Breitling Transocean Chronograph Limited and IWC Spitfire Chronograph

ArphaRima

Right now I am in talks with a seller to buy an IWC Spitfire Chronograph (IW387802) http://www.iwc.com/en/collection/pilots/IW3878/ This will be a watch for irregular use and special occasions etc.
My current daily watch is a Tag Heuer Monaco Gulf Vintage Limited Edition (CW211A) but I am looking to buy a Breitling Transocean Chronograph Limited to replace this at work. I will use the Tag for going out on the beer etc, but the Breitling at work.
The problem is I only learnt of the existence of this Breitling when I bid for one on Timezone. The watch was sold and I cant find any more! http://forums.timezone.com/index.php?t=tree&goto=6359734&rid=0#msg_6359734 It is a stunning watch IMO and I really want it. It is way over my original budget for a work watch but it is worth it I reckon.
Can anyone help me source this watch? (I live in China, but I am shipping these watches to a friend living in San Francisco to bring over to me)

After the dust settles hopefully my premium watch collection will be this:
-IWC Spitfire Chronograph 3878-02
-Breitling Transocean Chronograph B01
-Tag Heuer Monaco Gulf Vintage

It think that will do me a few years. First I need to find them.. Help!

Cyrus

You have great taste fluffer, the 3878 is a stunner, i tried one on in sheerans a few weeks back. Very pricey, but its stunning.

Re the transocean, its a newish model, and most breitling dealers stock them. Id suggest looking on chrono24 to see what is achievable in terms of discount, with breitling generally 30-35% should be out there on the grey market altho im not too sure how sought after the transocean is.

Be sure to let us know how you get on, and if you dont mind me asking, what kind of discount are you looking at on the 3878 (pm if you dont want to broadcast it )

fishguy

Interesting choices. Somehow I feel that these watches are not really in the same league. Not the same league price wise, and not in the same league as for professional use/being a possible status symbol.

I think the IWC is more of a professionals watch that can easily appeal to civilians, is that right Cyrus . It`s less eye candy than the others. The other two are more of a good for all occasion luxury pieces to me.

The Breitling is a really classical looking piece, and it screams quality and money.

The Tag is a forever classic sport watch for any occasion.

I would pick the IWC, I think movement and possibly the build quality is batter than the other two`s. The Breitling looks nice, actually really nice. It would be a great option if you want more of a status symbol watch. The tag is an iconic model, but personally I don like Tag`s so that would be the last on my list. I think possibly the IWC is the best value of these three, despite of it`s high price. I`m quite sure you can flip it for the same money you spend on it in a few years if you find a decent used piece on the right price. If you lucky you can make some extra on it. The other two would lose value possibly, I don`t know how much, but probably a lot more than the IWC possibly ever could.

Whatever you pick make an educated decision as any of these would be an expensive purchase. Make sure you will like the watch in 3-4 years too. I say any of these three can easily last a lifetime plus wrist action if not abused and serviced regularly, so from that point of view you can`t go wrong with any of them..

Let us know how you decided, and wear that watch in good health.

g.

Cyrus

My impressions, having owned 3 or 4 different IWC is that in Ireland at least no one has ever heard of them

Breitling and Tag garner a lot more attention, and people assume your rolex is fake!

But watches arent as big here as in the UK, and in asia in particular IWC is very popular

fishguy

I have somewhat similar experience. Here in Ireland no one knows IWC, but TAG is like the common men`s luxury piece. A lot of quartz Tag`s in circulation though.

On the continental Europe IWC is a know and very prestigious brand, worn by mostly b people with good taste in watches. Breitling is worn by all who has the caps and not so much the taste...

Breitling started really aggressive advertising campaign in the early 1990`s. Until than it was a somewhat lesser known but well reputed brand. The advertising campaign hurt the brands reputation as a unique and high quality watch big time imho.

This is my experience and only in the continental Europe

g.

ArphaRima

The 3878-02 I am sourcing new from a trusted specialist at 7550usd. That's a massive discount from the RRP, especially in China/UK/Europe.
I have been researching this watch for months. Undoubtedly it will be my flagship piece.

The Breitling is actually a special edition from around Dec 2010 that I saw for sale last week. I don't normally like Breitlings, especially seeing as they are very much a cliche for my profession but this one in particular really does it for me. This will be my professional timepiece for daily use, if I can find one again!

The only Rolex watches I would have considered were the likes of the understated Air King and Milgauss ranges. Obvious bling is not what I want, and to be honest I would be embarrassed if people could guess what I'd spent.
A JLC Master Compressor was a serious contender and I may even buy one in future.

My Tag I will keep but it will go from daily wearer to night socialising only.
My assorted fashion brand watches will be for heavy nights out or the gym.

But watches arent as big here as in the UK, and in asia in particular IWC is very popular

Well as a professional aviator living in Asia the IWC should do just fine then!

fishguy

Well picked !!!

You made a wise decision!

g.

ArphaRima

Got it!

I sourced it in Qatar. Haggled him down to 5k usd and got him to throw in an extra strap and deployment...

Now for the IWC. My seller hasnt gotten back to me yet.

[IMG][/img]

this is a pic of the one I was too late for, its a better quality photo!

Bullseye1

Congrats looks very nice and quite similar to the Speedmaster.

ArphaRima

Bullseye1 wrote: »

Congrats looks very nice and quite similar to the Speedmaster.

You're dead right.

My purchasing decision for this actually started as an Omega Speedmaster (date). But after looking at IWC/JLC/Rolex etc watches for months I began to think it a little plain. Then I spotted this watch. I think they have really nailed it. A great new in-house movement, classic looks, rugged design. Perfect for my day-to-day at work, but also very wearable outside of it.

fishguy

N1! Wear it in good health.

g.