The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi,

Around 25 years ago I inherited a watch from my dad. At the time I didn't know anything about watched and just thought it was too big and forgot all about it. The other day I found it in a drawer and to my surprise I realized it what it was. Unfortunately it has been in a drawer without protection and is not in the best of conditions but it still works like a charm. I now live in Montreal and want to get it serviced and cleaned up. I wonder if you have any recommendations on what I should do with a watch that has not been taken care of for such a long time. The glass is scratched, it is dirty both on the inside and the outside and the second handle seems to be a second off (pointing once second before the 24 hour mark). I couldn't find any documentation left and don't know if that can be a problem. The serial number is almost completely gone but it looks like 1320081. Not sure if that will tell me something about the watch :=)

Hope someone can help me since I really want to get this beautiful watch in good condition!


Daniel

welcome and congrats on your drawer find, it will restore easily and become a glorious piece.

we are extremely fortunate to have a wonderful vintage watchmaker among our members; pm "chronodeco", Craig comes highly recommded by many members and does work on the cal11/12 movements.

if the 132xx is correct, this would be a early 1809 from late 1969, so probably cal. 11. Make sure to post pics of the restored piece.

we could include the vintage restoration in the FAQ, Roff ?

Hey, if anybody is a "vintage" watchmaker it's me. I've been doing this for 50 years.

However, Craig does an outstanding job of restoring vintage watches. I've seen pictures of several before and after examples of his work. I highly recommend him. And, that comes from a vintage watchmaker!

_________________
1809 Cosmonaute
1903 Navi
Navi Olympus
Super Avenger

Aging nicely, with no signs of rust, but perhaps needing some lubrication in critical friction points???

Thanks a lot! I'll contact him for sure :=)
I'll also post some before and after pictures in this thread. Now time to go out and celebrate New Years with my new baby around my wrist!

Happy New Years to all of you!

Thanks for the kind words. I find that tequila is, by far, the best lubricant. Although, a good single malt scotch or a fine Bordeaux wine will also do quite nicely.

_________________
1809 Cosmonaute
1903 Navi
Navi Olympus
Super Avenger