The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi, this is my first post.

I recently purchased a NOS 809 Cosmonaute from 1969 and love it.

I didn't know until a few weeks ago that Breitling in the late 60's and '70's made very large watches like the Chronomatic's Super Ocean's etc.

Can someone point me to all of the reference numbers for these large watches in the 47-48mm range and which are the rarest, which can be had doe the least amount of money etc.? I am only interested in nice, original examples.

Thanks much.

RDS

Start by reviewing the 1969 and 1970s catalogs posted for viewing in the Chronologs/Books section of this website. You'll see the variety of models and their reference numbers.

Beyond that, happy hunting. We all seek that which is pure of spirit and free of guile. Your quest beckons.

Would you say the 2105 is among the rarest of these large size watches?

I have the opportunity to buy an almost new old stock for a few hundred dollars more than a new old stock 1806 and was told the 2105 is far rarer.

Opinions? Thanks.

RDS

Not ten a penny, but not that rare either. 2105 was one of the models that Old World Jewelers got some NOS pieces of a few years ago so more than average number of nice examples out there.

here is an overview of many of the vintage Breitlings including most of the big case models:
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=35656#p261196

the 1806 is not rare at all, also quite a lot of 1809s around, others relatively rare.

the 1810 is missing from the list: viewtopic.php?f=11&t=40913

and, also missing, probably the rarest of all, the GMT ref. 812: viewtopic.php?f=11&t=40525

the 2105 SOC might no be the rarest, but among the nicest for me, one of the Geweniger pieces found it's way back to Vienna, like it quite a lot:

just went through my big case pics, another quite rare one that wears beautifully, an 816:

BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!

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

+1. That must be one of my favourite Breitlings all time. Superb.

thanks, Tom & Rick, though I have to correct a typo, it is a ref. 818, not 816.

one of those lucky buys, not from the "Oldworld" NOS stock, but from a collector who was kind enough to buy this watch (including a nice Tropic strap) in 1973, put it in his safe, including box, signed warranty and manuals - and apparently forget about it for the next 40 years - dial and hands "sparkle" like they did the day the watch left the factory in 1968.

have it on my wrist today. quite nice.