The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi guys, me again..

what do we think of this one:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 0264713680

I have someone who can service and even restore.. although I think the price is well on it's way to be outrageous (5 days to go)

Thanks,

Chris in Greenwich

Old Navitimer Mechanique Patrouille de France acrobatic team
Old Navitimer II Snowbirds acrobatic team

Serial number dates it to 1966. The movement is a Venus 178, and the WOG on the balance cock identifies that it was manufactured by Breitling. There seem to be a lot of mid 60s Navitimers with the WOG coming up lately - it's more common on early (50s) Navitimers, but certainly can be on later ones. The movement itself looks fine - if anyone's interested the movement photos have been taken with the chronograph activated.

In terms of the dial, the outer sliderule has been repalced, ironically with an earlier one - evidence of a service at some point. The hands are consistent, except maybe for the 3 and 9 subdials, but that just could be the pictures.

The strap does look like it could be original, certainly looks period correct, and it is lizard.

In terms of value, well it's a risk. The seller admits that it has problems, could be fixed by a service, could be something more serious, and that is going to depress the price for sure. It's also the non AOPA which has a marginal negative impact on price. If this were in good condition we would be looking in the GBP2,000 range or slightly more. In this condition who knows - GBP 1,500 - 1,700 maybe?

thanks... I will see where that one is going but it is already getting pricey for a Navitimer that doesn't work.

I am also looking at this one on ebay.de (German):

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 0316565389

Opinions?

I have had him give me the serial number which is 1144839 and shows it's a 1967 whereas he says it's 1960. Either a Frankenwatch or he has gotten false information - ?

_________________
Navi 1966 806 (Venus 178)
Chrono-Matic ref. 2130 (Cal. 11)
Navi Mechanique (Lemania 1873) LE Patrouille de France
Navi Old II (Valjoux 7750) LE Snowbirds (sold)
Tavannes 1942 Chronomat ref. 769 (Venus 175)

Well it clearly can't be a 1960 because it's an 809 - and that reference wasn't used until 1962. 1967 seems like a much more likely bet - that's what all of the design cues suggest - the bezel is a perfect example. Also the words and their location on the dial in particular varied a lot and this looks consistent with what was common in 1967.

The dial and hands look good, and the condition of these and the movement suggest a relatively recent restoration - although it looks like there could be some marks around the 8 - it may just be on the outside of the crystal, but worth checking.

As I indicated before, the movement is in good condition, and it is a Venus 178, but I am not completely convinced that it is original. If I had to put money on it I would say that it had been restored using parts that weren't originally part of a Breitling 178 - it's not bad by any means, there are just a few things that are a little inconsistent with what I would expect to see. They may not be wrong, but are 'surprising'. Obvious example is the wording on the balance cock - very minimal just a few graduations and a + - versus the more normal A / F and R / S with a more detailed scale.

It's starting to get close to its value - there's probably a little further to go, but not much.

I actually got the original one I was looking at on ebay UK! I think the price is not too bad - I am going to get it serviced and put on a new bracelet (I'll keep the original).

It was alledgedly bought new by the seller's uncle (who passed away)...

Can't wait.. should arrive tomorrow.

thanks for your help!

_________________
Navi 1966 806 (Venus 178)
Chrono-Matic ref. 2130 (Cal. 11)
Navi Mechanique (Lemania 1873) LE Patrouille de France
Navi Old II (Valjoux 7750) LE Snowbirds (sold)
Tavannes 1942 Chronomat ref. 769 (Venus 175)

Great news - looking forward to the pictures!