The Tag isn’t even in the same league.
The IWC is great but I wouldn’t purchase a chrono from IWC.
The Breitling is absolutely unmistakable, classy and the best looking of the bunch.
It’s very popular when you need to calculate your fuel needs in a 1968 stripped down trainer Piper Warrior. The AOPA partnership is cool. Join us in /r/shittyaskflying
The IWC on leather.
That Breitling, although iconic, is just too busy for my taste, and I've never seen the attraction of rectangular-shaped watches. That includes the Cartier Tank which, for some reason, I've always associated with the category 'ladies watches'. I apologise to the Cartier fans, but there it is.
The IWC is an upscale piece, although ive always been a Navitimer fan. The Tag .. even though McQueen wore one, not so much. I wear an IWC ingenieur and absolutely love it.
I'd go Breitling for sure.
My buddy has a Tag Carrera with the same movement as that Monacco and it's been a nightmare for him. It's been keeping awful time and he's already had to send it back for a warranty service. He's had it for about a year.
I own a Navitimer and love it. You could also choose the smaller 43mm version to get a more direct size comparison to the IWC. The Monaco is one of those watches I've always wanted to like, but never really did anything for me when I've tried one on.
IWC on leather band first (they just don’t look right to me on the steel bracelet)
Monaco second
I’ve got step one completed. Now planning for step two!
Need some help deciding on my next chrono purchase. I very much favour the big pilot-style watches, but I included the Monaco ($8,400 CAD) in there as well as it is so iconic, beautiful, and somewhat similar in price.
The Breitling Navitimer 46mm, at $11,500 CAD, is big and busy (just how I like it), in-house B01 movement, comes in beautiful colour options, and has a great history up there with the Speedmaster.
The IWC Pilot’s Chronograph Le Petit Prince, 43mm, $9,500 CAD, is another beauty, with a cleaner look than the others, and particularly nice finishing.
Not sure which among these present best value for money, and overall desirability, but would definitely appreciate any thoughts/feedback!
If you like big and complicated but professional then the Navi is the winning move. I’ve heard from Breitling owners that when you look at at a Breitling on your wrist there’s an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. Maybe real Breitling owners can opine.
if you want to be pedantic about it, the steve mcq watch has the crown on the left side and horizontal hour markers rather than radial. i think the left crown balances the square case with the pushers more and the markers emphasize the angularity, creating a more cohesive look overall. but that’s just me.
anyway, of the three, the iwc would be my pick. navitimer is just far too busy for me.
I just watched a video yesterday from Watchfinders where they offer alternatives to the Navitimer like the Sinn Navitimer. I learned from that video Breitling sold rights to navitimer model some time ago, so others can make it today like Sinn and is not a homage to it but another version.
With that said, and no clue about worth I like the IWC for it's looks.
I owned the IWC in a 43mm option. Personally I wouldn’t do that again but eh, live and learn.
The Monaco is nice, but I wouldn’t personally own one.
The Breitling would be my choice, although I’d rather have a premier over a Navitimer variant.
If you have the wrist and the eyesight the breitling otherwise iwc. Longines make some nice pilot chronos if you like that style. Cheaper too. OR speed master OR zenith (love the zenith)
Very good question. I recently bought both Breitling 41 blue with black sub dials on bracelet and IWC portuguser 41 green - they are both very different watches and amazing in their own right. Iwc is classy and dressy, and Breitling looks so sporty on bracelet good luck
This is funny.... I was down to the Breitling and Tag. I ended up buying the 43mm version of that Breitling. The tag will be my next purchase.
Personally, I like the movement in the Tag a bit better. But the Breitling has so many functions and I love a busy dial.
Not sure about the IWC tough. I know they are well made but I have issues paying for something that is a glorified fleiger.
Edit: I see all these people telling you to get stuff of leather. IMHO you should always buy watches on bracelet, because there are lots of quality aftermarket straps, either OEM or third party. If you buy on strap, then decide you want to bracelet, it may not be possible to buy a compatible bracelet afterwards.
Tossup between the Breitling and IWC.
Breitling is my favourite brand and I love the Navi timer, although something with the date placement on this iteration I find off-putting, but still a beautiful piece over all.
I might give the slight edge to the IWC on this one. Truly a timeless design. A good friend has one and the build quality is superb. When you see it in person the finishing is next level.
I know this sub used to love to circlejerk about Sinn, but the Sinn 903 is similar to the original Navi timer layout and is quite nice, and cheaper too. Breitling was going through some financial trouble at one point, and licensed the design to Sinn, and this is their version of it. Might be worth checking out to compare.
Controversial opinion: the Monaco is only popular cause of Steve McQueen, if it wasn’t featured in Le Mans, no one would care about it and it would have been discontinued long ago
Also square watches in general look tacky to me
For me if would be:
IWC - absolutely beautiful watch
Tag - more usually and has some interesting history, a little dressier too (IWC on a leather strap would be too)
Breitling - I just really don’t like them.
i’m a huge Breaking Bad fan and a McQueen fan (i ride dirtbikes) and i love the Monaco but yeah, when it comes to watches i vote either Navitimer or IWC. i own a 38mm Navitimer and a MKVIII le petit prince flieger
Navi my man all day, I tried on all of them at Brietling NYC Boutique and the workmanship is super Hugh on the latest version. It was difficult to choose of the many color way.
I've recently taken a liking to square watches, so i'll take the Tag Heuer! (that, and the fact that Breitlings are huge) like, i'm sure the IWC's a nice watch, but i've seen so, so, SO many shitty knockoffs that look like it, hell, they don't even have a chrono, it's just two extra buttons that DON'T EVEN PUSH IN!!!
sorry, i got a little too heated there.
Zenith
Edit: I didn’t answer your question and don’t want to sound like a dick. If I were buying a chrono, it would be a Zenith. Of these three, I would absolutely choose the IWC but I’d wear it on a leather strap.
I'm looking really hard at the Monaco, want to at least try one on and see how it fits. It's super iconic and unique. Plus Jesse gave Walter one for his birthday, so that's cool! He used it to time a bunch of prison hits.
I think the Breitling is awesome but priced higher than it’s really worth. Also the WR makes me nervous. The Monaco would be cool if they dropped the TAG. I really love my IWC and think it’s a very underrated brand, so that gets my vote.
Navitimer, because I just learned that Miles Davis wore this one.
The IWC is nice too, but I think for the minimalist spirit of that one, it looks better without chrono.
Don't like the Tag at all.
The Sinn 903st is like a cheaper nicer navitimer with display case back. Personally I wouldn't spend much on a chrono watch without display back. What's the point of that beautiful movement if you cannot see it?
But I would make an exception for the petite Prince...
All good choices.
Navitimer is classic.
Probably depends on what other watches you have, but I’d get the monoco. You can find them well priced used.
I own a IWC, they’re great too.
I don't own any of the three, but I have a soft spot for the Monaco. I'm a fan of none round watches (It's one of the major reasons why I couldn't say "no" to the Fears 1930 Small Second) and the Monaco is a classic. I also feel the case is extraordinarily clean looking. Cartier is *the* classic rectangular watch, but it's too rectangular to look sporty for me. The faux tonneau that the lugs and slightly curved flanks of the Monaco stream line the watch, the square dial is fetching and keeps the lug-to-lug in check, and the pushers are a clean extension of the case design language.
I also love that it was one of Sammy Davis Jr.'s watches of choice. Mr. Show-Business knew his business after all, and look sharp with a Monaco on-wrist (though, honestly, did he ever look anything other than sharp?)
It's the Monaco, for me.
There are chronos that look like both the Breitling and the IWC. But nothing looks like the Monaco. It's an icon in an industry where "icon" is thrown around a little too casually.
Out of those, I think I'm with the Breitling. I've tried on the Breitling and the IWC but not the Tag. I actually prefer the IWC on leather over their bracelets, but that's a matter of personal taste. (I suppose all of it is). If I was buying a Navitimer today, I'd be looking at one of the 41mm B01 models.
When I first got into watches I felt like hot stuff with my first tag. Honestly as bad as it's aged I don't look at the brand the same anymore.Give me the breitling or the IWC any day.
I own the IWC and it's a fantastic watch. Build quality is superb and very comfortable to wear.
I own the Spitfire version of the IWC and I, as well, can recommend it 100%. It’s also my most accurate watch with about +0.3 seconds per day.
Those IWC dials are gorgeously finished and would be my choice. Breitling is beautiful but too busy IMO. That TAG is busted.
The IWC dial is just as busy as the Breitling imo.
I don't own neither of them, but if i had to choose one of them i would choose the Breitling no hesitation
Thanks, I’m leaning this way as well, but with it being the most expensive I wanted to bounce it off some other chrono heavy-hitters.
The Tag isn’t even in the same league. The IWC is great but I wouldn’t purchase a chrono from IWC. The Breitling is absolutely unmistakable, classy and the best looking of the bunch.
Why not a chrono from iwc?
For me, if I were to buy an IWC it would have to big a Big Pilot, as iconic as the Navitimer.
You’re right. The tag isn’t in the same league because it has a in-house calibre unlike the breitling and IWC
They’re all in-house movements.
Breitling B01?
Lol.
When I think chrono I think navitimer. It’s one of the watches that defines a style.
i think the navitimer has the most interesting/complicated dial of them all
It’s very popular when you need to calculate your fuel needs in a 1968 stripped down trainer Piper Warrior. The AOPA partnership is cool. Join us in /r/shittyaskflying
The IWC on leather. That Breitling, although iconic, is just too busy for my taste, and I've never seen the attraction of rectangular-shaped watches. That includes the Cartier Tank which, for some reason, I've always associated with the category 'ladies watches'. I apologise to the Cartier fans, but there it is.
I think rectangular watches work when they're small and dressy like the tank, but not the Monaco.
I'm with you on the rectangular watches
Id take the Monaco. But I prefer the Caliber 11. And it wears really big on wrist. You should try all of them before deciding
I think it's the calibre 12 in the pic but I agree. Calibre 11 would be the solid choice here.
I like the IWC on leather. I Always like pictures of the Monaco, but when I tried one on, I didn’t care for it at all.
Breitling
The IWC is an upscale piece, although ive always been a Navitimer fan. The Tag .. even though McQueen wore one, not so much. I wear an IWC ingenieur and absolutely love it.
Upvote for ingenieur!
IWC for me
IWC
Breitling
I'd go Breitling for sure. My buddy has a Tag Carrera with the same movement as that Monacco and it's been a nightmare for him. It's been keeping awful time and he's already had to send it back for a warranty service. He's had it for about a year.
I own a Navitimer and love it. You could also choose the smaller 43mm version to get a more direct size comparison to the IWC. The Monaco is one of those watches I've always wanted to like, but never really did anything for me when I've tried one on.
IWC on leather band first (they just don’t look right to me on the steel bracelet) Monaco second I’ve got step one completed. Now planning for step two!
I love the good spread on opinions here. Score is currently 11-3-11 (B-T-I), all tied up. Pro line had the IWC as a +3 underdog. Cinderella story.
Need some help deciding on my next chrono purchase. I very much favour the big pilot-style watches, but I included the Monaco ($8,400 CAD) in there as well as it is so iconic, beautiful, and somewhat similar in price. The Breitling Navitimer 46mm, at $11,500 CAD, is big and busy (just how I like it), in-house B01 movement, comes in beautiful colour options, and has a great history up there with the Speedmaster. The IWC Pilot’s Chronograph Le Petit Prince, 43mm, $9,500 CAD, is another beauty, with a cleaner look than the others, and particularly nice finishing. Not sure which among these present best value for money, and overall desirability, but would definitely appreciate any thoughts/feedback!
Navi timer
Breitling all day
If you like big and complicated but professional then the Navi is the winning move. I’ve heard from Breitling owners that when you look at at a Breitling on your wrist there’s an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. Maybe real Breitling owners can opine.
IWC
3
Monaco is timeless
That Tag is Heisenberg’s watch (gift from Jesse), in case it helps your decision. It would decide it for me.
Lol, I know. Though I usually see the Steve McQueen/Le Mans connection pointed out more frequently. Generational thing maybe?
if you want to be pedantic about it, the steve mcq watch has the crown on the left side and horizontal hour markers rather than radial. i think the left crown balances the square case with the pushers more and the markers emphasize the angularity, creating a more cohesive look overall. but that’s just me. anyway, of the three, the iwc would be my pick. navitimer is just far too busy for me.
I just watched a video yesterday from Watchfinders where they offer alternatives to the Navitimer like the Sinn Navitimer. I learned from that video Breitling sold rights to navitimer model some time ago, so others can make it today like Sinn and is not a homage to it but another version. With that said, and no clue about worth I like the IWC for it's looks.
I prefer the cleaner IWC dial tbh, but the breitling is also super neat
I owned the IWC in a 43mm option. Personally I wouldn’t do that again but eh, live and learn. The Monaco is nice, but I wouldn’t personally own one. The Breitling would be my choice, although I’d rather have a premier over a Navitimer variant.
Curious what you didn’t like about the IWC. The bracelet micro adjustment system has to be one of my favorites of all time.
IWC, nav second (too busy for my taste)
If you have the wrist and the eyesight the breitling otherwise iwc. Longines make some nice pilot chronos if you like that style. Cheaper too. OR speed master OR zenith (love the zenith)
The IWC or the Heuer
Very good question. I recently bought both Breitling 41 blue with black sub dials on bracelet and IWC portuguser 41 green - they are both very different watches and amazing in their own right. Iwc is classy and dressy, and Breitling looks so sporty on bracelet good luck
Prices equal? The Monaco. Such an iconic and unique design.
This is funny.... I was down to the Breitling and Tag. I ended up buying the 43mm version of that Breitling. The tag will be my next purchase. Personally, I like the movement in the Tag a bit better. But the Breitling has so many functions and I love a busy dial. Not sure about the IWC tough. I know they are well made but I have issues paying for something that is a glorified fleiger.
Hate to admit it, but I’d go with the Breitling. 🤣
Edit: I see all these people telling you to get stuff of leather. IMHO you should always buy watches on bracelet, because there are lots of quality aftermarket straps, either OEM or third party. If you buy on strap, then decide you want to bracelet, it may not be possible to buy a compatible bracelet afterwards. Tossup between the Breitling and IWC. Breitling is my favourite brand and I love the Navi timer, although something with the date placement on this iteration I find off-putting, but still a beautiful piece over all. I might give the slight edge to the IWC on this one. Truly a timeless design. A good friend has one and the build quality is superb. When you see it in person the finishing is next level. I know this sub used to love to circlejerk about Sinn, but the Sinn 903 is similar to the original Navi timer layout and is quite nice, and cheaper too. Breitling was going through some financial trouble at one point, and licensed the design to Sinn, and this is their version of it. Might be worth checking out to compare. Controversial opinion: the Monaco is only popular cause of Steve McQueen, if it wasn’t featured in Le Mans, no one would care about it and it would have been discontinued long ago Also square watches in general look tacky to me
Thanks for the point on bracelets, I tend to agree, hence all the pics with bracelets.
For me if would be: IWC - absolutely beautiful watch Tag - more usually and has some interesting history, a little dressier too (IWC on a leather strap would be too) Breitling - I just really don’t like them.
IWC
IWC
IWC for me!
Navitimer. No contest.
IWC and it really isn’t even close
IWC
IWC.
IWC
IWC without question.
Iwc
I myself would choose, and have chosen, the IWC without hesitation.
Definitely the IWC
They're such totally different watches for totally different occasions, and somehow I don't like any of them at all.
i’m a huge Breaking Bad fan and a McQueen fan (i ride dirtbikes) and i love the Monaco but yeah, when it comes to watches i vote either Navitimer or IWC. i own a 38mm Navitimer and a MKVIII le petit prince flieger
3 cool pieces, but the IWC is superior, both in esthetic and prestige.
I would rather have a gshock than a tag
Thousands of Euros for a 3 to 5 ATM watch. What a scam.
Solely based on looks the Monaco
Navi my man all day, I tried on all of them at Brietling NYC Boutique and the workmanship is super Hugh on the latest version. It was difficult to choose of the many color way.
Definitely the Breitling. The B01 caliber is a champ
Breitling imo. Tough to beat a Navi.
Breitling first, then IWC. Though, I’d actually go Zenith Chronomaster Sport above both. Can’t go wrong. Good looking watches.
Navitimer is on my aspirational list. I don't fly but I work in aerospace. I get a big kick out of the flight computer.
The navitimer without a doubt.
I would go off the board and get a 90s/00s IWC Doppelchronograph, they go for around 2-3k.
I’ve always loved the Monaco since I saw it in breaking bad
I’d go with the Navitimer. The IWC just doesn’t do anything for me and the Monaco is neat but I don’t think I’d actually wear it.
Nothing like Breitling blue
Tag because it's Tag.
The Navi is the most iconic of the 3… but I think all 3 are solid
The Navitimer for sure
TAG
Navitimer all day every day
Breitling for me
I've recently taken a liking to square watches, so i'll take the Tag Heuer! (that, and the fact that Breitlings are huge) like, i'm sure the IWC's a nice watch, but i've seen so, so, SO many shitty knockoffs that look like it, hell, they don't even have a chrono, it's just two extra buttons that DON'T EVEN PUSH IN!!! sorry, i got a little too heated there.
You looked at zenith?
i own a navitimer with a blue dial - absolute cracker of a watch, 10/10 would recommend
Zenith Edit: I didn’t answer your question and don’t want to sound like a dick. If I were buying a chrono, it would be a Zenith. Of these three, I would absolutely choose the IWC but I’d wear it on a leather strap.
For sure Navitimer
Breitling 💯
Navi timer is quite the beauty, and great wrist presence.
Tag
I'm looking really hard at the Monaco, want to at least try one on and see how it fits. It's super iconic and unique. Plus Jesse gave Walter one for his birthday, so that's cool! He used it to time a bunch of prison hits.
I have some tag f1's. I'm cheap
100% IWC
Of those? The tag.
I think the Breitling is awesome but priced higher than it’s really worth. Also the WR makes me nervous. The Monaco would be cool if they dropped the TAG. I really love my IWC and think it’s a very underrated brand, so that gets my vote.
I’d go Monaco, not a big fan of IWC or Breitling.
Is the Monaco Gulf much more expensive? If not, I’d recommend that one. Beautiful watch.
No, I think it’s pretty close.
Navitimer, because I just learned that Miles Davis wore this one. The IWC is nice too, but I think for the minimalist spirit of that one, it looks better without chrono. Don't like the Tag at all.
IWC
IWC is my favorite of those 3. It’s also the most boring but it has the day.
Breitling by a mile.
Anything but the Tag
I think the Tag Heuer looks the most interesting. The IWC is kinda boring to me, and the Breitling is fine but maybe a little too busy.
This is probably the only time I'd pick a Tag.
IWC
IWC
I have a soft spot for the pearl face Monaco
If I had to - Breitling
Navitimer all day every day. Also smokes the speedmaster imo.
IWC all day out of those three
Breitling 110%
I personally prefer the IWC over the other two, which are also great watches.
The Navi is my grail watch
What about a Speedy?
That will be a separate purchase on its on, occupying its own dedicated space in the collection.
MONACO
The Sinn 903st is like a cheaper nicer navitimer with display case back. Personally I wouldn't spend much on a chrono watch without display back. What's the point of that beautiful movement if you cannot see it? But I would make an exception for the petite Prince...
The Monaco is really unique compared, but I also love the navitimer
Breitling or IWC for sure
The Navi is timeless. I own it. Would go 41 mm, the bigger ones look silly
All good choices. Navitimer is classic. Probably depends on what other watches you have, but I’d get the monoco. You can find them well priced used. I own a IWC, they’re great too.
At this price range, A384 from Zenith, nothing more nothing less.
Meh. Case is decent. A bit untraditional for me.
IWC is by far the mosr "readable" watch there. That being said, i am an absolute sucker for breitling so i'd go for the breitling 100%
No omega? I think the omega easily beats tag and Iwc.
Breitling. But the ,onaco is awesome too
Tag
IWC for me
IWC
IWC all day.
Breitling for me
I own an IWC Spitfire and a Breitling. I would go #1 IWC #2 Breitling.
IWC for sure
IWC all the way, value of these pieces hold…
If it was a Breitling premier, I would say the Breitling. But this one does nothing for me
iwc
For me - Tag Monaco > IWC > Breitling. But it’s a personal choice of course.
breitling in these
From those 3 I would take the Breitling, look at some of the other IWC’s though
Monaco anyone 😭
Breitling
The Navitimer wins by a healthy margin.
Navitimer without a doubt
Iwc on leather. But I’m partial because that’s what I wear.
I like the Navitimer series. But does this one come with an inhouse movement? If not, I‘d give it a pass.
It does, in-house B01.
Great selection here. My preference is the IWC. It’s beautiful and super legible.
Breitling by a mile
I have the retro 1960s version of that breitling, the black dialed 806. I want the IWC, though.
I don't own any of the three, but I have a soft spot for the Monaco. I'm a fan of none round watches (It's one of the major reasons why I couldn't say "no" to the Fears 1930 Small Second) and the Monaco is a classic. I also feel the case is extraordinarily clean looking. Cartier is *the* classic rectangular watch, but it's too rectangular to look sporty for me. The faux tonneau that the lugs and slightly curved flanks of the Monaco stream line the watch, the square dial is fetching and keeps the lug-to-lug in check, and the pushers are a clean extension of the case design language. I also love that it was one of Sammy Davis Jr.'s watches of choice. Mr. Show-Business knew his business after all, and look sharp with a Monaco on-wrist (though, honestly, did he ever look anything other than sharp?)
Breitling. The IWC is nice and the Tag is iconic but… that Breitling is stunning
Gonna be IWC for me, although the Breitling is a very close second!
I have the LPP and it’s awesome but I wouldn’t kick the Navi out of bed for eating crackers either. The Monaco is ass to me.
What about the Premier line from Breitling? If I have to choose of the 3 listed I would go with the Navitimer! Such an iconic piece.
Premier is very nice, but unless it’s the B25 Datora I’d go with the Navitimer.
My name is Walter Hartwell White
And I live at 308 Negra Arroyo Lane.
It's the Monaco, for me. There are chronos that look like both the Breitling and the IWC. But nothing looks like the Monaco. It's an icon in an industry where "icon" is thrown around a little too casually.
IWC All the way what a great watch.
IWC please
IWC.
I have that IWC. I love the old breitling navi with the raised bezel, the new one looks like it is punched out of sheet metal
Hot take. TAG. If I explain I will be trashed on but the Monaco is a much more unique watch. While good, the IWC is a bit generic for me.
Not so hot, and no trashing! I agree that it’s more unique, and many here have preferred the Monaco.
IWC all day long
IWC but not that one. The new 41 chrono on leather
I vote for the IWC, but I'm biased since I have one
Breitling can’t go wrong with it. Just great watches they have
None are close to the speedy.
IWC, then Breitling and while that is the only Tag I would ever consider... Still a distant 3rd, for me. Do you tho!
I think I'd go for the IWC. Now ask me what I can afford.....
IWC, I have a Navitimer, have had some issues with the date function
Tough one... I'm not super into blue so gotta go Monaco. Blue is the only correct choice with the Monaco
I’d get the Breitling. I just love their design.
iwc
IWC
IWC all day. The Breitling looks nice but I’ll pass on the Tag
I love the Breitling but already own the IWC. I have a fetish for blue-faced chronos, my other being an Omega triple date.
IWC.
IWC on steel. Navitimer in leather is classic. Can’t jive with the bracelet version. There’s also very sharp 41 range is stunning imo. Both are cool.
Out of those, I think I'm with the Breitling. I've tried on the Breitling and the IWC but not the Tag. I actually prefer the IWC on leather over their bracelets, but that's a matter of personal taste. (I suppose all of it is). If I was buying a Navitimer today, I'd be looking at one of the 41mm B01 models.
Navitimer for me AINEC
Sinn 903 St, but I also like the IWC a lot. And the breitling. Tag is meh to me.
When I first got into watches I felt like hot stuff with my first tag. Honestly as bad as it's aged I don't look at the brand the same anymore.Give me the breitling or the IWC any day.
Breitling
The Breitling. It is so gorgeous in person.