Tag: Breitling Exospace B55
Breitling Exospace B55
Exospace B55 – User manuals Your Breitling is a precision instrument that operates continuously and under the most diverse conditions. Like any mechanism of such complexity, it must undergo careful and regular maintenanceThe movement is the house manufactured Breitling Caliber B55. Breitling labels the movement as SuperQuartz. This is a special quartz movement which is temperature compensated for the oscillation behavior of the quartz crystals. The result is a higher accuracy and Brietling specifies their SuperQuartz with an accuracy of less than 15 seconds a year.
The design is based on the the Breitling Cockpit B50. However, the B55 dial is visually it simpler and more legible than the rather crowded B50. This is largely due to the lack of compass bearings markers which is engraved on the B50’s bezel, and thankfully absent on the B55. Like on the B50
We wrote at length about the Replica Breitling Exospace B55 when we first received the detailed and technical information on the watch. In that article (click here), we expounded on our thoughts on the new genre of watches which is now competing for wrist real estate: the Smart/Connected watch. A watch which not only tells the time, but also is connected via one’s smart phone into the world and beyond. Cool concept. But not so easy to implement. Most of these so called Smart/Connected Watches are severely lacking in one or another. And in our view, the Breitling Exospace B55 seems to be the best effort to date. We begin with what makes the watch smart. And we begin by saying that this implementation of the smart watch is the best we have come across to date. Breitling has chosen to use each device at its strengths. The phone is superior to the watch as it has better ergonomic interface, and a larger screen. And watch is superior to the phone as it is wearable, conveniently strapped to the wrist. It also is has superior ergonomics in many of the standard watch functions like telling the time, second timezone, and chronograph functions. And the balance, we feel is quite well chosen.The iPhone app which we tested was well behaved and worked flawlessly after the 10 seconds or so it takes to pair with the watch. The app uses the real estate afforded by the large iPhone’s screen to good stead. And the displays are logical and clear. The interaction between the watch and iPhone is two way. There is a small lag in the communication as we observed, but we are hopeful that this will reduce in the next releases of the iPhone app and/or watch firmware.
The B55 can be used to display alerts the user that a message is received by the phone. The user can then view and respond to the message on the Smartphone. The B55 does no more than to alert the user. But the full array of settings and readings is available on the iPhone.
In usage, especially for its intended use in a flight cockpit, the B55 can be used to record divers timings essential to flying an aircraft. The B55 keeps track of flight times, split times, lap times etc. During flight, the watch is the superior instrument as it is strapped on one’s wrist. But once the flight lands, the data captured can be downloaded for tracking and analysis to the SmartPhone. Of course, the data can also be exported as a database on the phone to other platforms for further analysis.The case is 46mm diameter, 15.25mm height solid titanium with a rotating bezel. The case is well made. The unidirectional bezel clicks with an assuring satisfaction.The design is based on the the Breitling Cockpit B50. However, the B55 dial is visually it simpler and more legible than the rather crowded B50. This is largely due to the lack of compass bearings markers which is engraved on the B50’s bezel, and thankfully absent on the B55.
Like on the B50, the B55 has a “Tilt” mode to save power. The LCD backlighting goes blank after a short time out, but is reactivated when the watch senses the user tilts his wrist at a more than 35° angle, or when the crown is pressed. Not only quite clever, but also quite telling that the designers are also practicing pilots. One can keep one’s hands on the aircraft controls instead of fiddling to turn the backlight on the watch.
The entire dial layout intelligently laid out, a particularly important and highly desirable feature considering the mass of information it is capable of displaying. The two LCD displays are also used to alert the user of messages incoming from the connected Smartphone. Messages like WhatsApp, SMS, email, calls are displayed, but the user is not able to interact with the Smartphone through the B55. The watch is merely used to alert the user, as it is always on one’s wrist, it has the advantage of being always near/on-line.
Hands are traditional with SuperLuminova coating. And very visible, even in the dark.The movement is the house manufactured Breitling Caliber B55. Breitling labels the movement as SuperQuartz. This is a special quartz movement which is temperature compensated for the oscillation behavior of the quartz crystals. The result is a higher accuracy and Brietling specifies their SuperQuartz with an accuracy of less than 15 seconds a year. This is interesting, and perhaps point to the conservative nature of the family owned Breitling. The B55 is based on the ETA Thermoline series of movements, which specifies accuracy to 10 seconds per annum.
The movement is not visible on the B55 as it comes with a closed back.The quartz movement has functions that if it were on a mechanical movement would lay claim to a Grande Complication title. In addition to a perpetual calendar, it has a 1/100th of a second flyback chronograph, 7 daily alarms, a countdown/countup feature, two timezones plus UTC. Of course, the B55 being a quartz movement, all these functions are a few lines of code on the applets which is loaded into the watch. But what is impressive how Breitling has designed the dial and ergonomics to be able to display this huge mass of data. The ergonomics is excellent.
As the B55 carries communication capabilities, it required additional certification by the InfoComm Development Authority of Singapore for “Type Approval” for the watch to operate in Singapore. This process took about 10 months, and this is why the watch is only being introduced to the Singapore market in Feb 2016 when the watch was announced in BaselWorld 2015.
The watch charges via a small magnetically connected port (like the Apple Macbook power attachment) on the side of the case. Interestingly each charge will provide the B55 with two months of autonomy.The Breitling Exospace B55, in our view, opens the door to lead this new genre of Smart/Connected watches. This is the first we have seen and tested which is specially equipped for a specific application (in the B55, flying in the cockpit) but also one which is the first we have encountered where the communications between watch and Smartphone is two way.The watch is beautifully made, quite large at 44mm x 15.112mm, but not uncomfortably so, especially as it is constructed from a titanium case and the quartz movement is not quite as heavy as a maillechort or brass mechanical movement.
The competitive landscape is quite bare. The other Smart/Connected offerings are probably a generation behind in our view. Those from technology companies, like the Apple Watch, the Huawei Watch, the Samsung Gear communicate mostly in one dimension to the Smartphone. In addition all these devices look like electronic gadgets, and toys. None feature nicely designed or finished cases or any dial to speak of (just a display screen), as a case in point.
Offerings by traditional watch companies are still in its early stages of maturity, with the leaders probably being the TAG Heuer Connected. The TAG Heuer Connected looks like a traditional wristwatch, even though it too lacks a physical dial. The dial is a display on the screen. But the fit and finish of the case and band is solid. TAG has also partnered with tech giant Google to deliver the technology. A very smart move. However, the current TAG offering is still rather limited. Other than the ability to change dials, it offer some fitness features, but are very limited in its capabilities. The watch does display of alerts from the phone, but not much else. The TAG play is on the downloadable dials, and perhaps future proofing with features/functions not yet available.
Traditional sports oriented watches like those by Polar, Suunto, Garmin are arguably more well developed and advanced. All offer the ability to attach sensors like GPS, heart rate monitors, cadence sensors, step sensors, power meters. And the ability of the watch to record the data, and then download to a smart device (though most often a computer or to a website) for storage and analysis. But none of these look like a presentable watch which can appeal to a horology enthusiast. All are made of plastic, and designed to pair with sports attire.
On the other hand, the Breitling Exospace B55 looks like a high end watch. The fit and finish of the titanium case is nice. It has a real and nicely designed and finished dial. The watch features are excellent. And when connected to a Smartphone, it works flawlessly, leveraging on the strengths of each platform. Communication between watch and phone is two way, and quite comprehensive, at least for the targeted aviation intended market.
Is there more that can be delivered by a Smart/Connected Watch? We certainly think and hope so, but for now, we think the Breitling Exospace B55 is the next wave forward. What do you think?
How to Spot a Fake Breitling
How Much Do Breitling Watches Cost?
Cost varies by the model you purchase and the shop where you purchase it. Certain features, materials, and accessories are inherently more expensive. For instance, watches with quartz movements tend to be cheaper than mechanical versions.
Currently, the cheapest options are women’s models. Most tend to hover in the mid three to four thousand range with the bottom end price tag being about $2,750 for the Breitling Colt 36 in Volcano Black or Silver. Conversely, some of the best Breitling watches, such as the Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 46, cost the same or more than a new car—upwards of $25,000.
Why Are Breitling Watches So Expensive?
The luxury price tag boils down to two things: materials and perception. Breitling uses premium materials that customers will never find in mainstream timepieces. Combine the leather strap, stainless steel case, cutting-edge machinery, and intricate design, and you have a rarified watch.
It has also earned a reputation as an elegant status symbol. Breitling products compound in value when the only owners are millionaires, celebrities, and public figures. For instance, the Breitling Navitimer’s demand outstrips the company’s ability to produce it, which in turn, elevated the price to astronomical levels.
Who Makes fake Breitling Watches?
Since its founding in 1884, Breitling has used internal and external vendors to source its product. The company started as a single shop in Switzerland, though it moved to a larger production site within eight years. Today, it prides itself on in-house manufacturing of its movements, which were used in the column-wheel chronograph Calibre B01.
Historically, the company has used outside sources for its movements. Some of the most common suppliers include ETA, Venus, and Valjoux. The shift towards in-house production has only taken place within the last decade.
How to Set a Breitling Watch?
Settings for each Breitling watch vary between models. More often than not, the functions centerpiece is the crown. It controls everything from time to date to display models.
For instance, most Breitling men’s watches have multiple display modes for the time. That includes a 24-hour military time and a 12-hour version. Rotating the crown will let you toggle between A.M., P.M., and military time.
Setting the local time and seconds are almost an identical process. Pull the crown out to the respective position before twisting it backward or forward to the desired specifications. Once the time or seconds are accurate, push the crown into a neutral position.
Some models may also come with a second-date and day-date option. Adjusting either feature involves pulling out the crow and rotating it forward or backward until set. This method is the same for synchronizing analog and digital time displays in hybrid models.
What Is the Biggest Breitling Watch?
Breitling has two lines that are 50 mm in diameter. The first, the Breitling Avenger, is an ultra-rugged clock with an aviation-inspired design. Despite its size, the watch only weighs 60 grams without the leather strap, which allows for maneuvering ease and functionality.
The other 50 mm option is the Breitling Emergency Professional line. These are the world’s forerunners when it comes to dual-frequency distress beacons. They blend technical ingenuity and miniaturization that’s ideal for professionals and outdoorsmen alike. Additionally, many of the diving watches, like the Superocean Heritage, have larger than average displays.
What Is the Most Popular Breitling Watch Model?
Depending on the source and demographics, the most popular watch varies. Historically, the Navitimer has stood as a high watermark for the company. Its stainless-steel case, rotating bezel with functioning fluid slide rule, and classic aesthetics make it a favorite among aviation aficionados.
Models using chronograph movement are also popular thanks to the company’s rich history with its innovation. Even cheaper lines, like the Breitling Colt, provide impressive chronographs with a distinct and distinguished appearance. Plus, the model has a SuperQuartz movement for additional reliable over standard quartz timepieces.
Is the Breitling Navitimer a Good Watch?
The Breitling Navitimer is one of the most revered names in the industry. Its unparalleled functionality and elegant display make it the gold standard for pilots and aviation professionals. Breitling Navitimer is designed with now-iconic circular slide rule bezel that lets pilots do all their calculations with a single tool.
For instance, pilots can determine their distances and airspeed with a single glance. Even though the Navitimer and its slide rule gained popularity before the rise of electronic calculators, it still holds merit today. That’s why it is still trusted about pilots and other aircraft enthusiasts as well as watch collectors.
Is Breitling a Luxury Brand?
While Breitling doesn’t carry the same name cache as Rolex, it is still one of the most recognizable watch brands in the world. Part of that reputation rests on its use of high-quality materials and elegant craftsmanship. Examine any version of the Breitling chronograph watch, for instance, and it will be readily apparent the time and effort necessary to make it a reality.
Breitling has also been an industry innovator time and again. The company has been a pioneer in chronograph technology since the very beginning, including having the first independent chronograph pushers in 1923. Additionally, it has earned the trust of pioneers in other fields. The Breitling Navitimer had the honor of being the first Swiss watch to go into orbit, thanks to astronaut Scott Carpenter.
Are Breitling Watches replica Good Quality?
Breitling follows a set of standards and uses premium materials in their products. That’s because they aim to suit the needs of professionals who endure extreme missions, such as deep-sea diving and military aviation. They seek to create maximum precision and protection to withstand any conditions.
The combination of functionality and form meet with top-class case metals, such as 316L anti-magnetic stainless alloy and grade 2 titanium. These metals form the crowns and push-pieces and provide water resistance, too.
The interior features complex geometric cuts that seamlessly connect for technical and aesthetic flow. While a mechanical Breitling men’s watch can last indefinitely, the company recommends to follow a regular scheduled maintenance [R]. Routine services, such as clock cleanings and battery changes, should happen every two years, while more intensive repairs and refurbishing should happen every four to six years.
Top Sale Best Replica Breitling Watches
Breitling has been a gold standard in the watchmaking industry for nearly 150 years.
Leon Breitling founded the company in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, in 1884 to fulfill the needs of aviation professionals.
Since then, the company’s products have become well-known for their precision and high-class performance, which is reflected in the quality of their watches right down to the flourished winged logo.
Today, Breitling is not only an independent leader but also one of the most successful watch manufacturers in the world.
Their products have become iconic among pilots, movie stars, athletes, and more.
If you want to see what sets Breitling apart from the competition, here are the list of watch models you want to look at.
Breitling Super Avenger II
Boldness and elegance combine to form the Classic Breitling Super Avenger II.
This 48 mm diameter watch is powerful and professional with robust construction.
It can handle water depths up 300 meters, and its screw-lock crown offers non-slip rotations.
The Breitling Avenger II also comes with automatic movement.
The self-winding mechanism is Caliber 13 and contains 25 jewels.
This automatic watch can run approximately 48 hours on reserve power.
The line comes in Mariner Blue and Volcano Black.
Breitling Navitimer World
Another automatic Breitling watch, the Classic Navitimer World, is arguably the most famous individual model in this list that high profile people search for.
It is masterclass in design and functionality with a slender and compact body and easy readability.
This automatic model shot to superstardom in the 1950s and 60s in the aviation world because of its range of efficient functions.
This vintage beauty comes with a brown leather strap and crocodile pattern.
It’s intricate dials, and polished stainless-steel case make it the perfect accessory, even with formal wear.
This Breitling automatic watch also features rotating bezel, glare-proof sapphire crystals and luminescent hands and markers for easy reading.
Breitling Exospace B55
The Breitling Exospace B55 is known for having the first with chronograph movement that can connect to a smartphone.
This classic sporty watch with rubber strap blends the company’s aviation history with modern production in a 46 mm diameter and 15 mm thickness.
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While that may sound bulky, the curved lugs and lightweight casing provide for functional and comfortable wrist wear.
It also features a unidirectional rotating bezel.
The mechanisms rely on Caliber B55 with the company’s trademarked SuperQuartz movements.
The thermo-compensated features adjust for internal and external temperatures to ensure the devices is accurate year-round.
You can expect the chronometer watch to be within 0.07 seconds per day when it comes to time.
Breitling Colt SkyRacer
The Colt SkyRacer is, perhaps, the most affordable model in this list of Breitling collection.
The simplistic design provides an aura of youthfulness and dynamic spirit that matches the rugged durability.
Even though the case is ultra-lightweight, it has the reliability to withstand rugged temperatures and depths of 100 meters in the ocean.
What makes the Colt SkyRacer unique is that it is one of the few models to forsake the traditional stainless-steel casing.
Instead, it uses the company’s proprietary Breitlight material which also blends well with the black dial and black rubber strap.
It is a plastic polymer with composite fibers for rigidity that makes six times stronger than steel and three likes lighter than titanium.
The lightweight material is also anti-magnetic, comes with basic chronography, and offers a 70-hour power reserve.
Breitling Cockpit B50
The splashy Cockpit B50 is a breath of fresh air to the traditional aesthetics of the watchmaking world.
It utilizes large blocky numerals and vibrant accents to create analog and digital displays that are as compelling as they are informative.
Beyond the aesthetics, though, the watch also offers a chronograph with flyback and split-time functions.
The Cockpit B50 is part of the company’s professional line of wristwear, which comes with COSC-certification.
That way, you can have peace of mind knowing your device is as tough as it is functional.
The Cockpit B50 comes with a 46 mm diameter and 16.45 mm thickness in black carbon-coated titanium.
Breitling Superocean II
The Navitimer is to air as Breitling Superocean Heritage is to water.
The Breitling Superocean II is especially popular among divers who value the robust 42 mm diameter and 13.3 mm thickness.
It can also handle water depths down to 500 meters.
The Breitling Superocean II is about more than water resistance, though.
It features striking numerals, and the markers are clearly visible.
That includes a countdown for the last 15 dive-time minutes, a unidirectional bezel, and features that are easy to rotate even with diving gloves.
The Breitling Superocean II comes in Volcano Black and Mariner Blue.
Breitling Chronomat B01
There aren’t enough words to adequately describe the elegance of the Breitling Chronomat B01.
The watch stands as a monumental achievement in watchmaking with an illustrious design and cutting-edge details.
The finishes have excellent precision to the millimeter with an immaculate sense of balance and weight.
The Calibre 01 watch comes with automatic movement and a tremendous 70-hour power reserve.
This watch marks a milestone for the company’s in-house movement.
Customers can also opt for displays with grey, silver, or black dials.
Breitling Transocean
Like its counterpart, the Breitling Superocean Heritage, the Transocean belongs in the water.
This classic watch draws inspiration from water enthusiasts and has roots that go back more than 60 years.
It comes with many of the same intricacies of the Navitimer along with three sub-dials of 60 seconds, 30 minutes, and 12 hours.
The Transocean is sleek and modern with a fixed stainless steel bezel and woven black strap.
Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and a durable case backing ensure long-term endurance.
The Caliber 5 movement also comes with chronograph, world time, and GMT functions.
It also has water resistance up to 100 meters.
Breitling Chronospace
Armed with a titanium casing, the Chronospace offers military-grade durability and state-of-the-art sophistication, making it one of the best tactical watches.
The power watch comes with outstanding design and capacity to outlast the most extreme conditions.
That includes five bars of water resistance, scratch-proof displays, and SuperQuartz movement.
The Chronospace stands out for its bold appearance.
The Black Steel – Black model comes with largely dual-tone coloration, save for the company logo and digital displays.
The crisp white numerals and markers on the black background provide immediate readability.
Breitling Aerospace Evo
The Swiss company launched Aerospace Evo in 1985 on the heels of the quartz crisis.
Aerospace models are rooted in the historic Chronosport Sea Quartz UDT, which served as an inspiration.
The current line still features a chronograph with sapphire crystals and optimal functionality.
The Calibre 79 Silver comes with a SuperQuartz movement.
According to Breitling, SuperQuartz is ten times more reliable at measuring timing than traditional quartz.
It also features a multi-functional crown for elapsed time tracking as well as a grade five titanium body that is corrosion-resistant.
What Is a Breitling Watch?
Breitling is known for its luxury appeal and Swiss craftsmanship. The brand is the premier supplier of aviators around the world. It is also the only manufacturer to have a chronometer certification for all its movements.
What’s the Best Place to Buy the Best Breitling Watches?
Authentic Breitlings can be purchased on the company website and Amazon. There are Breitling watches for men and women, as well as categories based on profession, such as aeronautics, diving, and in-house movement. The current catalog includes all the models mentioned above in addition to new lines, such as the 2019 Aviator 8.
Additionally, you can find your favorite models on Amazon and other authorized retailers. You should only buy from authorized retailers to avoid getting counterfeit products. While the company is headquartered in Grenchen, Switzerland, it has stores in hundreds of brick and mortar locations around the world. Americans can find Breitling retailers from Denver to Dallas and Kansas City to Key West.
How to Spot a Fake Breitling
Wherever there are luxury watches, there are sure to be counterfeits. It’s not hard to see why counterfeiters want to skim off the top when some high-end watch brands command price tags north of a million dollars. Not only are fake watches of all brands becoming more prevalent in the market space, but they are also becoming more realistic—and so harder to spot.
The best defense is research. You should have a working knowledge of what the watch will look like and feel like before you see it. Additionally, you should know the general price range for new Breitling watches, so you can be vigilant to “deep savings” or “drastic sales.”
Counterfeit watches are made with inferior materials, which makes them lightweight. Breitling is not a featherweight brand. It is significantly more substantial than luxury counterparts, like Omega, TAG Heuer, and Rolex, thanks to its stainless steel case. Even when you place the cheapest Breitling watch on your wrist, you should feel the heft.
Additionally, counterfeiters often fail to mimic the Breitling logo. The company uses a winged anchor underneath its name. Fake watches often inadvertently leave too much space between the tip of the anchor and the wing or shorten the wings.
The technical details make it possible to distinguish Breitling products from counterfeits. That intricate design is further visible in the flourish of the second hand and the fullness of calendar letters. One final red flag is the engraving buckle, which should have deep grooves along the letters and a seamlessly smooth backside.