Breitling Aerospace – re-post!

Thought I’d re-post this after 20 years of ownership (first Posted in 2013, bought in 1999 or 2000) in reference my Breitling Aerospace (Repetition minutes) as a reminder of how good this old watch was and still is.

Just realised the other day that I’ve never actually posted about my favourite daily beater I’ve worn for the last 15 years. My Breitling Aerospace Titanium that I bought when on business in Glasgow. After some lunch I happened to be strolling past a jewellers and there it was and I simply loved it – went in with no hesitation and bought it. And I still think it was and still is the best and most practical watch purchase I ever made.

1999 Aerospace - a classic — 1999? Aerospace – a single crown chronograph classic

Now some folks think Breitling watches are big, flashy and cumbersome, but with this model nothing could be further from the truth. It’s titanium, it’s very light and unlike many of today’s current crop, it’s very slim at just 9mm in depth and a case diameter of only 40mm. With the matching titanium solid link bracelet it’s quite a combination. It slips unobtrusively under a shirt for dress occasions but also is the business when it comes to everyday wear – AND it’s probably a statement too. This particular version has a quite subtle dial green colour with high contrast numerals and markers.

On the wrist - perfect. After 15 years it needs a clean!! — Taken today – On the wrist – perfect. After 15 years it needs a clean!!

Dial wise – Clarity is all with this watch – the digital date is the clearest to read of ANY watch (it is electro luminescent) I know with an excellent anti-reflection coated flat Sapphire crystal – and slim hands with the so very clever extension of the minute hand over the centre pivot, which makes it so clear when reading the time – plus a nigh on perfect and understated luminous capability at night – it’s about as good as any watch can get in my opinion. The top bezel is click set in two directions and the watch is all Titanium.

Titanium at it's best case and solid link (diver extendable) bracelet. — All Titanium at it’s best case and solid link (diver extendable) bracelet.

The twin digital display is perhaps one of the clearest I’ve ever seen. It is bright in all light conditions and has a built in fluorescence that makes the numerals stand out perfectly. The lower double height display shows everything you need – either set as shown with Day and Date, Date and Seconds, or Seconds, Alarm time, Chronograph, Current or Dual Time and Timer – the upper display shows which feature is set. I usually have it set as shown with Day and Date and rarely use the other features, though the Dual Time can be useful on holiday as can the Alarm though these days I prefer a vibration alarm however – the old hearing is going!

And this particular version is also what’s called “repetition minutes” – this provides a sonic indication of the hours and minutes simply by pressing on the crown, when the watch display is either showing the neutral (blank digitals) or the local time display, the seconds-date display or the day-date position.
Great when I bought it, but these days I don’t hear too well, so not a lot of use for me. 😦

Another aspect of this watch is the fact that even with all these functions, it only has a single crown, the operation of which has always been perfect. The usual chronograph style pushers and buttons are quite superfluous and is the feature I prefer most over all other chronograph models. And this is due to the excellent Quartz E10.391 movement module (some non repetition minute models have ETA988.332 modules), which has worked perfectly ever since I bought it, without a glitch and I’m so glad it does. (I also suspect this model was actually produced in February 1998, according to my reading of the serial data)

I understand that should there be an issue, God forbid, as it’s no longer made, there is an upgrade available (but at some cost!). I believe the replacement is the E10.351.5 plus a replacement watch back 130.F65062.SQ, as the module dimensions are different. Fortunately in my case not necessary! 😉

I said that clarity was terrific on this watch and this is it shown against some of my other models as a comparison – and that date clarity – amazing. Whilst the digits are not illuminated (there is no light feature on the watch) it is amazing how the digits stand out – completely superior to the usual digits on the other watches in the image.

The clearest of them all! — I think the Breitling (left) – is the clearest of them all! Electro-luminescence rules!

The Breitling dial also shows just how good the anti-reflection coating is and how clever the hands/display clarity actually is – see how the digits really stand out – it always impresses me! The Citizen watches shown are OK but neither compare when doing the quick glance and checking the date.

Another good point about this Aerospace – it holds a decent pre-owned value today – so a good buy (the Citizens have dropped value and the centre one was pricier)

However, as with everything being a premium Brand, Breitling always recommend you send it to them for a new battery when needed. And OK this is what they call added value aftersales, yes?

Well I did just that after the first 5 years of use (silly me) and it was a bit expensive I have to say. Though looking back on it all those years ago and in fairness, they not only changed the battery, but also updated the dial and more or less overhauled the whole thing, so perhaps it was worth it. Effectively they provided a full service.
However I don’t think they’d do that anymore – in fact I am certain!

But on 10/05/2020 I simply snapped off the back (never understood why this was not a screw back) swapped out the 977 battery, ensured the back was replaced in the correct positioning, snapped the back on again, reset the date, month, day, time etc. And it’s working perfectly again.

I would note on the single crown operation, initially I found it tricky to operate.
When I first did this I followed the instructions – which said – The Months adjust with a fast spin of the crown as do some other adjustments, others are with a slow turn. This is done with the crown out, but even in this position there is not much to grip – so a fiddly thing to do. And that’s the issue – It’s tempting to rub a finger along it to spin it quickly, but beware this can put undue sideways pressure on the spindle which is not a good idea.

BUT since then I’ve discovered after having the watch for so long, that their idea of fast and mine are different. Initially I did my fast – and realised after having bought a Tissot Two timer watch with a similar module, that their fast was actually just steady as opposed to slow. Since then no issues at all – so my bad!

So, this is still my number one daily watch and a battery change will be possibly next year. So steady, not fast is the watchword. A bit like me really!

Addendum – 2025 – An issue! some years ago I noted the crown became very stiff, but at the time I sent the watch to Breitling for a service (I must have had money back then!) and when it came back – it was perfect.
Now today quite a few years later (no services now) and I see it has got VERY stiff again. Now considering the crown is essential for functions this is not good news. I’ll fiddle with it over the next few days and see it it eases, but servicing is out! So, here’s hoping . . . . it’s maybe just accumulated crud – I’ll brush it and see . . .

Why did I get that?

Often in my collecting life I’ve wondered that title question – Why did I get that?

What on earth possessed me to go out and buy that specific watch? Was it because I just liked the look of it, or perhaps I wanted an example of that type of model. Maybe it had a feature or function I was particularly interested in or could it be it was one of those milestone watches. Or one of those models that defines and stretches the technology of the day.

Casio GA1000-1AER-53 Big watch — Casio GA1000-1AER-53
Big watch

So many reasons I suppose and many with some merit I’m sure too, but this one I’ve featured here has to be just a one off, an aberration perhaps. One of those instances where I just lost it for a minute and did that “no no”, the impulse buy!

Because this watch is quite frankly and on my relatively average wrist – and as we say in the UK – this is one big sod!

Quite overly big in every way, mostly unnecessary too as the function set, whilst OK is nothing particularity spectacular. Digital Compass, World Time, Stopwatch, Chronograph, Timer, Alarms plus good night lighting it has to be said. But no Solar and no Radio Control. Lots of physical protection, though this increases the dimensions so much that the protection is in itself an attractor of damage. It gets in the way.

One big mother 0 compared to my Breitling! — One big mother compared to my old Breitling!

But that said the watch is amazingly comfortable to wear – it doesn’t feel big as it is so light on the wrist and I like wearing it.

It’s also quite easy to read as the analog is clear, the numerals are large and actually the small digital windows are OK and I can make out the Day, Date, Month without much trouble. And it’s got a great strap, light and flexible with a twin hasp buckle fitting, though some might find it a little short. Is that ironic or what on that is after all a big guys watch!

Compared to my old Citizen D060 Windsurfer — Compared to old Citizen D060 Windsurfer

So I took it out of the display box the other day, as I was considering moving a few models, selling them on, to make way to finance a new watch genre for me.
But funny how these things work out, once I had it in my hand then on my wrist, I realized that for some unaccountable reason, I really quite liked it.

In fact that was three days ago and it’s still here on my wrist as I write, so what on earth is this all about?

It’s back to that question – Why did I get that? Why indeed you may say and with good reason.

It is the very first reason I mentioned at the start of this little blog – I just liked the look of it. Size had nothing whatsoever to do with it, because it just look really good!

What can I say? A big mother it is, but do I want to move it on?

Mmmm – I’ll have to think on that just a bit longer . . . . . . . and in the meantime I’ll dig out a few of my lesser models and pack them up ready for auction somewhere, though the one I’ve just packed is actually a smart looking watch and you know it looks really good on my wrist . . . . . mmmmm . . . . . .

Note – For anyone interested the manual for this model is – Casio GA1000-1AER-5302(1)

“Squad” Lookin’ back (3yrs)

This is a bit of a reprise which I do every so often. Taking one of my watch models after a few years of living with me (which is not easy – according to my better half) I have a look to see how it’s held up and the one in question today is my lovely German Laco 1925 “Squad” quartz model (86 2014)

Laco Quartz "Squad" model after 3 years. — Laco Quartz “Squad” model 86 2014 after 3 years.

Looks as good as the day I got it I have to say and is one that does get a fair bit of wrist time as it’s so comfortable on it’s third party Silicon deployment band.

Laco tend to make more Automatic models than quartz, but bang for buck their quartz models really take some beating. One of the reasons and their are a few, that I like Laco, is their good quality build and choice of movements, quartz or otherwise. This neat 40mm x 9mm Squad variety has the excellent Swiss Quartz ETA F06.111, tucked away nicely in the very well made and solid brushed stainless steel case with it’s slightly oversize anti-clockwise unidirectional and beautifully milled bezel. An excellent AR coated mineral crystal makes the dial clarity something special as the matt black is in high contrast to the highly luminous hour markers and Superluminova C3 hands.

Laco Superluminov C3 - simply the best at night. — Laco Superluminov C3 – simply the best at night.

This in fact one of the best luminous watches I own and assisted by the rather long minute hand which makes reading the time at night so easy. (Breitling managed the same trick by instead extending the minute hand past the pivot point). The second hand luminous DOT as you see in the image also shows very clearly in total darkness as does the Divers bezel DOT.

The case design is also slightly different in that it features a “bullhead” style, with the screw down crown @12 and cleverly protected by the great articulated lugs, which in turn make this watch easily worn on the smallest wrists amongst us. I wish others would use this idea as it is so simple and effective. The Date window @6 is small yet the choice of font and size plus the excellent contrast is surprisingly easy to see.

Water resistance is very good at 200 metres, assisted by the screw down crown. A luminous dot on the bezel is another typical divers touch. Though as said I did change the band as the Divers style one wasn’t for me – being too aggressive on the wrist – fine for a neoprene suit but against my old wrist, not so great. The alternative silicon deployment one is perfect and having standard lug/strap fitting was a simple replacement.

Laco with articulated lugs on the wrist.

Laco make fine watches and have done so since 1925 (hence the Logo) and tend more specialist in Pilot style models. Others do copy, such as the Aeromatic brand but take it from me, not in the same league. You can find Laco easily with a simple Google search and they have a pretty decent range of models, though to find a quartz one is not quite so easy and as a price to quality ratio they are in my opinion pretty hard to beat.

I suppose this is a testament to the fact that on the whole I do look after my watches, unlike a few friends of mine it has to be said, who sometimes show me their older models and I have to suspect they kept them in a toolbox full of nails! and shook them around every day! such is the state of them. Fortunately I never trade with any of them! 😉

Pulsar update (strap)

As promised here is an update regarding the alternative strap arrangement on the Pulsar. The original strap which is reminiscent of a tyre tread as a wrap fitting at the case lugs – ie – it almost grips the case in a pincer grip. This in turn causes the strap to push the watch out a little from the wrist, on an already rather thick case. The strap is also rather hard and stiff which I find a little uncomfortable.

The replacement is a black silicon rubber double ridged 26mm wide and 6.2mm thick at the watch lug end which suits this large watch very well. It tapers down to 4.4mm thick at the buckle and has highlight yellow stitching which compliments the yellow accent on the pushers on the Pulsar case front.

Alternative 26mm soft flexible silicon buckle strap from Weston Straps UK.

This is the first strap of this type I’ve bought and very impressed with it as it is extremely comfortable and now makes the wearing of this large Pulsar just perfect. Having a relatively small wrist I had to add an additional hole for the buckle to fit, which was easy enough to do. The only down side is the buckle end is 25mm wide (only a 1mm taper) and the original Pulsar buckle is 24mm (the standard Pulsar strap is a 26mm with a fast taper to 24mm buckle fit, so presently I’m using the 25mm buckle that came with the strap.

Silicon double ridge with yellow stitching.

The strap whilst it’s smooth on the outer surface with the twin ridge definition, has a textured surface underneath against the wrist. Just enough to give added grip without discomfort.

The strap came from a watch supplier new to me here in the UK and that’s Weston Watch Straps and their web site is http://www.westonwatchstraps.co.uk

They also have a presence on eBay and if you’re struggling to find a strap to suit, they may well be worth a look as they ave a pretty wide range of good quality and sizes available.

Anyway as you can imagine I am delighted with the result and it does solve an issue that many folks have mentioned to me in the past. And this is especially with large watches and Diver or Military models, as they often provide straps that ,may well look good or even “macho” but when it comes to actual comfort, they seem to have given it little consideration. Many of the models come with very hard and stiff leather straps or 8mm thickness plus and frankly these are often very uncomfortable in the extreme. Just make sure you keep the original as if you do come to sell it on, then you can fit it back on the watch – and being unused – the buyer gets a great strap and you get an enhanced price. Winners all the way.

Underside of the strap is textured gives added grip - without discomfort. — Underside of the strap is textured gives added grip – without discomfort.

Almost but not quite the same as in the old days when you got your first car with leather seats! The first thing you did was to cover the seats in plastic, to protect them! 2 years later you sell the car and the buyer gets this car with the most pristine leather seats you can imagine – is that not sick or what! You never even sat in them . . . . . .

OK not the same I know, but with watch wearing – comfort is no small consideration and if the strap is not comfortable – change it.

Last point – This large Pulsar has an added bonus especially if you wear glasses. This display is so big and clear that I can read the time easily without my glasses on – and you can’t say that with many digital watch displays. And since I got this not one but two friends I know have already bought the same model – and I bet they ask where I got my strap . . . . . 😉

Classic Seamaster (Omega)

Delving into my vintage collection I came across one of my old favourites – the Omega Seamaster. This particular model according to serial number is the 1950 collection series steel version with sweep second hand.

OmegaSea04 — Classic Omega Seamaster 2577-6 – Cal 351 – 17 jewel Auto

I particularly like this model as it is about as good pre-owned condition as it gets – The serial number dates it to the beginning of 1950 and it has a great condition Cal. 351 auto mechanical “Bumper” 17 jewel movement inside. This has an early bumper rotor with a fairly short range of perhaps 300 degrees as Omega originally designed. It has around 36 hours spring reserve which is pretty decent. It is matched nicely by the classic detail of the outside.

Omega Cal 351 model 2577-6 17 jewel Automatic Seamaster circa 1950

It has a wonderful dial face with applied dagger batons and numerals. I note it has the original luminous ‘Radium’ dots applied to the markers (not the numbers). The hands are also still ‘Radium’ filled and and unusually (I’ve not seen one before) and amazingly the luminous infill hands, apart from being intact, are actually still visible in total darkness and this from a 74 years old watch

Then there is the sweep red coloured second hand with arrowhead pointer. Very unusual, but in closeup looks absolutely of the time – I find that just so cool!

The naturally aged patina of the dial itself gives it a nice 2-tone pan effect owing to the dial curvature and if you look closely you can see in the centre, the Omega logo directly embossed logo on to the original Hesalite crystal directly above the hand pivots (Hesalite initially named and used back in the 1940’s by Omega – which is basically an acrylic, so fairly soft but shatter proof – note there are no scratches on this one).

The case is stainless steel and in very good condition and the back is a very clean screw down original back.

The crown is original with Logo and the leather strap a standard Omega 18mm fitting, which completes the whole thing.

Dimension wise it’s just 35mm diameter and 42mm lug to lug, so a compact size for today and of course – there are many versions of the 2577 series and always good value as they are a quality and classic watch. Just shop around for the best quality and finish you can get and you won’t go far wrong.

In short, this is an absolute classic early model Seamaster and as it’s still in good original condition I am pretty pleased to own it. For me it is a true collectors choice.