The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi Y'all ..
Today I introduced myself to the Forum in the thread calling for images of Breitling watches and also posted images of my Breitling Chronomat 769 per the request for images ...

For those who didn't see or read that posting ..
I have been monitoring this forum for several months now after discovering it on an internet search ... I throughly enjoy the discussions and passions shown for the product and I'm constantly amazed at the finite knowledge shared among the membership .. And I have a question I'd like to throw out in hopes of finding a solution ...

I will try and outline the problem I have encountered with my watch, in brief, in this discussion at the suggestion of Roffensian who responded to my posting on that thread, that "my question might get lost there"... In hopes, of solving the problem that has prevented me from wearing this vintage timepiece ..

Long story short ..
The rotating Bezel on my Chronomat 769 is easily "knocked off" ... and by easily, I truely mean that a casual, almost gentle jarring of the watch on my wrist will dislodge the bezel and expose the face .. Which, everyone will agree, is not the best of things to experience.

I believe, that I have read in this Forum of a similar problem encountered by another member with a watch of the same vintage and if I recall correctly, the solution seems to have been the permanant attachment of the rotating bezel by means of three equidistant threaded fastners .... Which, to this novice, seems to defeat the purpose of the instrument and not to mention, altering the originality of a vintage timepiece.

As I said earlier when I posted on the thread requesting images of Breitlings, I am reluctant to wear this fine timepiece for fear of losing the bezel or, damaging the face and works.

I'm hoping that the aquired knowledge within this Forum just might have an answer for this problem and will share with this novice .. It will be greatly appreciated!

I thank you all in advance and look forward all comments and suggestions.

Fred Elliott
"old5andimer"
Punta Gorda, Florida.

Hi old5andimer,

sorry to hear about the problem. The bezel is a weakness of these early chronomats, I'm afraid I can't help you directly, but hopefully someone like Craig at Chronodeco might be able to answer your question. If he doesn't post it might be worth dropping him a line directly.

Failing that there are a couple of other vintage Breitling restorers who could be reccomended, since I'm not in the US I haven't used any of them directly so won't mention them, but I'm sure others will. It might be worth getting the watch serviced at the same time if that hasn't happened since it's come into your posession.


I would exhaust every other option before you did this for all the reasons you mention.

The only other thought I have is that you might be in a better position with this watch since it is solid gold and I believe that is easier to repair than steel.
I had a solid gold vintage IWC that was literally missing a whole lug and my restorer he had one seamlessly put back on, so maybe the bezel can be tightened by soldering more gold onto it (as I said just a thought)

As Yaffle mentioned, I will vouch for Craig's (chronodeco) work... He's done a few pieces for me as well... He probably can figure something out for you... I believe he's also got one similar to yours....

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

3 small steel screws hold the bezel on. They are usually worn out and frozen by rust in place. They have to be removed by soaking in mild acid for a couple of days and replaced - a 1 to 2 hour job or $60 to $120. There is no other acceptible solution. Not a very good design. I posted this sometime last year with pics. Craig

_________________
S. Craig Bergsma

Thanks to all who have responded with replies to my question and for the referral / references to Craig / Chronodeco .. Thanks for taking the time to respond, it is greatly appreciated!

I will follow up with another question to the statement that Craig posted in reply regarding the retaining screws securing the rotating bezel on the earlier Chronomats ..

When examing the rotating bezel on my Chronomat very closely, it shows no evidence of ever having that feature of permanant fasteners ... Which brings me back to wondering why would a design feature, such as a rotaing bezel to perform calculations on this early mechanical timepiece have a secured bezel, if the purpose of the bezel was to rotate?

This may sound naive but it seems to defeat the purpose of the function ..

It kills me not to be able to wear the watch for fear of losing the bezel ... And it also
kills me to think that the only way I would be able to wear this watch would be to have threaded fasteners inserted into the bezel.

Being in the business I've been in for almost 40 years, the most important lesson I have learned when asked to determine a value for a client, either for resale or Insurance coverage is the originality of the item ... And that holds true regardless of what the item maybe .. a watch, an antique chest of drawers or a vintage sports car. Originality commands all attention and is most important! Especially to purists.

I think, that if the only solution to this problem is to alter the originality of this early Breitling Chronomat, then I would seriously consider selling it and finding another substitute "vintage" watch of the same period.

A short story, for what it's worth ..
Several years ago while living in Vermont and learning my trade from a long time friend and mentor, I had the good fortune to purchase a mid 1940's pink gold Rolex Bubbleback from the original owner.
I loved that watch! It was crisp, it was original and it never gave me one problem.

It was 11 years ago and in a very weak moment I sold that watch for what I felt was a fair market trade at that time .... and I have regretted that sale everyday since.

When I discovered the Breitling Chronomat this past year, on another housecall ... the words of my long time friend and mentor, Tim Fitz-Gerald rang loud and clear in my ears ... saying "Be still my heart .. Be still! Sometimes lightning does strike twice!" Well Fitz, that remains to be seen.

But enough rambling about history from a "picker" ..

I do appreciate the response to my dilema and I hope that there is another solution other than inserting threaded inserts into the bezel of my vintage Brietling.

Share your thoughts .. They are all appreciated.
old5andimer

Here's Craig's earlier post from last year.

http://breitlingsource.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=15395&p=117254#p117254

There seem to be two models of these early chronomats, with screws and without. My one doesn't have screws and most of the ones I've handled haven't had them.

http://www.timeman.net/thewatch.asp?id=615

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... K:MEWAX:IT

Here are two without.

I am far from an expert on how the bezel is attached, but I believe it is similar to the Navitimer. I think you need to send it to a specialist restorer to get an assesment, it may be that there is something missing from inside the bezel, it's just too difficult to say without handling the watch. It needs to be a vintage specialist ideally with Breitling experience.

As I said I am not in the US so don't have personal experience there, but there are a few websites with dedicated vintage sections you can ask for further advice. If no one else chimes in PM me and I'll point you in the right direction.

You will need to weigh up the cost of restoring it against it's value, It's hard to see from your pictures but I would also check the dial and make sure it's original if that is important to you.