My Tissot Two Timer

Interesting watch, the Tissot Two Timer (D.377) introduced by Tissot in 1986 and this one dated around that date. By the number of different configurations, this Tissot model interestingly reflects both the Swatch ideals (Tissot joined Swatch as a founding member in 1983) and a competitor to the new Asian digital reality of the time, but in Swiss style. In my small collection of these, I Post this one first as it’s quite a rare one, purely owing to it’s funky overlay dial. The TTT (as I call them) models were relatively new tech for the time, as they were Ana-Digi models with an unusual feature of using just a single multi-functional crown. The control module sets and adjusts the analogue time and the digital functions, which indicate in the single line digital display and by analogue hands.

Tissot Two Timer 1980’s Analogue/Digital Alarm/chrono (note – Alarm is shown as set)

The (adjustable) digital functions featured are; Digital Time, Seconds & Date, Weekday & Date (auto-calendar), Timer, 2nd Time Zone, Chronograph and, Alarm. Each is selected and adjusted by the single crown, which is still today a bit of a rarity. Analogue and digital can be synchronised too and the digital display can also be switched OFF.
I have just a few models that utilise single crown multifunctionality apart from the Two Timers. One that immediately comes to mind is my 1999 Breitling Aerospace, which may well use the same or very similar module. So, this very affordable 40 year old vintage watch, is in very good company.

As said this module uses a single crown adjustment system which although effective, is tricky to manage and if you’ve just bought the watch. You will need the instructions, believe me!

Basically there are 3 crown positions. Press the crown IN once (position A1 – spring action) it selects the main function changes and can also switch the Alarm on or off. Crown position A (normal) rotates either way and moves the line marker under the digits to select the required function.
Position B – (one click OUT) is used to alter the digits on the function selected – then again rotate the crown in either direction. Note that a fast crown rotation moves hours and months & slow rotation alters minutes and days.

So, quite tricky to get the hang of. I found that slow is just that – a nice steady turn and fast is – fast! I would say instructions should be to hand and perseverance is required – but the system does work, believe me. The trouble is that next time you have to adjust it after replacing the battery, you will likely have forgotten what to do – so don’t lose the instructions!

Anyway, on this Two Timer, all functions operate flawlessly and the digital display is as good as it gets with no bleeding or fading, which is a real bonus on any vintage watch with a digital display (a weakness of early digitals).

Image shows a Tissot Two Timers collection for sale in 2007

However, the main reason for my interest in this particular 1980’s – 1990’s Tissot Two Timer model is because of it’s rarity.

And this is totally owing to it’s colourful and rather funky overlay dial layout as it is VERY unusual. A fact that’s very obvious by it’s absence in this great picture of a fabulous Tissot Two Timer collection offered for sale some years ago. Do I see this dial? No.

Whilst I’ve also seen many variations on the theme with around 20 different 1st generation Two Timers up to maybe 1995, plus more variations with the 2nd generation models – I’ve only seen this particular one once before and as these pre-owned models change ownership every so often – who knows, maybe this is the one?

Update – I have actually seen one with this dial for sale in Singapore since I Posted this.

For anyone interested in Tissot Two Timer models, especially the 1st generation ones, there are a few (and just a few) of pre-owned ones around, mostly the more common dial layouts, such as the vertical striped face or skeleton. Though these tend to be the 2nd generation models which seem popular. However, fully working 1st gen’s pre-owned ones are much more scarce.

Note the small battery hatch – similar to Swatch – a 20 pence coin fits the slot.

As said, this particular model is a rather colourful and quirky dial layout with thick white coloured (I call loony) hands plus an overlay of quite jazzy numerals and markers – I love its different look from the many others I’ve seen. So I’m very pleased to have it. Plus, it has the original stitched leather strap as well and whilst obviously worn, it’s still OK to wear. However, I do have another strap I obtained recently if and when this one gives up. I note later versions have moved from leather to rubber options – which doesn’t do it for me I’m afraid

The watch is quartz powered (7 jewels) and the battery (SR920SW) is accessible via a battery hatch (note – 3ATM with the correct seal) on the rear (see image). And the all important crown is well knurled which makes it easier to turn for adjustments. Note the battery cover is often a plastic one and the slot is quite wide – I find here in the UK a 20 pence coin (7 sided) is perfect and prevents damage to the plastic. (don’t be tempted to get one without the battery cover – as these are very difficult to source).

Watch dimension are really good at around 28mm width (add crown just under 30mm) and the case thickness is very neat at around 7mm. The case is also curved with a flat back, so looks very neat on the wrist.

ETA 958-333 7 jewel module (available), but unknown if it would be a direct replacement.

So, as often the case, I find many vintage models preferable for all sorts of reasons – and fortunately, as said, they can still be found (but not always) at reasonable prices. Beware Two Timers for big prices – they shouldn’t be).

A little unsure as to the movement module used in this Two Timer, but it appears to be a variation of or similar to, the ETA 988.332 module in my Breitling Aerospace. Perhaps the ETA 958.300 series with a single digital window.

The module is part of the Swiss ETA Flatline series and information can be found online. However, little information appears available after 2009 and although I have seen complete 958-333 modules, I would not assume these can be used as a replacement for this particular model.

A few other watch brands have utilised the ETA Flatline series of modules in addition to Breitling, such as Bell & Ross, Rado, Victorinox, Chrono and Butler, so obviously quite well regarded.

2 x Two Timers, same model, different year.
Strap, buckle and dial cosmetic change.

The Tissot Two Timer was never an expensive model, but it was in my view an important one as it not only competed, but matched Asian competition at that time. Along with the introduction of the new Swatch Brand (Tissot being a founder member) this offered a proper well established quality Swiss Brand to customers at a crisis time in the European (Swiss watch) Industry.

So, to Tissot – Founded in 1853 in Le Locle in Switzerland, then allied to Omega – becoming the Omega Tissot Brand from around 1929. They further expanded with the amalgamation in 1983 of what was known as the SSIH-ASUAG & SMH (the Swiss names are too long winded for me to spell out) and finally SMH became a new Group known as the Swatch Group. Today, of course a huge player in the watch industry, with a membership of many major and still independent Swiss Brands, such as Tissot themselves of course.

Anyway, that’s my funky Tissot Two Timer and I love it, both for it’s 1980’s modernist design and to my mind, under-stated place in the watch world and the fact that on the wrist, it just looks great! And I do prefer it to their previous ana/digi models which were not to the same standard.

I also show here in this image, another of my Tissot Two Timer models. This is another 1st gen D.377 model, not quite the same year, with another dial layout, strap and buckle and a different look. Note – Later generation of the D. series have an altered case and lug design which necessitates a non-standard strap, often rubber. Also the battery hatch is no longer used, so the back is more conventional and uses screws to access the battery (maybe a better idea as often battery covers go missing).

Note 1 – Instructions are available here – https://www.manualslib.com/download/863198/Tissot-Twotimer.
And Here – which has a full set of instructions in .pdf format

Note 2 – Two Timer modules feature an auto-calendar, though this year (2024) being a leap year, with 29 days in February, I manually changed the date accordingly.

UPDATED – this Post was updated January 12th 2025

Old favourites

A selection of some old favourites – not picked in regards price or value – but rather models I just like to wear.

Breitling Aerospace 1999 quartz, with the Omega Seamaster 2577-6 Automatic

For whatever reason, they just feel right. It’s also true to say that for what they are, they are very, very good watches and seem to work and work, smooth and silent and never let you down.

The Breitling Aerospace 1999 model, which is probably my overall daily beater and worn mostly since I bought it new. Why do I like it?

Well, firstly it looks good and it’s one of the most successful ana-digi models I’ve ever come across. I say this as the digital display is electro-luminescent, which is quite rare today, which you can read in any kind of daylight circumstance.
The analogue hands though very slim, are highly luminous (as are the minute markers) and are what I call “all nighters” as they are readable for many, many hours of darkness. The minute hand overlapping the centre spindle is also very clever, in that it gives an immediate visual separation between the hands.

The watch also has a comprehensive digital set of functions, which though quite unobtrusive are available with the simple selection of the single control – the crown.

This particular case and bracelet are made from Titanium, which I’ve always liked, as it ages so smoothly it is a delight on the wrist.

And when this model appeared, they obviously had divers in mind as the bracelet features a built in extender, so can be worn over a wet suit.

Then there is the 1950 Omega Seamaster 2577-6, Cal 351 17J Automatic with it’s odd 300º bumper rotor. which is a bit of a classic if there ever was. Such an understated design and so neat to wear as it only measures maybe 36mm across. This in stainless steel with screw down crown and screw back.

Age patination on the dial now, but it seems to make it even more desirable and the smoothest movements you can imagine – moving the hands manually, it is smooth as silk. And the tiny red pointer on the sweep seconds hand – a nice touch.

As I say, a classic!

Heuer Camaro 7743 manual, Bauhaus Classic 2162-1 Automatic.

Next, is the absolute classic from 1960, the Heuer Camaro 7743 model, with it’s Camaro 30 chrono Calibre Valjoux 733 movement in that wonderfully designed 37mm stainless steel cushion case, which you really don’t see these days. A great shape for all wrists, but rare today.

This is another watch that is so good to wear – it sets so well on the wrist and it’s a very good looking design with the brushed steel topside, it looks and is very solid and substantial and is without doubt one of my very favourite watches. Again it’s one of those models that just works so well and worth a quite a bit these days, as they are quite rare to find in really good condition.

Next to it a more modern models that eschews the past – this is the German Brand, the Bauhaus Classic 2162-1 Automatic Day, Date. Called the classic – it should be a classic.

This watch shows off the intriguing Bauhaus minimalist + functionality concept perfectly. Note the asymmetric hour and minute hand hand widths, the sweep centre seconds, a Date view @3 and the full Day window @12, make this a very practical and efficient way to read the time at a glance. It has a lovely domed crystal and the case design allows a large dial surface

It uses the Automatic movement – the Citizen 21J Miyota 8285, which is a very smooth performer. It also has a high quality brown leather strap in keeping with the watch overall. Again this is a great watch to wear and invariably gets comments when I do wear it.

Last but not least of the six presented here –

Two different models now – they look different but both are practical and function so well.

Seiko Orange Monster Auto and the Laco “Squad” quartz

First is the rather amazing Seiko classic – the Orange Monster SKZ781K3 a Divers design model, which features a really solid and distinct stainless case, built like a battleship, 200m Water Resistance, a curved outwards unidirectional bezel and superlative luminous dial features and very clear to read.

This also uses the Seiko Classic, reliable and so well designed 7S26 Automatic movement (which I still prefer to later versions) with Day and Date combined window@3. This is a model that people either love (as I do) or for some unaccountable reason, don’t (your loss!). All I can say is, this particular model was very popular!

Last but not least, is the lesser (in the UK) but well respected German Brand – the Laco 1925 “Squad” watch, 40mm diameter, bull winder @12 Quartz ETA FO6.111 movement, with it’s highly unusual curved double articulated lugs design which hold it neat to the wrist. It’s another great Water Resistant model rated at 20ATM.

The wide dial has a really black matte finish background, that contrasts so well with the large and clearly defined luminous analogue hands, plus centre sweep seconds hand with dot marker. A date window @6 and a very nicely defined and operating click unidirectional rotating bezel, completes the look.

Has that distinctive look and the model from their range I prefer (quartz) as it’s just 40mm diameter (the mechanical version when I bought this was 46mm – too big for me).

So that’s just 6 of my likes from watches I have, picked just because I like ’em and they came first to hand. Value wise and in no order, from very affordable to mid range affordable. Every so often I’ll pick some more from the stuff I have, maybe affordable or maybe not, who knows what will turn up. It’s also fun to do as it brings back the memory of acquiring them and gets me fired up to maybe look at more watches that attract me.

That for me is what collecting watches is all about. It also makes me realise what an eclectic collection I have – love it!

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 . . .

My “active” 6 for 2016

Daily Beaters for 2016

During 2016 there are 6 models I’m wearing in rotation, week in week out. These are from my “Active Group”that for me are both comfortable, useful and practical. I have various categories in my watch collection, from vintage to Vintage big names, to Classic dress and Milestone models and so on. But this question is about watches I wear on a day to day basis and they’re all models that for me are “keepers”.

I rate them basically as they are each Practical, Affordable and each does what it’s supposed to do – very well.

First I have the Breitling Aerospace 1999 model.

Breitling Aerospace Minute Repeater late1990's vintage — Breitling Aerospace Minute Repeater late 1990’s vintage

It’s relatively small (in comparison with todays models) has absolute clarity, a great set of hidden functions, Titanium cased and in as good condition as bought, albeit a little smoother. Terrific timekeeper without RC, needs a battery change only every 5 to 7 years, so no solar. It is however the most “on the wrist” watch of my entire collection. Interestingly though it’s an Ana/Digi model, which you might think was and is the preserve of the Japan big three (Citizen, Casio and Seiko), in functionality it’s better than most of them – in other words Breitling got it right.
Note – My old review can be seen HERE

Second and third models are together as they appear at first glance to be from the same family.

Citizen CC3005-85E Satellite and the Citizen AT CB0020-09E

On the left is the Citizen CC3005-85E and on the right the Citizen AT CB0020-09E . They are both understated with classic analog dials. However in function they differ considerably.

The AT has just a few functions, displays the Time and the Date, uses Eco-Drive and Radio Control and has the best travel World Time function I know – and it’s so easy to use. As usual with RC, sit the watch on the windowsill at night and it will update the time by receiving time signal from the nearest transmitter. For World Time simply pull out the crown turn to the city, push in the crown – job done.

Facially the two models look very alike, but the CC3005-85E is thicker and heavier at 144 gms (after bracelet resizing) against the AT at just 94 gms (rubber strap). Function wise it also has Eco-Drive but no Radio Control – instead it has GPS Satellite control. The default glance on the dial shows the Time, the Date and the Day.

Rather than use ground based Radio Transmitters, it uses satellites for Time control based on location. Oddly however whilst the AT seeks a time signal automatically, the CC3005 does not – this has to be a push button operation as and when you remember to do it.
For basic Time Control however it is phenomenally fast! In the house I stood next to the window, pressed and released the lower push button (A) for a second or two – the second hand moves to indicate rx/time and then flicked to OK and almost instantly back to the corrected time. Total time was maybe 4 seconds! So this is much, much faster than Radio Control. Also with the cc150 movement at just +/- 5 secs per month, even without time signals it is the more accurate model.
Full Satellite link you can really forget about once you’re set to your locality and basically use only when you travel – arrive at your location, press and release the lower button (A) for around 4 seconds this time, the second hand indicates rx/gps and will seek the satellites. Best to direct it towards the sky and within a short period the watch is updated with your new Zone local time.

Another point to note is that with such as simple dial set up and ease of use, it is quite amazing that such technology is hidden beneath such an unobtrusive exterior.

Note – My reviews are shown HERE and HERE – Note 2 – Updated the CC3005-85E Citizen 10th March 2016.

My fourth choice is a real power function watch – and arguably the best ABC model today.

Tissot Solar Touch ABC model — Tissot Solar Touch ABC Pro model – arguably the best ABC today

The Tissot Solar Touch Professional. An ABC watch that manages to out do most of the Japanese versions at their own game. 26 different functions hidden under the guise of a deceptively easy to read simple, simple dial. The normal at a glance view is Time, Day, Date, Month, and Year. Select a function however and the display instantly alters to show the selected data exclusively (I don’t know of another that does this) such as Digital Compass or Altitude or Barometric Pressure, or a Timer or Chronograph or Alarm. It is also a remarkable time keeper without RC and when checked against my RC clock each week I see little difference. So no Radio Control but like the Breitling this is compensated by a superb movement.
Note – My previous review is shown HERE

My fifth model is the very practical Diver – the Apeks 200 m Day and Date in stainless steel.

Unobtrusive, very easy to read day or night, very tough and highly water resistant, very neat and compact so doesn’t look as if I’ve just emerged from the sea and taken off my wet suit, tanks and goggles. It is one of those models that looks good in any situation. Can’t say more as it’s just a great watch and does it’s job.
Note – My previous review shown HERE

Sixth and final model is the so, so practical and versatile Timex Expedition T49976.

Timex T49776 Aalrm Chronograph — Timex T49976 Alarm Chronograph S-Shock

This is a model Timex managed to get dead right. Everything is as it should be and just perfect at it’s job. Very easy and so intuitive to operate, it is a triumph of function and value for money and in my opinion beats most Casio equivalents.
Note – My previous review shown HERE

Note that some of these models have been around a while, yet are still currently available. To me this shows that some watch models are just “right”, totally “fit for purpose” and within their class, improvement is not an option.

So for 2016 I am very pleased with my “beaters” and my question has to be – What will turn up for next year and will they be any better?

Here are some extra images of the Tissot and my new Satellite Citizen too –

GPS Citizen - uses Satellites for Time and Zone indication — GPS Satellite Citizen – uses Satellites for Time and Zone indication

Citizen AT known also as Perpetual Calendar model - with Radio Control — Citizen AT known also as Perpetual Calendar model – with Radio Control

Solar ABC function "touch" screen Tissot Pro model — Solar ABC function “touch” screen Tissot Pro model

These taken today (11th March 2016) and show the Citizen CC3005-85E against my Citizen Skyhawk – very similar dimensions and both fitted with alternative Silicon deployment straps. The CB0020-09E AT model has the original bespoke strap without standard spring bars unlike the other two.

The Citizen powerhouse selection — The Citizen selection – CB0020-09E, CC3005-85E and JY0005-50E Skyhawk

Note the change of strap to silicon reduces the weight of the CC3005-85E from 144 gms to 101 gms and it feels much lighter on the wrist and is actually a good fit (24mm Strap width).

Citizen CC3005-85E with silicon deployment strap alternative (22mm) — Citizen CC3005-85E with silicon deployment strap alternative (24mm) – Note – the top left lug is simply reflecting a gold colored lampshade on my desk.

Great luminous qualities on a super simple dial.

Citizen cc3005-85E with silicon deployment strap

————————————————————————-

I have not included any of the “collectors” specials I might have – no Cartier or Jaeger LeCoultre or Omega, or IWC or Genta or Muller or Vacheron or Patek or Breguet or some gems I have from before 1900, because generally these are display pieces – perhaps worn on very special occasions (and sometimes never), because that’s not what my web site is about frankly.

But the models featured here are all affordable, practical and useful, and in the case of the latest Citizen CC3005-85E a culmination of many years of research and technology. The result of which is a device that “simply” provides the basics and displays the Time – wherever you are!

As to the rest of course there are countless different watch models, catering for every sort of taste and price range. So that said I Post this as just my own take on it all, a small section of my watches – what I call my “active” group of what I’m wearing, for this year anyway.
These are the ones that for the moment it all basically comes down to, and that’s after the many hundreds of watches I’ve bought, owned and sold on over the years.

“Keep it forever” watch?

So what’s your “keep it forever” watch? Do you have one? Are you even lucky enough to have one?

Mine is a no brainer – it’s my old 1999 Breitling Aerospace Titanium – and for me there’s nothing to touch it. Some of my other models come close, true, but nothing beats it.

Breitling Aerospace Minute Repeater 1998 vintage — Breitling Aerospace Minute Repeater 1999 vintage

For me it has one of the best dial layouts you will ever see. Easy to read analog with that so clever overhang minute hand, but also superb clarity of digital (and not many watches manage both I can tell you). Still after 16 years a decent luminous analog even with such narrow and fine hands and on wrist is both light and slim (later models are larger and thicker). And I can’t agree with those that say Titanium doesn’t last or it scratches badly, as this watch shows today as good as it was when I bought it. It IS smooth I admit so there is obviously some wear there, but it’s simply smoothed those brand new edges and has mellowed with wrist/clothing wear and time. Like that old penknife that’s worn smooth in your hand, but always with you.

I love the fact that under that extreme anti-reflective Sapphire crystal and clear window, sits that highly unusual LCD screen with it’s a polarization-sensitive dichroic filter. This allows the LCDs to display in “inverted mode”, which in turn gives that wonderfully clear and bright “gold” text on the dark background – so good in any light. And as quartz movements go this Breitling customized ETA module is very accurate.

The solid link Ti bracelet still operates perfectly even after 16 years and is so smooth to wear it’s the most comfortable watch I own. Whether used as a dress watch or a practical outdoor watch it fits the bill every time and looks good!

OK It’s not Solar, but to change the battery every 5 or 7 years is no big deal and with a small amount of lubricant on the rubber seal, during the change, the 100 m Water Resistance remains intact.

This is absolutely my No.1 “keep forever” watch.

Of course we all have different ideas on what features a watch should have, though many folks go for the latest, or the most complicated function wise, regardless of the basic requirements that perhaps more honestly we actually might use.

A good tip (I think so anyway) is that for a “keep it forever” watch you would be well advised to look at Diver’s models, as these can easily be the most practical watches you will ever buy AND at reasonable cost.

Lot's of Divers - all super clear, Water Resistant, Tough, luminous and difficult to beat. — Lot’s of Divers – all super clear, Water Resistant, Tough, luminous and difficult to beat.

I have over a dozen models and quite a few meet not only my personal criteria (Easy to read, good Water Resistance, Luminous, Tough), but could well be that “once in a lifetime” model that never leaves your wrist. These can be mechanical or quartz, Solar or not, some with Date and Day and some you could knock nails in with!

My Breitlng Areospace - taken today where it usually is - on my wrist. — My vintage 1999 Breitlng Areospace – image taken today where it usually is – on my wrist.

Now just to sort out you doubters about the condition of my old Breitling – just to be clear – this image above was taken 2 minutes ago on my wrist and as I Post. Still looking good and probably if being entirely honest with myself and considering I collect watches (why do I do it?), maybe and truly this is the only watch I should have. It suits me and does everything I need (and more actually), and does it all subtly and without fuss and fits my wrist size perfectly – What more can you ask?