The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi guys,

My first post after much reading here and elsewhere over the course of the past 6 months. I have been on the lookout for a 'black on black' 806 for a long time now although admittedly have been looking more in shops and only very occasionally browsing the bay.

Today I came across the below and jumped on it. Thought I got an ok price - at least relative to what I've seen in shops.

To be double sure I haven't just made a massive mistake I'd be really interested to hear what you think of this - does the serial number match 1960, does it look real, original condition etc? All input would be very appreciated.

Oh, and most importantly... Very excited to have joined the ranks (but don't let that stop you from giving me disappointing news - I'd rather hear it now than later)

AFAIK, your serial does date it to 1960...

from my eye it looks legit... of course I have a hard time with the fine details with 806s... such as hands, bezel, crown, etc...

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

The movement appear to look rusty in your pickture
It may need a service

The watch is otherwise fine looking example
Abaut Arabic on a watch from 1960 I can't say as my focus is 65 to 67

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Welcome to BreitlingSource!

Watch is a late 1960 by the serial number, and this is in the transition window from first generation to second generation so it's very hard to say with absolute certainty whether it's right of wrong. This example has the early all black dial, but has second generation hands - are they a service replacement or original - who knows, they are aged with the watch and certainly could have been on the watch new.

The outer sliderule looks pretty badly worn and I'm not absolutely convinced that's original, but no big deal, and as noted the movement could use some TLC. I think that a mechanical restoration and a good clean would go a long way towards making this a very good example - nice pick up.

welcome and congrats, nice piece after a little TLC.
beware of excessive "decorative" restoration, better ask b4 you have anything drastically done.

at first glance the dial looks 'restored' (repainted) and the slide rule ring definately looks to be redone but I would need larger and clearer pics to be absolutely sure

other than that it looks well used but original

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"I spent most of my money on Booze, Breitling and Boats. The rest I wasted" - mostly Elmore Leonard

Thank you very much for the replies.

Overall doesn't sound like I got myself in too much trouble for my first Breitling (first REAL watch in fact - only had random crap in the past and haven't worn a watch for many years. So looking forward to this).

Can see what you mean about the mechanics. According to seller it was cleaned, oiled and adjusted only 1.5 months ago at a cost of $600. What kind of costs do you think I should expect to get it properly restored and cleaned as you recommend (and can anyone recommend at good place in or around London)?

Dracha, curious to understand how you see that the dial and slide rule look restored (especially the slide rule which looks very worn or are you talking about a different part of the watch than I am looking at)?

from what I can see the #23, 24 & 25 look to be hand painted on the ring ?, specially the lower half of the 3 in 23 seems smaller than the upper half but might be down to wear.

Also the dial looks repainted , less 'crisp' and the numbers are 'thinner' when compared to an original dial ,
and again the 3 in 1:30 above the 2 o' clock marker , the lower side seems smaller than the upper side of the 3
the 10th second markers not properly spaced (not equal distance between all markers)
and the 'swiss made' seems to be missing ?
the word 'Navitimer' doesnt seem right either , incorrect and inconsistent font

here's an original dial so you can compare and you can see what I mean


and the movement seems from an earlier watch with the single line on the bridge , but I need to have a look at my documentation later today to make sure

As said, I would need better pics to be absolutely sure

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"I spent most of my money on Booze, Breitling and Boats. The rest I wasted" - mostly Elmore Leonard

Not 100% sure either way on the dial, I think that the outer slide rule is non Breitling and the font is a little different.

Dial & sliderule has been redone, and I am absolutely sure.


/ Kurt B