the dial of my #breitling Datora is probably my favorite dial that just catches your eye! So great things from both brands. Maybe you just need to try on other Rolex’s to find that one that catches your breath.
I think the problem is that I have had enough of Rolex. The preowned Explorer II was £4K over retail and I couldn’t justify it even if I did have the love. The sales assistant did ask if I was interested but I told her it was retail or nothing and I think she understood where I was coming from. I’m not saying another Rolex wouldn’t interest me but I think I have lost that loving feeling.
I think you really needed to try a Datejust instead of the Explorer. It would have seemed a lot more interesting with its fluted bezel and many dial options than any Explorer, which to be fair, is really very boring (and small) in reality and doesn't even have a date complication.
I know what your saying but a little too blingy for me and to be brutally honest a tad too expensive. I like boring, have a Tudor Ranger, but I have an open mind but I think my love for Rolex is dwindling.
I would take the new Superocean over the others any day of the week - especially the bronze / green version!
If you can wait for a little while to let the hype die down a bit, Breitling pricing, new, from professional dealers on Chrono24 tends to be pretty good - you can typically get a hefty discount.
Good luck!
The instant grab one for me was the white dial, the bronze/green was a little on the bling side but once I realised it was bronze I was trying to visualise what this would look like toned down with a nice patina. Will definitely take another look at both at some point, but yes, a little patience wouldn’t go amiss 👍
Every luxury watch purchase should only happen if in the metal you feel like you have been hit by a brick 🧱
Always try… Mine was the opposite to yours with the Brietling superocean, absolutely loved the images, I was at the AD the following weekend, absolutely buzzing Money burning a hole in my pocket. I got hold of it, never even tried it, I found it awful, for me even chav like and it even felt cheap. That’s why you always try walk away and try again 👍
I know what you’re saying, I was the opposite, wasn’t a big fan of the images but in the flesh really liked them, not the coloured dials as much, apart from the bronze, but the white dial really got me. It’s a good job not everybody has the same taste otherwise this would be a very boring world. I’ll certainly take a look at these again and if I still have the love who knows.
Isn’t watch shopping/browsing great? The first time I tried on a Rolex Explorer, it completely took my breath away. When I finally bought one, same feeling. And now? I’ve been wearing a different watch the last few days and just strapped the Explorer back on wrist. I looked down at it and got that ‘ton of bricks’ feeling that @MarkCO describes all over again. And that’s what it’s all about.
A positive experience at a Breitling AD laid the foundation for what would become my slice of this hobby. I didn't see any of the Breitlings that get my heart throbbing, but granted, back then, I didn't know about any Breitling. The little catalogues the shop assistant gave me really etched the name into my mind.
And the SuperOcean is one of my favorites. I'm hopefully going to visit a Tudor and Rolex dealer soon, but I live in a small town positioned in the rectal sphincter of the world, so all the ADs are at least two hours' drive away.
Isn’t watch shopping/browsing great? The first time I tried on a Rolex Explorer, it completely took my breath away. When I finally bought one, same feeling. And now? I’ve been wearing a different watch the last few days and just strapped the Explorer back on wrist. I looked down at it and got that ‘ton of bricks’ feeling that @MarkCO describes all over again. And that’s what it’s all about.
It’s great that you feel the love, it’s what keeps you going in this crazy hobby. The AD should have the Explorer 40 in by the end of the month to view so another visit is due soon. I’ll see how it goes 👍
A positive experience at a Breitling AD laid the foundation for what would become my slice of this hobby. I didn't see any of the Breitlings that get my heart throbbing, but granted, back then, I didn't know about any Breitling. The little catalogues the shop assistant gave me really etched the name into my mind.
And the SuperOcean is one of my favorites. I'm hopefully going to visit a Tudor and Rolex dealer soon, but I live in a small town positioned in the rectal sphincter of the world, so all the ADs are at least two hours' drive away.
Wow long way to go for a bit of watch browsing. I’m half hour away from two large metropolitan areas so spoilt for choice really. I found that most of the AD’s/boutiques were very pleasant, even had to start declining drinks as I was coffee and tea’d right out at one point. At Breitling there was a guy and his partner drinking champagne. Not sure what watch he had bought but it was all very cordial. Mind when spending thousands on a watch you would kind of hope for nothing less.
Wow long way to go for a bit of watch browsing. I’m half hour away from two large metropolitan areas so spoilt for choice really. I found that most of the AD’s/boutiques were very pleasant, even had to start declining drinks as I was coffee and tea’d right out at one point. At Breitling there was a guy and his partner drinking champagne. Not sure what watch he had bought but it was all very cordial. Mind when spending thousands on a watch you would kind of hope for nothing less.
Yep, I've only ever been in a watch shop when on holiday. My first shop was a stockist of a variety of brands, but with prices plateauing at about ±1000 USD. The next place, which I went to the next day, was completely different. They only kept Longines and Breitling, and their furnishings and decor was a step above the glass counters of the former shop. Then again, knowing that several Breitling Navitimers were there, glass tables wouldn't cut it. Their service excellence made a sale before I even had the thought or money.
I had a similar experience with the 39mm Explorer a few years ago. Tried one at an AD and didn't like it, even though I'd lusted after it for a few years. So much blank space on the dial - it just didn't look right to my eyes. So I was excited to see the 36mm version return. Tried on the steel and gold model shortly after the release. I'm fine with the smaller dimensions on my 6.75 in wrist, but not in steel and gold, so (im)patiently waiting for a 36mm in steel! And hoping that some of the folks in line for the 36mm move over to the line for the new 40mm version so maybe, just maybe, my wait will be shorter.
Really cool perspective here that I don't think we hear often enough. We all have different desires and feelings about these cool chunks of metal art.
Personally, I absolutely love the Explorer II's too. Haven't had the chance to try on the newer 42mm case one yet, but it's a dream of mine. This has made me think about needing to try one on sooner than later to be sure what I'm telling myself is in fact still true.
Recently I got to acquire the Pelagos in 42mm after many years of lusting and saving. Luckily that hero has done anything but disappoint me in this case. I think I love the watch more now than I did then somehow. I hope you find what you're looking for and get what you want! Afterall, this whole hobby is about getting, wearing, and appreciating what you want!
So true, appreciate and get what you want and damned what others say. No watch is perfect and each has going to have it’s fans and detractors but at the end of the day you should buy watches for you, not for others.
I had a similar experience with the 39mm Explorer a few years ago. Tried one at an AD and didn't like it, even though I'd lusted after it for a few years. So much blank space on the dial - it just didn't look right to my eyes. So I was excited to see the 36mm version return. Tried on the steel and gold model shortly after the release. I'm fine with the smaller dimensions on my 6.75 in wrist, but not in steel and gold, so (im)patiently waiting for a 36mm in steel! And hoping that some of the folks in line for the 36mm move over to the line for the new 40mm version so maybe, just maybe, my wait will be shorter.
You see I don’t mind space on a dial. Cramped or cluttered dials are a pet peeve of mine which is probably why I don’t have a Chronograph. It could also be that my aging eyes can’t read the damned things. I need to see the Explorer 40 but until then I’ll keep my options open.
I agree. I’ve lost count the amount of times I’ve loved a watch based on pictures/videos alone only to be disappointed when I see it in person and try it on. On the plus side it’s saved me a lot of money 🤣
Datejust 41 on an oyster bracelet, pre-3861 Speedmaster, Breitling Superocean Heritage II, Avenger plus all Tudors I’ve tried are the ones that spring to mind as the biggest let downs.
The only two I’ve fallen for straight away and lived up to the hype were the Submariner and Explorer II polar dial.
I think when you are contemplating a luxury purchase there is no substitute for seeing it in person and trying it on. Always taking a risk with a micro brand watch but the outlay is generally less obscene than a so called luxury brand so often worth a punt. Fortunately not made may poor decisions but when you do you do learn more from your mistakes. Common theme here but it’s a good job everybody has different taste and expectations in this hobby.
So true, appreciate and get what you want and damned what others say. No watch is perfect and each has going to have it’s fans and detractors but at the end of the day you should buy watches for you, not for others.
Without a doubt! I'm looking forward to hopefully reading a Breitling review from you sometime soon! Cheers!
Not a fan of Rolex, but I hope to try on a few Breitlings in San Francisco at the end of the month. Looking forward to it. Like you, I'm taken by their dials, esp the B09 in pistachio and the B25 in salmon.
Saw the B09 in pistachio, lovely watch but not for me. I go for legibility above everything else followed by comfort something which the Superocean excelled, especially in the 42mm. Damned my dodgy eye sight otherwise the Pistachio might have been another contender, but not to be unfortunately. Good luck with your purchase.
I'd considered Rolex's to be magical but unseeable objects, based on my local dealer visits to empty stores.
So when I realized several colleagues at work own them, and I could enjoy some friendly try-ons almost anytime, I was super excited! The surgeons I work with all try to out Rolex each other. So I've been able to try on a Batman GMT, a 2 tone gold and SS blue Submariner, and a 39mm Explorer 1. All heavy hitters with collectors.
And sadly, with each my mental state went from 'I can't believe I'm getting to try on this world famous watch' and it changed to "oh, um. It's Okay..."
So color me in the same boat as you. Lucky for both of us we never dropped 20k in the grey market for a watch we'd not held and tried in person!
That’s exactly what I thought when I tried on the Explorer II. It’s not that I didn’t like it, but just that it was okay. When you are shelling out some serious cash you have to be bloody sure that you are doing it for the right reason to avoid an expensive regret. The only plus point about Rolex is if you do fall out of love, if you have bought at retail you are not likely to take a hit.
I own. Rolex OP 41 which I adore. I paid list price of 5,900 and I breifly considered selling it when it was valued at 24,000 to buy a blancpain fifty phantoms a watch I could never but otherwise in this lifetime as I am a simple man. I tried one on in person finally and it was nice but I’m so happy I didn’t sell my OP for it it would have been a big mistake. The OP is timeless and is tied to my daughters birth
The OP has never done anything for me. I’m not saying i couldn’t feel the love at some point but there a plenty of other watches I like out there that I would rather own.
I don't think this is unusual. As the old adage goes "buy what you like".
I can see the appeal of a Superocean. They are so nice in the metal.
I'm hoping they go for a 'Slow Motion' chrono reissue, one day.
The Superocean did surprise me, very different offering over the previous version. I’m also taking a liking to the Longines Legend Diver and the Ultra Chon. Very interesting pieces that deserve a little more research and a visit to an AD.
Without a doubt! I'm looking forward to hopefully reading a Breitling review from you sometime soon! Cheers!
It may be a while away and there are just so many great watches in that price range it’s not going to easy and I’m adding to the list everyday 🤦♂ I do get a lot of enjoyment in the research and the whittling down the short list to a couple of favourites. I don’t try to procrastinate too much though as sometimes it can lead to a bit of an anticlimax if your not to careful.
It may be a while away and there are just so many great watches in that price range it’s not going to easy and I’m adding to the list everyday 🤦♂ I do get a lot of enjoyment in the research and the whittling down the short list to a couple of favourites. I don’t try to procrastinate too much though as sometimes it can lead to a bit of an anticlimax if your not to careful.
I know the feeling and what you mean there. The chase and process of finding the next is always fun to me. What I'm trying to focus on now is enjoying what I have while I have it and figuring out what I really am looking for. They all have their quirks, but I'm trying to stay pretty strict to the one comes in and one goes out principle so I don't have money just sitting there and not being used/worn!
My Rolex sweet spot is 10-30 years old. I don’t care for the direction Rolex has gone for the last 10 years; they all feel like dress watches to me in a sports watch package.
I would take the new Superocean over the others any day of the week - especially the bronze / green version!
If you can wait for a little while to let the hype die down a bit, Breitling pricing, new, from professional dealers on Chrono24 tends to be pretty good - you can typically get a hefty discount.
Good luck!
The instant grab one for me was the white dial, the bronze/green was a little on the bling side but once I realised it was bronze I was trying to visualise what this would look like toned down with a nice patina. Will definitely take another look at both at some point, but yes, a little patience wouldn’t go amiss 👍
I tried on the Explorer 1 36mm and I really liked it but it was too blingy for me ! Now I like blingy if it’s supposed to be a dress watch not a tool watch so I ended up with a proper tool watch the Ranger ! Now I really still like the case of the E1 but now I want to try on the OP in both 36mm & 39 mm blue dial ( I like it not having a date , thats my preferred ascetic ) I hope when I try one on I do get that smack up the side of the head of lust otherwise I will go Tudor BB54 !!!
My Rolex sweet spot is 10-30 years old. I don’t care for the direction Rolex has gone for the last 10 years; they all feel like dress watches to me in a sports watch package.
I thought “ Sports watch in a dress watch package “ !!