The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Evening all,

I am weighing up the options on what to do with my Breiting Navitimer. I a few photos for reference - please send me a message if you would like me to send them to you.

Option 1) Keep the watch. I have received a quote from Breitling for a "sympathetic restoration" on the watch (c. 1969) for approx £650. This includes a vintage overhaul, some restoration to the case, 2x chronograph pushers + new crown and new plexi crystal.

Option 2) Sell the watch. Due to its age, I do not have a box/papers. I do, however, have a "valuation for insurance" from Breitling as a form of authentication. Obviously the watch would need the work undertaken as in option 1 and the back of the watch has, over the years, been well worn - with little of the engravings remaining. If I was to go about this option - where would be the best place to get a valuation on the watch?

Thank you for any help you may give

Regards

Matt

You should post the pics here on the forum... you'll get a wayyyyyy faster response... use a photo hosting site, upload the photos and you can even paste the links here and someone will help you out shortly.

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"I don't got the bright watch I got the right watch" -Jay Z

- instructions are here - viewtopic.php?f=5&t=453

That said, condition makes a huge difference in the value of these pieces, however you won't necessarily get the full GBP650 back on resale.

Take a look at pieces that have sold on eBay and at pieces listed on chrono24 to get some idea, but condition really does make a huge difference. In terms of people here giving you an estimate, we'll need shots of dial, inside and outsode of caseback and movement to give anything remotely accurate.

Hi

I have uploaded 4 pics to flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/mattuk2/ its just of the face and strap. I will try and get a few pics of the back of the watch tomorrow. However, the has several scratches and has been well worn - you are able to make out the numbers under good light.

I will be back with an updated tomorrow evening.

Thanks so far!

Matt

From what I can see it looks like a very nice example to me. These typically have light engraving on the back and I wouldn't worry about that for a second. I've had some so worn that I had to look at the back through a loupe and angle it at the same time to read the information engraved there.

very nice. Might make sense to ask chronodeco for a restoration quote, not sure this needs that much work ?

Yeah, don't want to read too much into just dial shots, but it looks to be in pretty good shape and I certainly wouldn't be doing much with it.

I've seen worse... That is a beautiful piece!

Is that the original bracelet? If so even better!

_________________
"I don't got the bright watch I got the right watch" -Jay Z

Evening

I have uploaded a few more photos to Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/mattuk2/

Thanks for all the comments so far.

WatchFred - I am in the UK. From a quick Google search it seems Chronodeco are based in the US - I would be rather concerned about sending the watch overseas (I don't trust the postal systems a great deal).

jlee5050 - As far as I am aware, the bracelet is original.

Do any of you think its work getting this watch restored for the £650? Is the watch even worth that amount?

Regards

Matt

I think that it's worth figuring out insurance and sending the watch to Craig (chronodeco). His work is incredible and you won't pay a fraction of GBP650.

Craig/Chronodeco is in the US, but the postal services are quite fast, reliable and cheap, and you would get a perfectly restored watch at a very fair price. from what I see on the pics there seems rather little cosmetic work to do, but it has to been done by someone who has the eyes, hands and heart for vintage pieces.


a nicely restored 816 with bracelet would typically fetch at least double the discussed amount, probably quite a bit more.