The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I have a S.S. Long Player model I bought new in 1972. The movement needs some repair. Breitling Service have quoted me £550 for their "Vintage Full refurb". I definitely won't sell this watch for sentimental reasons, but I am wondering how the repair cost compares to the value of the watch after refurb. I have seen a couple around £850. Does that sound in the ballpark for a totally original example? (still have receipt, certificate and case) If I go ahead, I am told to use the watch regularly to keep the movement in good running condition and therefore needed some idea of value for insurance cover. Any thoughts?

thanks,

ike

ike, I'll try and find some examples in the Benno Richter book when I get home this evening and see what that guide price is (updated in 2007), although your best indication is probably to see what they are priced at around the web (at reputable dealers rather than on the Bay) as that is more reflective of replacement cost which is what is relevant from an insurance perspective.

The problem that you may have is finding a comparable example - not so much the watch itself, but the supporting paperwork including receipt. That would definitely add to the resale value because it adds to the provenance, but I'm not sure whether you can accurately quantify that value.

I'm not that familiar with 70s watches - is there a model number on the watch or was there only one Long Player model (will help me find it in the book)?

OK, I found a few references in the book to a Long Playing - I assume that's the same.

Model number 815/3 and 820/3 - both are manual wind round cased watches with light dials (there are also /4 versions but they are gold plated so won't be yours).

Next is a very unusual one - 7103 which is listed as semi-circular with a dark dial and a date - I'm guessing you would have mentioned if it was semi-circular.

Finally is the 7104 / 7104T (first is dark face, second is light face) which is described as oval with a date function. Assuming that the book has all of them it should be fairly easy to match yours up.

There are four shown in the price guide:

An 815 / 820 with 3 black sub dials from 1974 - $800 - 900
A 7104 with 3 light subdials from 1970 - $1,800 - 2,000
A 7104 with 3 black subdials from 1968 - $800 - 900
A 7104 with 2 black subdials from 1970 - $800 - 900

No idea why the second one is out of line with the others - it isn't listed as gold, but that would be the obvious conclusion (the picture is black and white).

Yup. It's an 815 with 3 registers. Thanks for your help.

regards,

Ike

Just for completeness, the 815 is based on a Valjoux 7736 movement.

Another thought. The current strap was a cheap replacement years ago. I can't now recall what the original strap was, cow or croc. Breitling are quoting for a new strap. Can I assume they will replace as per original spec?

Ike

I don't know either - my 70s knowledge is non existent, although my guess would be cow. The quote you will get will be for a modern strap of the right size - they will likely offer you both options. I don't know how modern straps compare with the vintage ones (there are very few vintage straps surviving in anything like good condition for obvious reasons), but the look will likely be similar.

Cow it probably was. It was at the time I recall, one of the cheapest chronographs in the range, and croc straps were probably standard on the higher priced models. I worked part time for a watch/clock repairer in the neighbourhood. The watch was in part payment. I remember it was £48 (trade price). I really wanted one of the Navitimers - so, so beautiful, but it was wayy out of a young lads budget at the time - even at trade. Even £48 was a lot of money for a watch in 1972!

regards,

ike

At long last, this beauty has come back from Breitling. Just thought you might enjoy some pictures of my Long Playing Model 815/3. I'm gobsmacked - it looks like new!.

Fraid my cameras not the best - sorry I can't get clearer shots.





The back had got badly scratched - so very heavily polished (not by Breitling this time though)








At 38mm it looks quite small on my 8" wrist. But I think the dial says it all


The Breitling strap although quite pricy just makes it complete - no other strap comes close except maybe a Breitling croc, but I believe that wouldn't have been original for this model.

I wore it today for the first time in nearly 25 years! It has been lying in it's box all that time. I wanted it to be as it was when I bought it at the tender age of 16 in time for turning half a century in a couple of weeks.

cheers,

Ike

They certainly do a good job - never cheap through Breitling, but definitely worth it - that does indeed look as good as new.

Congratulations on the watch, I can't imagine how you are feeling to be wearing it again after all this time. And congratulations on the upcoming birthday!

The watch looks great! I'd be interested to know what movement is in there but I'm betting a Valjoux 7736. There were still some Venus 178's out there in 1972 but it was a transition period for Breitling and they were going away from the expensive 178.

Paul

Stunning... worth every penny for that!

heres a link to mine- all mine needed was a polish and a new crystal and it came up as new...
http://breitlingsource.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=2510

Only reason I sold it was because I didn't get on with the gold any more- would have preferred the stainless one, but couldnt find one.
Seeing yours makes me realise I was right with that decision...

You sold it without telling me!

Looks fantastic

The more I see them, the more I'm tempted by vintage models.

Wow.

Nice thick case! I like it!

~Brian

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