Bytor reviews another version of a replica Breitling Navitimer. This version benefits greatly in accuracy from the faults of its earlier brothers. Many of the common Breitling replica flaws have been addressed, leaving a very convincing replica watch. One point not mentioned by Bytor is the inaccurate date window; this still is a flaw that can be used to immediately spot a replica Breitling. Breitling's true date wheel is quite unique to their brand and is easily identifiable.
First I have to say one thing: Breitling Navitimer two-tone isn't
excatly my "usual style". This is my
"PoM Award
watch" and I wanted this model for unselfish reasons (believe it or not). Personally,
I prefer the standard stainless steel but since I (and many others) have already reviewed the
stainless Navitimers to death I chose the TT model.
Even though there's a big
and constant demand there haven't been too many reviews of the gold reps. So why not write
one?
This doesn't mean I don't like gold watches, even my 2 first replicas
were Rolex TT Subs. Far from it, I absolutely adore many TT models, including this Navitimer. I
just feel I'm a bit too young to comfortably wear gold. Gold doesn't generally go well
with bulky and masculine sports models, but I don't feel Navitimer falls into this
category: With only 30 meters of water resistance and highly polished bracelet Navitimer
isn't exactly a hardcore "sports chronograph". So gold, in my opinion, goes
really well with it. It's extremely beautiful and dressy, without being too
"flashy" and vulgar.
As a replica the TT Navitimer is excellent. The
center plated gold links look authentic to my eye. But then I'm not a jeweler, and I have
no idea how the rep would "survive" under close inspection. I can only say that this
watch has far superior feel compared to the two-tone Submariners I have owned, probably due the
"solid" middle links and overall heavy weight of the watch and the bracelet.
Of course I can't make any technical statements... or say anything about the longevity of
the gold plating. I can only say that I've never heard anyone complaining about the plating
fading off of the bezel. And even if the bracelet starts to fade... we all know how well
Navitimer goes with a leather strap. The two-tone model is even
available on
a leather strap as a default.
I also feel this watch goes best with suits and
white sleeves. So it's not exactly a watch to use with the casual sports clothes that I
usually wear.
Unlike the old 12-9-6 two-tone version, the Tricompax model SHOULD have
silver subdial hands (which are correct on the rep). This particular model is available with
blue and black dials (with or without big Arabic dial numerals).
Picture of the genuine blue version:
I owned and reviewed the old rep version of the
Navitimer "Serie
Speciale Fighter's Edition". You can also find the explanation of the "slide
rule" from that writeup.
Instead of the natural 12-9-6 subdial layout my watch
uses the "Tricompax" arrangement, which is used on the modern Navitimers. The old
version was already excellent replica, but the new batch of Navitimers have better and improved
subdials. This new watch has also improved luminosity on the hands, and of course the new
high-beat movement. Other than that the "base watch" seems to be exactly the same.
But why would they even change something that was already very well made?
Andrew
has explained this model in detail in our
Breitling Guide,
so I don't bother going there once again. Everything that Andrew says applies to this rep
as well.
The rep of TT Navitimer is also available in the 12-9-6 version, which is
an excellent option if you're planning to swap the movement to Swiss Valjoux at some point.
But as mentioned before that watch should have black subdial hands (they're silver on the
rep). Personally, I couldn't care less. But I felt this fact would be important for some...
and thus worth mentioning here.
My only minor complaint is the bracelet size. I have almost 8' wrist
and it's very tight on me, with all links intact and the micro adjustment set to maximum.
Actually I prefer my watches tight but this is a bit too much. It's wearable but a bit
uncomfortable. So if you have big wrists I suggest you ask for an extra link from your
dealer.
The fliplock clasp is the same as on the stainless steel models. It's
highly polished and collects scratches very easily.
Conclusion: The replica is excellent, and this is probably the most
beautiful watch I have owned. Personally, I'm not really looking to impress anyone with my
watches, but if that's what you're after (and want to look like million dollars) I
can't think of a better rep. The two-tone Navitimer is extremely impressive, and almost
ridiculously beautiful.
I can recommend this rep for everyone who are looking
forward to add a two-tone watch into their collections. But keep in mind: the genuine retails
at $7000, so it might also be a bit "over the top" for some.