The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I have a Breitling Chrono-Matic, ref 2110, like the one in the attached picture, that I bought new in 1971. For years, I wore it as my only watch, and in the process the case acquired a lot of scratches. Eventually I started wearing a plain-jane battery-driven watch, so for the last 10 years or so, the Breitling has lain in the drawer of my dresser. But a Breitling display in the window of a local shop caught my eye recently, and I was astounded by the prices. I looked on the web and found that even a Breitling as old as mine cost what I consider to be a lot of money. After looking at the cost of new and vintage Breitlings, and knowing I could never afford another, I realized I probably have an excellent timepiece and should consider having the watch restored. The problem is that the the tension spring is now missing. If anyone knows where might buy a tension spring, I would sure appreciate getting the information.
lesuf61

It's a very nice watch, and I saw your post in the Buy / Sell / Trade section.

You will have a very hard time finding the part, parts are hoarded by watchmakers to use in repairs and they are very reluctant to sell.

That said, I'm guessing that the spring is a fairly generic part so a competent watchmaker may well be able to help you out with a similar spring from another manufacturer.

Of course if your watch hasn't been used in that length of time the oil will have broken down, so please have it serviced. Again a good watchmaker can help with basic servicing - Breitling don't do the work themselves on vintage pieces in most parts of the world.

Thanks. Yes, I do plan to have it restored.
lesuf61