Opinions on the Montbrilliant Moon phase line please

[cruvon]

Hi, I was looking at the Montbrilliant lineup with Moonphase that was discontinued in 2010. Any idea how good/reliable the movement it uses is (think is Breitling 19) since have seen some complaining about it being expensive to service. I read it uses a modified ETA movement so that means is not an inhouse Breitling mechanical movement right? I thought Brietling had started manufacturing their own movements in early 2000 through a Swiss factory they setup.
Also saw a place mentioning the watch having water resistant problems although is marked as 30m water resistant, could anyone throw some light on that?

Lastly any wrist shots would be much appreciated,

Thanks

[The Joker]

I haven't owned one, but I think the Montbrilliant is a good watch. The Moonphase one is an ETA movement ETA 2892-A2. Breitling have only just started putting their in-house movement in certain watches in the last year or so. Such as Navitimer 01 Limited or Montbrillant 01 Limited(no moonphase),

Personally I would try and pick up a Navitimer, either with the in house or with ETA.

As regards to water resistance, any watch that doesn't have a screw down crown, and screw down pushers on the chrono I wouldn't take anywhere near water. Yes it should take a little bit of water but why risk it.

30M water resistance means - Suitable for everyday use. Splash/rain resistant. NOT suitable for swimming, snorkelling, water related work and fishing.

[Andad]

Hi Wes,

On a Rolex Daytona the pushers and crown are waterproof to the rated depth whether they are screwed in or out.
The screw down function is only there to stop the pushers from being used under water.

This may not be true for all watches?

I don't agree with you assessment of 30 metres = splash/rain resistant for all watches.

[The Joker]

Hi Eddie

Yep sorry your right about the Daytona.

I got that definition from (at bottom of page)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_Resistant_mark

Think something similar is in my Rolex manual, although at work at the moment so can't look at it. 30M just doesn't mean you can take it to 30M in real life.

Originally Posted by directioneng

Hi Wes,

On a Rolex Daytona the pushers and crown are waterproof to the rated depth whether they are screwed in or out.
The screw down function is only there to stop the pushers from being used under water.

This may not be true for all watches?

I don't agree with you assessment of 30 metres = splash/rain resistant for all watches.

[cruvon]

Thanks Wes and Eddie for answering my queries!

[cruvon]

Also see what I found abot the movement comparing it to a Rolex movement

The 2892.A2 is regarded by many horologists as being in the same 'quality' range (accuracy and reliability) as the in-house produced Rolex movements.[8] Insofar as accuracy is concerned any movement which is expected to be COSC-certified, or is in fact COSC-certified, must meet the same standards. The ETA 2892.A2 is usually found in the more expensive and prestigious watches and brands. Owing to its relatively slim height of 3.60 mm, the 2892.A2 is a favorite of watch brands that market complicated movements such as Breitling with its trademark chronograph (stop watches). Given the slim dimensions of the 2892, it provides a good platform on which to add or build a chronograph complication. It is also used in IWC's Portofino line without complications simply for its small size

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ETA_SA

[GolfPunk]

Not being funny but so many call it Montbrilliant it's actually Montbrillant!!

[mfserge]

I used to own a Montbrillant Olympus and a Navitimer Olympus. Both use a highly modified ETA movement and I found them to both be very accurate. For the price you won't find a nicer semi perpetual movement on the market. I sold my two Olympus models and have my Breitling grail which also uses the same movement, Bentley Complication 19. The omission of the slide rule makes the dial less cluttered and everything flows really well.

[mfserge]

Both have departed and are missed!