Breguet Chrono/Calender/Moon Phase question...

[ericw]

Ive loomed around here quite a bit but have yet to post, so this in number one for me.

I have searched this as well as other forums and cant seem to find any comment on this one...

http://www.trustytime88.com/index.php?main...roducts_id=1967

It has the reliable lemania movement and looks fairly accurate.

Has anyone seen, or even better, does anyone own this rep?

I would really appreciate any info you might be able to provide regarding quality, accuracy, etc.

Thanks a ton!

Eric

[Victoria]

Ive loomed around here quite a bit but have yet to post, so this in number one for me.

I have searched this as well as other forums and cant seem to find any comment on this one...

http://www.trustytime88.com/index.php?main...roducts_id=1967

It has the reliable lemania movement and looks fairly accurate.

Hey Eric. I see where you say it looks fairly accurate, but I went to the Breguet site just now, to compare -- couldn't see the watch on which this rep was inspired by.

However, that means nothing because they can't place all the watches under their label.

I did find this one:

hxxp://watchismo.blogspot.com/2007_07_01_archive.html

And this one, the Classique Grande Complication 1869, which comes closest to the one you picture from Trusty:

From here: hxxp://www.gemnation.com/watches/Breguet-Classique-Grande-Complication-1869.html

Looks nice overall, but just not sure if there's a gen equivalent. Maybe Narikaa knows more about these (I got my 1801 from him).

P.S.: Dluddy posted this a while ago about the Breguet Type XX Ref 3800. Aeronale Flyback Chronograph. Yours resembles it a bit. So far, no rep of it.

http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?showto...&hl=breguet

[archibald]

It's a fantasy model, of course, but I'm not sure that's a deal breaker. What percentage of people you run accross know what a breguet is? What percentage of those have memorized every model they've made in the last 25 years? It's certainly plausible that Breguet would make a watch that looks like that, even though they didn't. Just stay out of AD's and you'll be OK.

The movement is a modified version of the chinese copy of a Venus 175 manually wound chronograph movement. The base movement is well-made, reliable and has been used in many, many reps. A moon phase/caladar module does add more things to go wrong and I'd guess makes sourcing parts for repair completely impossible. So I'd choose a dealer who stands behind theor products.

Another consideration would be the case metal. Anyone who knows what a brequet is probably also knows that high end gen makers would almost never make a complicated chronograph in steel--This watch is one of the rare occasions that it's probably best to buy a gold plated version. I doubt it's going to be your daily beater, so you probably don't have to worry as much about the durability of the plating.

[ericw]

Thanks for the replies!

I have seen many Breguets and while I haven't found the gen equivalent, it does resemble several of the common characteristics. I'm mainly concerned with the feel of the watch more so than its counterpart gen.

Archibald, I've not seen a gold platted version like I have for the Breguet tourbillon. This will be my first rep actually, so while Im familiar with several dealers there is no "first hand" experience. Ive heard a lot of good about TT, so unless I hear otherwise they will most likely hear from me.

I was also thinking of going for the IWC 3717. I just don't fully buy into the asian 7750 as of yet. The Breguet would be a bit more appropriate for my everyday wear (I currently wear a vintage gen omega and gen breit and rolex).

Also semi intrigued by the patek http://www.trustytime88.com/index.php?main...roducts_id=1277

which looks very similar to the Breguet... hmm

Edited December 11, 2007 by ericw

[archibald]

I was also thinking of going for the IWC 3717. I just don't fully buy into the asian 7750 as of yet. The Breguet would be a bit more appropriate for my everyday wear (I currently wear a vintage gen omega and gen breit and rolex).

Maybe there's no GP version of the Brequet--gold reps seem to becoming rarer and rarer except for the newer PVD rose gold models, probably because of durability complaints. Keep in mind that the version of the A7750 that earned all the infamy was the older model, especially the versions that had been modified to 3/6/9. The newer model in standard 7750 format on the 3717 ought to be fine, and the IWC is a great rep. IMO the new white dial version would make a nice dress watch. Other dress watches w/ class and cahet equal to the Brequet, not to mention better accuracy to specific gens would be the Cartier Santos Dumont on the low end (very accurate models can be had for around a hundred bucks w/ asian movements) up to the amazingly accurate decorated 2892 FM Casablancas. MBK nautilus, and VC overseas (the gen versions of all 3 come in steel) or if you like IWC's, the decorated 6497 special edition comes in gold and steel. BEfore you buy the breguet (particularly your're a hedge fund manager and/or don't care about plausibility) take a look at the VC chrono, a decent rep of a 40k gen, that uses the same movement as the brequet w/o the moon phase module.

I was also thinking of going for the IWC 3717. I just don't fully buy into the asian 7750 as of yet. The Breguet would be a bit more appropriate for my everyday wear (I currently wear a vintage gen omega and gen breit and rolex).

Maybe there's no GP version of the Brequet--gold reps seem to becoming rarer and rarer except for the newer PVD rose gold models, probably because of durability complaints. Keep in mind that the version of the A7750 that earned all the infamy was the older model, especially the versions that had been modified to 3/6/9. The newer model in standard 7750 format on the 3717 ought to be fine, and the IWC is a great rep. IMO the new white dial version would make a nice dress watch. Other dress watches w/ class and cahet equal to the Brequet, not to mention better accuracy to specific gens would be the Cartier Santos Dumont on the low end (very accurate models can be had for around a hundred bucks w/ asian movements) up to the amazingly accurate decorated 2892 FM Casablancas. MBK nautilus, and VC overseas (the gen versions of all 3 come in steel) or if you like IWC's, the decorated 6497 special edition comes in gold and steel. BEfore you buy the breguet (particularly your're a hedge fund manager and/or don't care about plausibility) take a look at the VC chrono, a decent rep of a 40k gen, that uses the same movement as the brequet w/o the moon phase module.

[ericw]

The Breguet looks strikingly similar to the patek link I posted above. Anyone own that and can comment on the feel, moon phase, etc?

archibald: I looked at the ones you suggested. The VC chrono is very nice. Also looks like they have one very similar w/ the moonphase. I'm very partial to the lemainia movement the more I read about it. Im looking for something everyday wear and durable. Thats why I was initially drawn toward the IWC, but Im not sure its suit and tie material. Probably not the case but I havent seen any full length pictures other than wrist shots.

I like the idea of reps. Ill always be more drawn toward gens, but also not willing to fork out 20k for every watch I take a liking to.

Thanks again and any more advice is appreciated!

[xelorrolex]

@ Eric

I'm the happy owner of the rep you're talking about. It is not 100% accurate but it's a nice rep anyway.

Here is a genuine wich is almost comparable. (edit: regarding the subdials position but not the function, i agree ...)

Cheers

Xel

Edited December 11, 2007 by xelorrolex

[ericw]

Thanks! I assume that a gen patek in the picture? I didnt see the name on it. I guess Ill go with the patek since its the same watch but has a gen counterpart. Ive heard the moonphase moves but isnt correct. Is that the case? thanks again

Edit: nevemind I see the breguet logo now. Hmm.. Patek makes a VERY similar watch. Wonder if they are the same company. Ill have to research that one. I guess it IS a semi standard/popular design.

Edited December 11, 2007 by ericw

[ericw]

@ Eric

I'm the happy owner of the rep you're talking about. It is not 100% accurate but it's a nice rep anyway.

Here is a genuine wich is almost comparable. (edit: regarding the subdials position but not the function, i agree ...)

Cheers

Xel

How is he weight, finish, feel, etc? Any issues whatsoever? Thanks

Edited December 12, 2007 by ericw

[xelorrolex]

@ Eric

The overall finsh is very good. Maybe not as good as some best sellers here but fair !

The mecanism is running without problem. The true moon phase is quite accurate(loosing +/- 1 day / month)

The light is shining with the dials textures and gives it a warm silverish reflect wich is sympathetic.

The subdials rings are a bit dissapointed as it is not as good finished as the old lemania Breguet with two subdials.

The cristal is gently dommed like a lens

As usual, the strap is [censored] and must be swapped

Imho, the size is a bit to large and to thick for this kind of watch: 42 (w/o lugs) * 12 mm.

The pictures below do not give it justice (Sony Ericsson isn't definitively done to play in the NIKON's game !) but it can give you an idea.

Cheers

Xel

Edited December 12, 2007 by xelorrolex

[ericw]

Thank you so much for your help!

I think Ill get the IWC 3717 AND the breguet. I mean, why not, its till less than a tenth of the price of one gen. I can feel the addiction already and I havent even started. Oh well, could be a more expensive addiction...

[xelorrolex]

Thank you so much for your help!

I think Ill get the IWC 3717 AND the breguet. I mean, why not, its till less than a tenth of the price of one gen. I can feel the addiction already and I havent even started. Oh well, could be a more expensive addiction...

you're welcome, my friend. Please share your experience, pictures and feelings when you 'll receive them. I'll be glad to ear you

Regards

Xel