Bring a Loupe: Seiko Sportura Titanium, Breitling Tabarly Racing Mate, And More
This installment of "Bring a Loupe" features several notable timepieces, including a Seiko Sportura Titanium with a kinetic movement and a Breitling Tabarly Racing Mate with a unique design. The coverage highlights specific details and potential issues for enthusiasts considering these watches.
The Seiko Sportura Titanium (ref SLQ011) features a kinetic movement (Seiko 9T82) which was among the first to harness movement-generated power, convert it to electricity, store it in a capacitor, and then power the watch.
Capacitors in Seiko's kinetic movements can wear out, especially if not in use, meaning a watch from the early 2000s using one likely requires a significant service, potentially costing four figures and requiring return to Seiko.
The Seiko Sportura Titanium is described as having a smoothed-out, vaguely alien-ish design and comes on its original titanium bracelet with an exhibition caseback showing a well-finished movement.
The Breitling Tabarly Racing Mate (ref 80770) was designed and tested with Eric Tabarly, a significant figure in French sailing, and features a distinctive rotating bezel with screws on each of its 12 planes.
The Breitling Tabarly Racing Mate is a 34.5mm quartz watch with a screw-down crown and an integrated bracelet, featuring full lume plots and aged hands.
The Breitling Tabarly Racing Mate example is unusual as most references came with 'Tabarly' on the dial, which this one lacks.