The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi Everyone,

Just recently came across this site and it's really informative. I recently came across my grandfathers old watch that my mother gave to me after he passed away over 10 years ago. I wasn't really sure what it was but did some research and think it is a 1967ish Navitimer 806. It's not in the best of shape as it no longer has the original band, the slide rule is missing, the winder wheel/dial thingy appears to have been lost and replaced with a non-breitling one, and it appears that only the stop watch is working.

I took it over to La Swiss(Ontario, Canada) to ask for an estimate to restore it and they said it would be $550 to get it working again but I asked about replacing the slide rule and winder and they said they would contact Breitling to see if the parts are available as I don't want to do the work if I can't get it restored. I am a little nervous as to whether I should let them do the work or if I should have taken it to Breitling in Toronto. I found anotehr thread on here about a similar restoration that looked really good and cost about $1500. Is this what I can expect for a restoration? I know a replacement band is going to cost me on top of that. I guess I am just looking for some advice/direction on what the best method of getting this done would be. The gold plating is pretty tarnished as well.

thanks in advance.

Well for a start there is no such thing as Breitling in Toronto - it's a Breitling approved watchmaker that is owned by the same company that owns La Swiss, and it's for modern watches. Breitling today is a different company than Breitling from the 1960s and you can do better than having them do the work.

The only difficuly part is going to be the sliderule, we have a member here chronodeco (Craig) who can do the restoration - he'll need to see some pictures but should be able to help and will do a great job. He may have sources for the sliderule, or other members may have some thoughts, but the total cost should be less than $1,500.

If it does have to go through a Breitling source then I would use Mark Heist at Horological Services in PA. Using a US based restorer isn't a problem, you'll only pay import duty / taxes on the cost of the service, not on the value of the watch.

Thanks for the information. I will contact the people you suggested if La Swiss cannot get the parts.