The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi folks,

It is my first post in the forum, i hope putting this in the general discussion topic is ok. I have just recently received my watch back from Breitling, where it has taken a year to be refurbished. From what they have told me, a considerable amount of parts have had to be hand made again in Switzerland (Hence the long wait). I was wondering if anybody on the forum could provide me with any extra information about the watch! (I have done some considerable internet research, but found nothing too interesting!). If anybody could estimate the value of this watch, this would also be very helpful. Since knowing what i spent on the refurb may give me a piece of mind. I would rather not enclose the cost of the refurbishment, unless it was critical in assessing its value!. I can not provide pictures of it until tomorrow because it is locked away at the minute . I am 99% sure the watch shown in the link below is the same as mine, except of course mine has all new bevels, glass, strap etc! (I dont know whether this has detracted any value though?)

http://www.retrovintagewatch.com/breitl ... nomat.html

Any extra information or a rough valuation would be a great help folks!

All the best,

Johnathan

I think this would do better in the vintage section. In terms of value, can't really provide value without the seeing the actual watch and comparable isn't good enough for valuation. Ive seen 808s go for anywhere from 1500 to 2500. Realistic value that is. Unfortunately service costs don't really factor into an increase of the watch's price either. Good luck and some pics of yours would be awesome. Would love to see the work.

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

Thanks for the quick reply!!

I will definitely post some pictures tomorrow! I'm really pleased with it, looks brand new. whether I will ever wear it or not though is another question!

Johnathan

Can't comment without seeing it, but no one is going to factor in the value in a Breitling service. Unfortunately that's just an expensive average service for vintage pieces - the Breitling that produced the 808 is not the same Breitling that is in business today.

The photos as promised folks!

well, it does look as new, as you said; do you happen to have "before" pics ?

assuming the dial has been refinished, impressive work there - though
I'm a bit (very, frankly) unsure about the bezel;

the dial is a pre-1962 version, with double batons at 12 - these were manufactured
in combination w/ beaded bezels only, the new non-beaded bezel was introduced
in 1967 - and, of course, was combined with the "new" dials with the arrow at 12,
those started to appear in mid 1962.

the new crystal looks great, but is wrong for this bezel too, only the beaded bezels
had these convex 806-style crystals, the newer one, afaik, had regular crystals.

do you happen to know the serial number of your watch, so we see whether bezel
or dial are wrong ?

here is a link to the Chronomat history if you want to doublecheck this information:
http://forums.watchuseek.com/f39/breitl ... -9103.html

it is a very, very nice watch, though for a collector the inconsistencies above would
make it quite problematic. valuewise, jlee has given you a realistic (maybe even
slightly optimistic) range for nice, unmolested and correct pieces.

Yeah, I'm afraid that this is a fairly typical Breitling restoration - all of the parts come from the Chronomat parts bin, but they don't all match to the same era. It looks nice, but it's not original.

Thanks for the reply again!

Unfortunately i did not think to take any pictures before the watch went in. Before hand it was very discoloured and had obvious signs of frequent use. When i received the watch back from Breitling, i was not given any paperwork or certificate of service etc. all i received was a case, a service booklet and also a free cap!. As for the serial number, i would not know where to start, especially since i have no paperwork etc with the watch! Are they inside the watches? i dont know TBH.

Johnathan

Serial number is on the inside of the caseback. Surprised that Breitling didn't supply a receipt with it on.

Nope, i did not receive anything with regards to the repair of the watch at all. Can i remove the caseback myself or not? Sorry, im a bit new to this whole process.

You should not remove the caseback yourself, but any watchmaker can do this in about 30 seconds; just grab a quick pic or write down the number, then look it up here (left column, it is a chronograph):
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=31437

sorry that I could not the bearer of better news, Breitling is not too good in keeping watches original - and sometimes know surprisingly little.

Its really unfortunate that it could have had more value in its original condition. On the other hand, in the condition it was before, i would have not been able to wear it, since it did not work, nor aesthetically please me. It has been passed on to me from my grandmother on behalf of my grandad, who passed away last year. The sentimental value that it holds outweighs the actual value of the watch considerably. Its just a shame i did not do any research before i sent the watch in for servicing. Next time i go into town i will take it to a watch specialist so i can access the serial number.

Thanks for all the help though, very much appreciated. Keep up the good work on the forum

Kind regards,

Johnathan

Jonathan, as I wrote, it is a beautiful watch, that you can wear for many, many years and then pass on to your chlidren, as it holds relevant sentimental value, just forget it might not be restored to the highest standards, just enjoy it !

you might check the number though, to see whether Breitling got the bezel or the dial wrong, bezels sometimes come up for sale, none too cheap, but you might still get the "perfect" 808.

I can live with "period correct" but definitely I prefer "original to the watch" as a collector whenever possible. But above all else, can't put a value on sentimental value. Looks very nice. Enjoy.

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