This is a review of two watches I recently bought from TWP. But first a few words on why and how. I am new to RWI but a long time member of RWG.
I have been admiring the super reps for the past 6 months and finally decided to add another to my collection. I have enjoyed Breitling since I saw my first poster in Switzerland several years ago. I have the Chrono Avenger – probably one of the first super reps early last year. Added a Navitimer Series Sepeciale after and while I liked the design the size was not quite right. Bought a SFSO from Precious Time a few months ago (White Dial) and was astounded by the ‘presence’ of the watch. This was undoubtedly the best watch I have ever added to my collection and still love it.
The Breitling Chrono Evolution was out there and I have been really itching to get one. I had also recently saw a picture of the Breitling Bentley GT TT. I had already received a Bentley 30’s model (49mm) earlier and while I really like the excellent combination of SS and brushed SS, it borders on being just a little too big. The Bentley GT at 44.8mm was the size that fit best on my wrist (as did the Steel fish at 44mm).
I have ordered watches from 8 different dealers in the past 2 years but had not tried TWP. I contacted him about both watches and he gave me a pretty good deal for ordering both at the same time. I was going to use his drop shipping service to save money which we all know adds an element of risk from any dealer but he assured me that I would be satisfied. And, without me asking, he indicated that the price would be for shipping both on different days separately. An extra expense for him and added safety for me. That was a nice touch. The watches arrived in about 1 week which is as fast as they have arrived from any dealer in the past. They were well packed and arrived in good condition.
The Bentley was drop dead gorgeous. It was beyond my expectations in beauty and grace with just the right amount of gold accent on the case and bracelet. I was right – the size was perfect. I had found my optimal watch size. The bracelet was silky smooth in operation. Breitling rep bracelets can be stiff and clunky requiring some work to loosen them up – not so on this rep. I worried about the size of the bracelet as I have a 7.5 inch wrist and the Series Speciale I had bought required an extra 2 links just to be able to wear it. My Steel Fish was fine with 1 link removed and the Bentley GT fit perfectly the first time I put it on. No link adjustments needed at all – this was a first. The hands set and centered perfectly and the regulation was about 8 seconds fast in 24 hours. For a rep – everything about this watch was picture perfect and still is.
The Breitling Evolution arrived a few days later and it had a few issues I had to deal with but first a word on the look. It was 44.8mm – perfect fit and the styling was excellent. The slightly curved crystal, the combination of shiny and brushed SS and the design of the crown area was excellent. The bracelet was very comfortable and the Black dial with silver sub-dials was striking. This is one handsome watch to wear.
Now the issues. When I went to align the bezel, my fingers scratched on the very sharp bezel screws. Under closer examination, the screws were severely damaged when installed to a point that they were deformed and had sharp edges. I also noticed after a few days that a moisture haze formed under the crystal. I had not been even close to water. I removed the movement, dried it out with silica gel and cleaned the crystal before reassembly. I was very afraid that corrosion may have formed but I did not see any on the outside and after installed – seemed to work fine. I contacted TWP on both issues and he freely indicated to send a new bezel and screws (not received yet). As for the moisture – all I can do is see if anything further develops. TWP said he would take care of any issues that arose which is all I can ask of any dealer.
All in all, this not too bad for a first purchase from TWP. Prices were good, delivery was fast and support for my Evolution (still waiting to see) should be ok when the new bezel and screws arrive.
I will work on some picture soon.
Usil
I have been admiring the super reps for the past 6 months and finally decided to add another to my collection. I have enjoyed Breitling since I saw my first poster in Switzerland several years ago. I have the Chrono Avenger – probably one of the first super reps early last year. Added a Navitimer Series Sepeciale after and while I liked the design the size was not quite right. Bought a SFSO from Precious Time a few months ago (White Dial) and was astounded by the ‘presence’ of the watch. This was undoubtedly the best watch I have ever added to my collection and still love it.
The Breitling Chrono Evolution was out there and I have been really itching to get one. I had also recently saw a picture of the Breitling Bentley GT TT. I had already received a Bentley 30’s model (49mm) earlier and while I really like the excellent combination of SS and brushed SS, it borders on being just a little too big. The Bentley GT at 44.8mm was the size that fit best on my wrist (as did the Steel fish at 44mm).
I have ordered watches from 8 different dealers in the past 2 years but had not tried TWP. I contacted him about both watches and he gave me a pretty good deal for ordering both at the same time. I was going to use his drop shipping service to save money which we all know adds an element of risk from any dealer but he assured me that I would be satisfied. And, without me asking, he indicated that the price would be for shipping both on different days separately. An extra expense for him and added safety for me. That was a nice touch. The watches arrived in about 1 week which is as fast as they have arrived from any dealer in the past. They were well packed and arrived in good condition.
The Bentley was drop dead gorgeous. It was beyond my expectations in beauty and grace with just the right amount of gold accent on the case and bracelet. I was right – the size was perfect. I had found my optimal watch size. The bracelet was silky smooth in operation. Breitling rep bracelets can be stiff and clunky requiring some work to loosen them up – not so on this rep. I worried about the size of the bracelet as I have a 7.5 inch wrist and the Series Speciale I had bought required an extra 2 links just to be able to wear it. My Steel Fish was fine with 1 link removed and the Bentley GT fit perfectly the first time I put it on. No link adjustments needed at all – this was a first. The hands set and centered perfectly and the regulation was about 8 seconds fast in 24 hours. For a rep – everything about this watch was picture perfect and still is.
The Breitling Evolution arrived a few days later and it had a few issues I had to deal with but first a word on the look. It was 44.8mm – perfect fit and the styling was excellent. The slightly curved crystal, the combination of shiny and brushed SS and the design of the crown area was excellent. The bracelet was very comfortable and the Black dial with silver sub-dials was striking. This is one handsome watch to wear.
Now the issues. When I went to align the bezel, my fingers scratched on the very sharp bezel screws. Under closer examination, the screws were severely damaged when installed to a point that they were deformed and had sharp edges. I also noticed after a few days that a moisture haze formed under the crystal. I had not been even close to water. I removed the movement, dried it out with silica gel and cleaned the crystal before reassembly. I was very afraid that corrosion may have formed but I did not see any on the outside and after installed – seemed to work fine. I contacted TWP on both issues and he freely indicated to send a new bezel and screws (not received yet). As for the moisture – all I can do is see if anything further develops. TWP said he would take care of any issues that arose which is all I can ask of any dealer.
All in all, this not too bad for a first purchase from TWP. Prices were good, delivery was fast and support for my Evolution (still waiting to see) should be ok when the new bezel and screws arrive.
I will work on some picture soon.
Usil
