My first Breitling...

[Lew Archer]

In 1999, my fiancé and I walked into Feldmars, in Los Angeles. I was an Omega man, had been since my dad gave me his Speedmaster Professional in 1991...but was curious about Breitling. My fiancé had a quartz Breitling, and was interested in a mechanical watch.

We were just browsing, but spotted two watches of interest...an "Old Navitimer II", dark blue dial, silver subdials, on a black crocodile strap, and a mid size Colt on a rubber strap. That Colt was mechanical, though the current line are all Superquartz.

We got a great deal on the watches...the Navitimer went for a little under $3K...and left happy.

I wore that watch the night 1999 turned into 2000, and on my wedding day and on the night my daughter was born.

My wife and I have separated, amicably but irrevocably, but we still share a passion for fine watches.

Over the years, I replaced the well worn croc strap with a Navitimer bracelet, then added a brown calf strap last year for a little variety.

So, here is my first and ever favorite Breitling: