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Breitling Co-Pilot

14K views 26 replies 13 participants last post by  Redleader  
#1 ·
I am interested in getting a titanium Co-Pilot (digital readout, not analog) for my Aerospace. If anyone has experience with the digital Co-Pilot then please share with me. e.g. how water resistant is it, any problems.....

Thanks in advance.
 
#3 ·
I've had a play with the co-pilot module a few times, but I don't own one. It is very legible, easy to use and it suits the Aerospace really well.

Problems? It's bloody expensive! No backlight... and its functions should be built into the professional line SuperQuartz watches anyway! ;-) (2nd chrono with take-off/landing times always handy!)

From the specs on the Breitling website - 100 m water resistant.

Image
 
#7 · (Edited by Moderator)
Yes, the price came back from the dealer....the Aerospace Co-Pilot is a whopping USD2901 (in Singapore). I live in Hong Kong and am waiting for the Hong Kong price from the Hong Kong dealer, and he told me that I can have it for XX% off list (whatever the list is).

Nevertheless, it is expensive. I am interested in the Co-Pilot because I can use it to show a second time zone. The Aerospace already has a second time zone feature but I want to set the watch to show the weekday and date.

If I can somehow get it for around USD1100 then it will be great. Don't think I'll fork out USD2000+ for this accessory, though it is very nice and makes the watch standout.

Oliver
 
#9 ·
OK, my 2009 price list is MIA. From the 2008 price list, I show:

Co-pilot module only, titanium case, Professional bracelet in titanium: $2645
Co-pilot module only, steel case, Professional bracelet in steel: $2115
Co-pilot module only, steel case, Pilot bracelet in steel: $2870

My ADs here are always happy to let me have a copy of the newest Chronolog and price list, since I bought 2 B's from them. My bad on the foul.
 
#12 ·
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:-!
 
#13 · (Edited)
Thought I would post something CHEAP 'N' NASTY :roll: (and I don't mean the Bic pen :-s)

(Pictures removed as it appeared to be "an invasion of weird little clocks;-):-d")
 
#14 · (Edited)
Yeah, please stop, it's like an invasion of weird little clocks ;-):-d

I know they have a point and a purpose but they look awkward, upset the whole balance of the watch's asthetics and even with the colour matching they look like they don't belong on the bracelet. I don't think they carry the quality or finish to the same level as the watches themselves either. Each to their own though, the OP asked for opinions (and not for a plethora of pretty pics of the ana UTC he isn't interested in), everyone it entitled to one
 
#15 ·
I've thought about the Co-Pilot as well for my Aerospace. For that price, I'm going to be wearing a Colt GMT before that ever happens. ;-)

On another note, do they still make the analog version? That is the one I would want anyway. Just hope that they would have the right color combo/match for the face on my Aero.
 
#16 ·
I've thought about the Co-Pilot as well for my Aerospace. For that price, I'm going to be wearing a Colt GMT before that ever happens. ;-)

On another note, do they still make the analog version? That is the one I would want anyway. Just hope that they would have the right color combo/match for the face on my Aero.
If you can find the analogue UTC module and bracelet, BUSA will be able to give it a full service, and swap the dial and hands to the color you need for (in my case) $259.60. I believe (from what I was told) they're either still producing, or have a supply of spare faces for UTC's in Switzerland.

So keep you're eyes open on ebay or the sales forum!
 
#18 · (Edited)
Originally posted by The Blue Prince
I don't think they carry the quality or finish to the same level as the watches themselves either.
Ah. So what you would appear to be saying is that Breitling have produced a substandard product that is intended to be attached to the high quality watch heads that they produce.:-s The ones I own, the case material (stainless steel/titanium)is the same grade and polished (in the case of the stainless steel UTC's) to the same standard as the watch head. The dials are produced to the same standard of detail and finish. Although not COSC certified, the movements keep accurate time as good as any other non COSC movement.

This seems to be another "I think" or "I don't think" rather than "from experience" or "the one I had/saw/examined at the AD" type of sweeping statement. If you could indulge us less knowledgeable posters, on what are you evidencing your opinion it might add some creedence to your statement?

Out of respect to the OP, I have removed the offensive pictures in my last.
 
#22 ·
Yes, my "experience" is from handling and inspecting watches with UTC. I did not think they UTC modules were as well made or had anywhere near a quality feel as the actual watches they were meant attached to. Obviously as i did not like them then no i never bought one. On the other hand, the new digi co-pilot modules i have handled seem to be of much better quality finish,a lot more asthetically pleasing and add to the overall look and feel of a watch they are attached to. It seems that a lot more thought has gone into their design and their integration into the bracelet which has resulted in an much improved product.
 
#20 ·
Hi thegap.

To bring this post back to the essence of what we are about here on the Breitling section of WUS. I will try to answer your question.

The UTC's are now obsolete, and in some forms (there are differing ones for different watch heads), are very hard to aquire. When you bought the UTC you had to buy a specific bracelet that was the same design i.e. Fighter, Pro1, Pilot etc or strap as the original bracelet or strap that was fitted to the watch, if you were going that way, to fit the UTC.

So to answer your question. If you find a UTC without the strap or bracelet, you will have to track down the specific bracelet for the UTC to fit to the watch. It is not the case that you remove links and simply fit the UTC into the space.

It is the case for certain models that the bracelet is in fact more rare to find than a UTC.

I hope that this assists.
 
#21 ·
Thanks for the detailed feedback findo-400. I also saw your reply on the other post that I generated. I created that one so I would not be "hijacking" this guys thread. :-!


So, it looks like me finding an analog for my Aerospace is not going to be so easy afterall.... :-:)-(
 
#23 · (Edited)
I'm sorry to have to be so negative but:

It's either a look you like or don't. If you actually need the second timezone display or a second chrono there are other far neater (and cheaper) options than this - by incorporating the functions into the actual watch itself. For me it's the side of Breitling I least like - over the top gadgets and extra complexity just for the sake of it and because some people will think it looks "aviatorish".
 
#24 · (Edited by Moderator)
Originally posted by Redleader
......and because some people will think it looks "aviatorish".
Errr....like some of Breitlings watches don't look "aviatorish" already?:-d

Out of interest, in what years did you lead the "Reds"??
 
#25 · (Edited)
I'm entitled to my opinion just as much as you are yours. Clearly you are a fan of Co-pilot modules but I think it's possible to take the aviator cliché too far.

I apologise if you think my comments might in some way impact on your sale:
https://www.watchuseek.com/showthread.php?p=2665555#post2665555

As regards your question, I think you might be getting me mixed up with Lenin unless of course you are getting confused with the callsign "Red 1" which is not an appointment I have ever held - unfortunately. And before you ask - No, I was not involved with the attack on the "Death Star" either.
 
#26 · (Edited)
Originally posted by Redleader
I'm entitled to my opinion just as much as you are yours.
Oh yes indeed without a doubt. However, one must remember, being entitled to an opinion does not necessarily make that opinion right, but I'll certainly respect your right to have one anyway.

Clearly you are a fan of Co-pilot modules
Now I think this is where you might be confused as you have this co-pilot thingy mixed up the UTC module. The Co-pilot is it is a completely different thing.

I apologise if you think my comments might in some way impact on your sale:
https://www.watchuseek.com/showthr...55#post2665555
Mmmm nope. No apology necessary. I certainly didn't mention it as it never crossed my mind.:-s

I think you might be getting me mixed up with Lenin unless of course you are getting confused with the callsign "Red 1" which is not an appointment I have ever held - unfortunately. And before you ask - No, I was not involved with the attack on the "Death Star" either.
Mixed up? Confused? :think: Mmmmmm, again nope. I think you are now being flippant sir as, Lenin's been dead since 1924, and the attack on the Death Star was a fictional event and anyway, Commander Dreis was killed when he was shot down by Darth Vader. So that only leaves one and, seeing as you are aware of the callsign, I would say we are both well aware as to whom I was referring.

Just out of interest. You said that there were much neater (and cheaper) ways of incorporating a second time zone or chrono into the actual watch. So how do you do that in, for example, a Chrono Avenger, Old Navitimer, Blackbird or B01 when the movement, unlike a Navitimer World, does not have that facility? Surely that is what the UTC module was designed for? It's possible the Breitling that you own may not have that facility?
 
#27 · (Edited)
On the last bit - I take your point about the differences between the UTC and Co-pilot. Likewise I recognise that you cannot change the existing functions on a watch but you can choose a different model that has the functions you want.

I don't ever need or use chronograph functions on a watch but do like to have GMT. All the Breitlings with digital displays have more than enough features for me and I particularly don't need a second chronograph. I therefore can't really envisage what tasks they might be used for (that a pen and plog can't deal with better).

Incidentally the Navitimer GMTs are not actually true GMTs due to independent 24 hour hand rather than independent 12 hour hand (with a fixed 24 hour hand that stays on GMT) - which is the topic of another thread on this site.