<p>We promise to invest our time and experience into understanding your needs and desires. We won’t &#8230;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>Expect you to have lots of knowledge</li>
<li>Drown you in more detail than you need</li>
<li>Try to push a sale on you</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Our aim is to make you feel relaxed and welcome, and to enjoy the Oakleigh Watches experience from start to finish.</p>
<div></div>


insidemechanismclockworkwithworkinggears-close-updetailed-3drendering

The oakleigh promise

It began as part of the Seiko brand but since 2017 it has become an entirely separate entity.

Is Grand Seiko part of the Seiko brand?

The Grand Seiko spring drive movement is the most technologically advanced mechanical movement in the world.

Are Grand Seiko movements good quality?

Where are Grand Seiko watches made?

The quality of a Grand Seiko watch equals that of the best Rolex watch. However, it all comes down to personal preference.

Is Grand Seiko better than Rolex?

Grand Seiko watches are a genuine good value alternative to even the best Swiss luxury brands.

Is Grand Seiko a luxury watch brand?

New Grand Seiko watches tend to depreciate quite quickly but their values then hold steady. So, if bought pre-owned, they can be a sound financial decision.

Is Grand Seiko a good investment watch?

Are Zeno watches a good investment? Zeno watches are great value for money but not normally bought as investment pieces.

Are Zeno watches a good investment?

They produce many different types of watches including – sports, dress and fashion. Something for everyone, they have a great sense of creativity and fun styling.

What type of watches do Zeno produce?

View All Insights

patek-381x518-copy

patek 381x518 copy

How much is my watch worth?

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Best Dive Watches - 12 of our Favourites

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Can I go swimming in a luxury watch?

“Can I go swimming in a luxury watch?”

This is a question that I am often asked by our clients. Of course what they are referring to is whether their watch is water resistant – will it leak and ruin the movement, dial and hands?

There are usually three areas that need to be considered when the water resistance of a watch is under examination;
<ul>
 	<li>the caseback</li>
 	<li>the glass</li>
 	<li>the crown</li>
</ul>
During testing, these three components are checked for condition and damage or corrosion. Next the seals fitted between the component and the case are inspected and often replaced. The watch is then pressure tested using a purpose built piece of equipment. When it passes – voila! Your watch is waterproof.

So yes, if it passes the test, you CAN go swimming in a luxury watch. But hang on, there’s another question that needs to be asked ……

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8735" src="https://cms.oakleighwatches.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Swim2.jpg" alt="" width="943" height="530" />

<strong>“SHOULD I go swimming in a luxury watch?”
</strong>
All the watches that we sell here at Oakleigh Watches are superb examples of their type and are all of course very valuable.

I can’t imagine a more hostile environment for a luxury watch than a beach with its salt and sand, or a swimming pool full of chlorine, steel and ceramic tiles. And that’s before you even mention the water! So our advice would be – “yes you can swim in a luxury watch but NO, you probably shouldn’t.”

If you’re at the pool or the beach – relax, forget about the time! Or, if you’re like me and feel a bit lost without something stylish on your wrist, switch your luxury time piece for a much more practical G-Shock!

Oakleigh Watches works alongside local Rolex and Omega service agents <a href="https://www.michlmayr.com/?_ga=2.204148883.2033394945.1721402847-623201293.1721402847">Michlmayr &amp; Co.</a> All of our luxury pre-owned watches are tested to ensure they are water resistant and comply to COSC spec. Some of our more vintage stock will not be water resistant and this will be made clear in the description.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

the-tudor-big-block-listing

The-Tudor-Big-Block-listing

In 1970 Tudor entered the chronograph market with a watch that was very different from its Rolex Daytona brethren – The two incarnations of the ’Monte-Carlo’ were bold, bright and colourful and occupied their own place in the Rolex family lineup, as a slightly inferior model to the Daytona.

Then in 1976 there was a shift and the ‘Big Blocks’ were born. Far from establishing a point of difference from the Rolex Daytona by continuing with the ‘fun’ slightly ‘junior’ theme, Tudor made a watch that was similar to the Daytona and in one key way, actually superior….

As well as toning down the colour palette and producing monochrome chronographs (although exotic-dialed 9000-series ‘Big Block Monte Carlos’ were made), Tudor adopted the Valjoux 7750 movement, not only adding an extra chrono sub dial but also a quick set date and an automatic movement. This automatic movement made the Big Block the first self-winding chronographs from the Rolex group – it would take Rolex themselves well over ten years to make an automatic Daytona and 25 years to make one with an in house movement.

As well as an advanced set of features, the Valjoux movement brought with it the necessity for a deeper case than its predecessors to house the self-winding mechanism and rotor, hence the nickname “Big Block”.

The first Big Blocks were the 9400’s consisting of three references that gave the option of three different bezels:
<ul class="ul1">
 	<li class="li1">9420 with an acrylic tachymeter bezel</li>
 	<li class="li1">9421 with a 12-hour calibrated rotating bezel</li>
 	<li class="li1">9430 with a steel tachymeter bezel</li>
</ul>
In the late 1980’s, the 9400 series was replaced by the 79100 series of Big Blocks and again, there were three references with three bezel types:
<ul class="ul1">
 	<li class="li1">79160 with a black plastic tachymeter bezel</li>
 	<li class="li1">79170 with a black graduated 12-hour rotating bezel;</li>
 	<li class="li1">79180 with a steel tachymeter bezel.</li>
</ul>
<p class="p1">By the mid 1990’s Montres TUDOR S.A. was 50 years old and they started to made decisive moves to differentiate themselves from their Rolex brothers. As a consequence the direct references to Rolex were steadily disappearing from the cases, winding crowns and bracelets of Tudor watches to be replaced with own brand alternatives and the day of the Big Block was over.</p>
<p class="p1">An important watch and often overlooked, the Big Blocks are one to watch that’s for sure</p>

The Tudor ‘Big Block’

Breitling has been producing seriously made, aesthetically pleasing watches since 1884. The “Made by Breitling” label implies uncompromising testing, the finest materials and strict quality control. It stands for more than a century of expertise and timeless designs. So, when you buy a Breitling watch you are safe in the knowledge that you are getting a timepiece of exceptional quality.  However, pre owned Breitling watches cost considerably less than other luxury brands for the same quality. Plus, if cared for correctly, it will retain its value too.

&nbsp;

Below are 5 key things to consider when buying a pre-owned Breitling.

&nbsp;

<strong>1. Investment, Pleasure or Both? </strong>

&nbsp;

If you’re buying purely for investment, then you don’t need to worry about the style of watch. Rather, you need to focus on whether a model is desirable now and whether it is likely to be so for the foreseeable future. So, my top three tips …

&nbsp;
<ul>
 	<li>Always go for a watch with the widest appeal and the most limited supply.</li>
 	<li>If it’s purely for investment purposes, buy the very best example you can find. After all you don’t have to worry about damaging it if it’s only going to sit in your safe.</li>
 	<li>Make sure you buy a Full Set – box, papers, service records and accessories.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

If buying for pleasure and or both pleasure and investment – keep reading.

&nbsp;

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8376" src="https://cms.oakleighwatches.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/navitimer-world-1b.jpg" alt="" width="943" height="530" />

&nbsp;
<h4>2. Style</h4>
&nbsp;

Breitling know how to market to both the style-conscious and sporty audiences but not at the cost of substance. Their impressive history of partnerships makes them one of the most ‘stylish’ lifestyle watch brands in the world. The list of Breitling celebrity ambassadors includes the likes of Charlize Theron, Brad Pitt, Adam Driver and footballer Eerling Haaland.

&nbsp;

In 2017, Breitling reorganised their products into three focused main categories – air, land, and sea – designed to extend Breitling’s reach beyond the aviation crowd. Using those categories as a guide, seven distinct collections were born: Aviator 8, Navitimer and Avenger for ‘air’, Superocean Heritage and Superocean for ‘sea’, and Premier and Chronomat for ‘land’.

&nbsp;
<h4>Air</h4>
&nbsp;

The most classic of all aeronautical inspired Breitling’s is the Navitimer. The dial is complicated, the watch is extremely capable and contains multiple functions that most people will never use. It’s classic Breitling styling as it’s best.

&nbsp;
<h4>Land</h4>
&nbsp;

The Breitling Chronomat is more traditional looking daily watch, that would look as good with a dinner jacket as with jeans and jumper. With multiple dial colour options, it’s a versatile choice. Plus, you have the choice of either Chronograph or Standard options.
<h4>Sea</h4>
&nbsp;

This is perhaps the area where Breitling have truly surpassed themselves lately. The Supercocean range comes in a variety of case sizes, from 36mm to 46mm and some of the designs have become instant classics. For example, for a smart purposeful tool watch, the military inspired Superocean Automatic is outstanding.

&nbsp;
<h4>3. Size</h4>
&nbsp;

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8369" src="https://cms.oakleighwatches.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Breitling-Size.jpg" alt="" width="943" height="530" />

&nbsp;

Does it matter when it comes to watches?

&nbsp;

It all comes down to confidence and perspective. Just because you’re small in stature, doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t carry off a larger timepiece. In fact, it’s very much the fashion for women to wear oversized men’s watches.

&nbsp;

For a man, it’s all about confidence. If you feel comfortable going big and will wear a 46mm + proudly, then a Super Avenger might suit you. If you’re going to be self-conscious, then pick something classic like a Superocean.

&nbsp;
<h4>4. Vintage or Modern</h4>
&nbsp;

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8370" src="https://cms.oakleighwatches.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Breitling-vintage-modern.jpg" alt="" width="943" height="530" />

&nbsp;

The choice between a vintage or modern watch is partly one of personal taste and partly one of robustness. We mentioned above about the fact that vintage watches tend to be smaller, so if you like a slightly smaller look, then something older might be for you. Such as classic Navitimer or a Top Time Chronograph.

&nbsp;

On the other hand, if you want to wear your Breitling every day, then you should probably go for a newer one as the movements from the 1960’s and 1970’s can be more fragile and expensive to repair than later versions.

&nbsp;

Bracelets have also changed over the years and newer ones are more hard wearing and comfortable so may be more suited to regular as opposed to occasional wear.

&nbsp;

Servicing costs for a vintage watch can be higher and parts hard to come by – two important considerations when choosing between modern and vintage pre owned Breitling watches.

&nbsp;
<h4>5. Fashion or Function</h4>
&nbsp;

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8371" src="https://cms.oakleighwatches.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Breitling-fashion-function.jpg" alt="" width="943" height="530" />

&nbsp;

What do you want your pre-owned Breitling for? Assuming of course you’re not circumnavigating the world, is it simply to tell the time or do you need it to fly?

&nbsp;

If you want a pilot’s watch because you are a pilot, Navitimers are the best place to start.

&nbsp;

If you’re simply looking for a fantastic watch made to the highest of standards, then you can have some fun choosing.

&nbsp;

Ps. the above watch was our first ever Oakleigh sale and where it all began! If you want to find out more about our history visit our <a href="https://www.oakleighwatches.co.uk/about-us">About Us</a> page.

5 Step Guide to Buying Pre owned Breitling Watches

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Breitling Chronomat 44

Availability

Brand

Model

What's Included

Condition

Reference

Years

Papers

Movement Type

Movement

Diameter

Dial Colour

Case material

Bracelet/Strap

Matching Model

Gender

<div class="wpb_text_column ">
<div class="wpb_wrapper">
<p>This Breitling Chronomat 44 is a perfect example of a very popular Breitling watch.</p>
<p>The watch looks like it has only been worn very carefully and the condition certainly bears that out. With the exception of a couple of handling marks, this watch could pass as unworn.</p>
<p>Supplied on a grey rubber strap that looks superb, the original black leather Breitling strap is also included.</p>
<p>Serviced by Breitling in 2024 and unworn since, it comes with the Breitling warranty. Complete with the collection of books, cards and tags that Breitling supply with their watches as well as the service history.</p>
<div class="wpb_text_column ">
<div class="wpb_wrapper"> Just tested by certified watch specialists <a href="https://www.michlmayr.com/">Michlmayr &amp; Co</a>  this Breitling Chronomat 44 is running within COSC spec.</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>


This Pre-Owned Breitling Chronomat 44 is a perfect example of a very popular Breitling watch. A Full Set with Breitling service warranty

Breitling Chronomat 44 | 2015 | Full Set

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Breitling Chronomat 44

£4,250