I'm un-impressed with B-1

[jiber172r]

A week ago I purchased a used B-1 with blue face, on black rubber dive strap. As amazing as it is in photographs, I just can't get used to the look while wearing it. I much prefer my Aerospace Avantage or even my Omega Seamaster. I think its the blue dial I don't like. How much would Breitling charge to put in a black dial?

I know the B-1 has a cult like following, and I thought I was going to be one of those, but I guess not...

I'm seriously contemplating trading it for a totally different Breitling like an older Blackbird, or anything else interesting, maybe even a Speedmaster Pro. Heck , maybe just a trae for the black dialed version. Hmmm...

Did anyone else let go of a B-1 recently because they gt tired of its looks?

Here's a pic of the one I got, once I took it off the strap to clean it up a bit:

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j5/vantecs/bb1.jpg

[jk103]

Chances are if you don't like it you never will. Trade for something you do like. I always prefer to be able to handle the watch in person before buying just for this reason.

[JimBeam]

Ditto, ditto and ditto. I picked up a blue SQ and was thoroughly unimpressed. I flipped mine today, after owning it in less than two weeks. Hopefully the incoming Aerospace will be it for me as well. I can't tell you how happy I am that I didn't sell my Chrono Avenger first.

The B-1 looked great online and everyone rants and raves, but it did nothing for me. I knew it as soon as I opened the box. When my wife saw it that evening, the first thing she said was that I would grow tired of it quickly. I didn't have the heart to tell her that I already had!

What's funny is that, for a second, your photo made me regret flipping it. I think my issue is the watch's busyness. Oddly enough it's the slide rule, which I believe cause kills the look, that I most enjoyed about the watch and will miss. It is very useful. I think I would like it better in black. Blue just doesn't work.

[O2AFAC67]

Ditto, ditto and ditto. I picked up a blue SQ and was thoroughly unimpressed. I flipped mine today, after owning it in less than two weeks. Hopefully the incoming Aerospace will be it for me as well. I can't tell you how happy I am that I didn't sell my Chrono Avenger first.

The B-1 looked great online and everyone rants and raves, but it did nothing for me. I knew it as soon as I opened the box. When my wife saw it that evening, the first thing she said was that I would grow tired of it quickly. I didn't have the heart to tell her that I already had!

What's funny is that, for a second, your photo made me regret flipping it. I think my issue is the watch's busyness. Oddly enough it's the slide rule, which I believe cause kills the look, that I most enjoyed about the watch and will miss. It is very useful. I think I would like it better in black. Blue just doesn't work.With all due respect to those who really like blue dials, I have to agree with JIber and Jim and I honestly believe it is the actual shade of blue on the B-1 which caused the issue. I am not particularly fond of the blue on my Crosswind but my Mom's Callistino is gorgeous. The blue on the Aeromarine watches like the ASW is terrific. Again with respect, the B-1 blue is a bit bland IMHO. Further, as forewarned by one of our esteemed members, I have discovered blue dials in general can sometimes become a bit awkward when choosing attire for wear. Grey, black or white seem to go well with most anything. I think you guys are right, a black dial B-1 or even grey would possibly have become your "go to" watch had you chosen one of those. I assure you my black dial B-1 is certainly mine. I absolutely love it. :-!
Cheers,
Ron



http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/O2AFAC67/B-1CPU-262nd.jpg

QUACK...
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/O2AFAC67/DuckB-1UTC.jpg

[Alan M]

Had to stop for four of those the other day (Ducks not B1s).

I agree with Ron about the shade of blue, I just do the classic combo of Black/Silver.

Best

Al

[fenderusastrat]

Man do I disagree with all of you "blue haters"....

I absolutely LOVE my blue dial B1, with its blue dial UTC - and I think it looks KILLER on a brown leather strap. Brown and blue are probably my two favorite colors to wear together and I often times find myself wearing either color in my jacket/slacks, and both colors in my shirts and ties. The blue dial B1 on brown leather often times pulls my entire outfit together!! Im still waiting on a blue strap from the AD, which should also look very good on the blue dialed B1. I agree with Ron that blue might not be the easiest color to wear (with black for example) but that is what other watches with black dials are for :-)

This is my second blue dialed B1. I had a pre-SQ B! and sold it when I found 2 SQ B1s (black dial and blue dial) at an AD last year. I bought both, but I ended up selling the black dialed B1 to a fellow forum member. Black just did not do it for me on this watch nearly as much as the Blue did. And unlike Ron, I happen to LOVE the particular shade of blue on the B1 dial. The only blue dial I have seen that I maybe like better is the one on my Navitimer Olympus....

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff6/fenderusastrat/B1BrownLeatherMartin.jpg

Oh yeah, and one last thing my blue dialed B1 ALWAYS matches - my eyes ;-) :-d

[BC-Ryan]

A week ago I purchased a used B-1 with blue face, on black rubber dive strap. As amazing as it is in photographs, I just can't get used to the look while wearing it. I much prefer my Aerospace Avantage or even my Omega Seamaster. I think its the blue dial I don't like. How much would Breitling charge to put in a black dial?

I know the B-1 has a cult like following, and I thought I was going to be one of those, but I guess not...

I'm seriously contemplating trading it for a totally different Breitling like an older Blackbird, or anything else interesting, maybe even a Speedmaster Pro. Heck , maybe just a trae for the black dialed version. Hmmm...

Did anyone else let go of a B-1 recently because they gt tired of its looks?

Here's a pic of the one I got, once I took it off the strap to clean it up a bit:

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j5/vantecs/bb1.jpg

As one who is looking at buying a blue faced B-1 this post caught my attention! Could your impression have anything to do with the black rubber not meeting your expectation? Your watch has to have just the right kind of blue to work well with a black rubber strap IMO.

Having stainless steel or brown or a blue that matches the face would change the look of the whole watch - maybe for the better. Perhaps try it with a different strap?

[JimBeam]

As one who is looking at buying a blue faced B-1 this post caught my attention! Could your impression have anything to do with the black rubber not meeting your expectation? Your watch has to have just the right kind of blue to work well with a black rubber strap IMO.

Having stainless steel or brown or a blue that matches the face would change the look of the whole watch - maybe for the better. Perhaps try it with a different strap?
I can't speak for the OP, but mine came on the bracelet. I immediately changed it to the rubber strap, then to a carbon fiber strap. When I got home, I tried a brown leather strap. The next day it went back to the bracelet. Although I think the bracelet cheapens the look a bit, it was the only tolerable option. I was looking for more than a "tolerable" watch, so it's gone.

I do agree with Ron on this one, I think the blue kills it. The problem is, finding one in the color you want is difficult. Most people just grab whatever comes up for sale. Until Breitling comes out with an Airwolf everyone is happy with, it will be slim-pickings on used B-1s.

[publandlord]

A week ago I purchased a used B-1 with blue face, on black rubber dive strap. As amazing as it is in photographs, I just can't get used to the look while wearing it. I much prefer my Aerospace Avantage or even my Omega Seamaster. I think its the blue dial I don't like. How much would Breitling charge to put in a black dial?

I know the B-1 has a cult like following, and I thought I was going to be one of those, but I guess not...

Fair enough - if you bought the watch not because you liked it, but because several other people did, chances are it would be a mistake :). That's the problem with buying icons.

Personally I agree the black dial is nicer looking than the blue - mainly because it allows the screens to "disappear" when they're switched off. Black would be my preferred colour on the Aerospace for the same reason.

[findo-400]

jiber (noun)

from the verb jibe (or gibe)
meaning:-
(1)to utter taunting words; to deride or tease with taunting words; to make jeering or scoffing remarks.
(2) a derisive or provoking remark. (giber,- to treat roughly)

Hmmmmm.....I wonder??

Being a grey and a blue B-1 owner, I think I can say it's down to personal taste. The only thing I can say about a black dialed version is, I don't have one....YET :-d. Ron has mentioned in previous posts on the B-1, that he likes the black as it "hides" the black digital display panels when they aren't displaying. I can go along with that, but on the other hand the black displays are a part of the design trademark, like the Aerospace and the Emergency.

If it's just the colour, heck, go get Breitling to change it. Is it the watch that does nothing for you or just the colour?

How much would Breitling charge to put in a black dial? Have you contacted them to find out? Prices vary.

You've only had it a week, don't treat it so roughly, give it a chance mate. Put it on your wrist for a month and see how it goes. Meantime you can call your AD and price a dial change if it's only the colour that's your concern.


Originally posted by JimBeam
Although I think the bracelet cheapens the look a bit, it was the only tolerable option. I was looking for more than a "tolerable" watch, so it's gone.

Probably about as much as putting an "e" in the word whisky, Jim;-).

A "tolerable" watch. What a great expression.:-d:-d:-d

[jcalka]

Jiber,

I hear what you are saying. I purchased my B-1 after a long courtship. Even though I fly, the dial always seemed a bit busy for me...don't get me wrong, my failing eyesight loves trying to use the slide rule - lol. I have three sports-minded children, so the count-down timer is a must for me at soccer and lacrosse, and I really do like the B-1 in general.

It took me a bit to really enjoy it, but it is not everyone's cup of tea. It's just a watch, try it out, and if it doesn't hit you, move on. In the past I've made the mistake of trying different bands and configurations on a watch, when it's really the watch itself that I'm not taken by, and all the "new shoes" in the world won't change that.

Good luck.


http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h77/jcalka/B1/B1UTCside.jpg

[G-Shock]

While in line ordering food yesterday, I spotted a gentleman wearing a B1. It definitly is a gorgeous. He too noticed my Avenger Skyland which triggered a quick conversation:-)

[gtopaul]

I just purchased a used blue dial B-1 today. I was waiting to find a blue dial because I think it just pops more than the black dial. I won't receive the watch for a few days but the only thing that really concerns me is the thickness of the case. I liked the Aerospace because of it's lightness but would prefer if it was 42mm vs 40mm. The Aerospace is nice and thin though. Planning on a blue Hershey strap for the B-1 if i can find one reasonable.

Paul

[jiber172r]

While in line ordering food yesterday, I spotted a gentleman wearing a B1. It definitly is a gorgeous. He too noticed my Avenger Skyland which triggered a quick conversation:-)

Hehe, we should have a Toronto get together...I'm in Mississauga

[jiber172r]

I just purchased a used blue dial B-1 today. I was waiting to find a blue dial because I think it just pops more than the black dial. I won't receive the watch for a few days but the only thing that really concerns me is the thickness of the case. I liked the Aerospace because of it's lightness but would prefer if it was 42mm vs 40mm. The Aerospace is nice and thin though. Planning on a blue Hershey strap for the B-1 if i can find one reasonable.

Paul

The newer Aerospace Avantage is 42mm. I sold the B-1 afterall, but my blue dial Avantage is a beauty...the only thing that could make me get rid of that would be an Emergency, with a yellow or blue dial.