The Breitling Watch Source Forums
https://www.breitlingsource.com/phpBB2/

Navitimer 816 (Generation VIII)
https://www.breitlingsource.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=29934		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  mattuk [ Fri May 06, 2011 11:50 am ]
Post subject:  Navitimer 816 (Generation VIII)
Evening all,

I am weighing up the options on what to do with my Breiting Navitimer. I a few photos for reference - please send me a message if you would like me to send them to you.

Option 1) Keep the watch. I have received a quote from Breitling for a "sympathetic restoration" on the watch (c. 1969) for approx £650. This includes a vintage overhaul, some restoration to the case, 2x chronograph pushers + new crown and new plexi crystal.

Option 2) Sell the watch. Due to its age, I do not have a box/papers. I do, however, have a "valuation for insurance" from Breitling as a form of authentication. Obviously the watch would need the work undertaken as in option 1 and the back of the watch has, over the years, been well worn - with little of the engravings remaining. If I was to go about this option - where would be the best place to get a valuation on the watch?

Thank you for any help you may give

Regards

Matt
Author:  jlee5050 [ Fri May 06, 2011 1:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Navitimer 816 (Generation VIII)
You should post the pics here on the forum... you'll get a wayyyyyy faster response... use a photo hosting site, upload the photos and you can even paste the links here and someone will help you out shortly.
Author:  Roffensian [ Fri May 06, 2011 4:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Navitimer 816 (Generation VIII)
jlee5050 wrote:
You should post the pics here on the forum... you'll get a wayyyyyy faster response... use a photo hosting site, upload the photos and you can even paste the links here and someone will help you out shortly.



:yeahthat - instructions are here - viewtopic.php?f=5&t=453

That said, condition makes a huge difference in the value of these pieces, however you won't necessarily get the full GBP650 back on resale.

Take a look at pieces that have sold on eBay and at pieces listed on chrono24 to get some idea, but condition really does make a huge difference. In terms of people here giving you an estimate, we'll need shots of dial, inside and outsode of caseback and movement to give anything remotely accurate.
Author:  mattuk [ Sun May 08, 2011 1:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Navitimer 816 (Generation VIII)
Hi

I have uploaded 4 pics to flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/mattuk2/ its just of the face and strap. I will try and get a few pics of the back of the watch tomorrow. However, the has several scratches and has been well worn - you are able to make out the numbers under good light.

I will be back with an updated tomorrow evening.

Thanks so far!

Matt
Author:  vintage [ Sun May 08, 2011 2:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Navitimer 816 (Generation VIII)
From what I can see it looks like a very nice example to me. These typically have light engraving on the back and I wouldn't worry about that for a second. I've had some so worn that I had to look at the back through a loupe and angle it at the same time to read the information engraved there.
Author:  WatchFred [ Sun May 08, 2011 2:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Navitimer 816 (Generation VIII)
very nice. Might make sense to ask chronodeco for a restoration quote, not sure this needs that much work ?
Author:  Roffensian [ Sun May 08, 2011 3:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Navitimer 816 (Generation VIII)
Yeah, don't want to read too much into just dial shots, but it looks to be in pretty good shape and I certainly wouldn't be doing much with it.
Author:  jlee5050 [ Sun May 08, 2011 10:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Navitimer 816 (Generation VIII)
I've seen worse... That is a beautiful piece!

Is that the original bracelet? If so even better!
Author:  mattuk [ Mon May 09, 2011 12:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Navitimer 816 (Generation VIII)
Evening

I have uploaded a few more photos to Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/mattuk2/

Thanks for all the comments so far.

WatchFred - I am in the UK. From a quick Google search it seems Chronodeco are based in the US - I would be rather concerned about sending the watch overseas (I don't trust the postal systems a great deal).

jlee5050 - As far as I am aware, the bracelet is original.

Do any of you think its work getting this watch restored for the £650? Is the watch even worth that amount?

Regards

Matt
Author:  Roffensian [ Mon May 09, 2011 3:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Navitimer 816 (Generation VIII)
mattuk wrote:
Do any of you think its work getting this watch restored for the £650? Is the watch even worth that amount?



I think that it's worth figuring out insurance and sending the watch to Craig (chronodeco). His work is incredible and you won't pay a fraction of GBP650.
Author:  WatchFred [ Tue May 10, 2011 12:32 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Navitimer 816 (Generation VIII)
Craig/Chronodeco is in the US, but the postal services are quite fast, reliable and cheap, and you would get a perfectly restored watch at a very fair price. from what I see on the pics there seems rather little cosmetic work to do, but it has to been done by someone who has the eyes, hands and heart for vintage pieces.

mattuk wrote:
£650? Is the watch even worth that amount?

a nicely restored 816 with bracelet would typically fetch at least double the discussed amount, probably quite a bit more.
Page 1 of 1 All times are UTC - 8 hours
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group
https://www.phpbb.com/