The Breitling Watch Source Forums

posting this in the general brand discussion area as I hope it might be interesting to some of the "non-vintage" guys too - and it shows some watches from a period when "our" brand was a true innovator, defining markets.

Some of you might remember my PSOTC post about the Breitling Premier 734 & 765, Aviator Chronographs produced by the "Breitling Eight Air Force" division Willy Breitling established in the mid 1930s.

One of the watches presented there had been stolen from my car two years ago - and I thought it would be irreplaceable for ever, these watches are quite rare indeed.

About two months ago Renè, known to you as forum member Dracha, contacted me to evaluate a watch that had been listed for auction by a local auction house in the Netherlands - inaccessible to me.

Listing pictures weren't too good, but it clearly was a "Breitling Eight" Premier ref. 734 I would have given a kidney for.

So we discussed "reasonable" and "enthusiast" pricing ranges and agreed he would bid on the watch, purchasing it for himself in the "reasonable" range and for me should it rise into crazy enthusiast/addict territory.

But it was a small local auction, no enthusiasts or addicts around in Amsterdam, so it sold well below what we had defined as reasonable .....

And here I have to do a short sidestep to a subject that truly, deeply impresses me - this crazy hobby of ours isn't only about watches, it is proof that there are very, very decent people out there; most of them I've never met personally, but we've become true friends, advising, helping and supporting each other, in deep trust.

Renè is one of the closest of those collector friends - similar interests, similar ways of thinking and acting, his depth of knowledge is encylopedic; but more than that, he's one of the greatest guys I've met, virtually or in "real" life.

Knowing how I missed that stolen watch, he offered it to me - not at the enthusiast/addict price I would have gladly paid, not even in that "reasonable" range we had established, but at a fraction of even that, at the price he had paid at that local auction.

The watch needed a bit of work, so off it went to the Wizard of OR, last week it came back, in spectacular condition again - the glossy black dial has turned a warm chocolate brown. Premier ref. 734, manufactured in 1945 - the perfect grail on my wrist.

Renè - thank you.

So we are through with the blah, finally some pics - catalog pages of the "Breitling Eight Air Force" division, published 1946.

Congraulations Fred, Hats off to Rene! Who says nice guys finish last!!! Beautiful watch by the way!

No man can find great success without some help from his friends along the way. Nice read, amazingly incredible patina.... and Rene surely is a gentleman (but we already knew that part!)

Lovely story guys, well done Rene and congratulations Fred.

That's great reading. Thanks for posting Fred, and hats off Rene.

Great watch, even better story. Well done on all fronts.

Totally agree!!!!

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"A man with one watch knows what time it is; a man with two watches is never quite sure."

Proof that money isn't everything. Enjoyed reading the story.

Love it!!! Both the watch and the story. Very classy and selfless man.

Great story, and not remotely surprised by Rene's decency or that Fred received such generosity. Two of the very best people, and he watch isn't too shabby either

That's a fantastic story Fred - heart warming to say the least. Very generous indeed from Rene. This forum really is a place frequented by many a fine individual. I'm very glad to be involved. Great stuff and a great watch.

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Happines is Good Health and a Bad Memory.
"Ingrid Bergman"

now that I am 'unbanned'

thank you all for your kind words !!

And Fred ? I knew how upset you were when your 734 was stolen , and since this was a 'brain purchase' an not a 'heart purchase' the decision had already been made , and it was quite easy (I say fully aware that I am never going to find a dial like that again !! )

anyway
wear it in good health my dear friend/foe

Rene

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"I spent most of my money on Booze, Breitling and Boats. The rest I wasted" - mostly Elmore Leonard

Well if you behaved yourself a bit more you wouldn't have been banned in the first place

Yessir .. wont happen again .. I hope

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"I spent most of my money on Booze, Breitling and Boats. The rest I wasted" - mostly Elmore Leonard

Great story, great watch!

Congrats, Fred -- and, nicely done, Rene.

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Cheers,
Jim