The Breitling Watch Source Forums

My dad absolutely LOVES watches. He is a tightwad and will not buy a nice watch though even though he could afford probably whatever he would want.

He has a love for older, simple looking watches. I have been seeing some older Breitling 17J watches and that is exactly what style he loves.

I know eBay is a place to look, but I seem to be finding all these “really” good deals from China. I want a nice, older vintage Breitling watch for my dad, but I would at least like to buy a “REAL” Breitling.

Where can I look other than here in the For Sale section to find some of these older vintage watches? I am looking at buying him at least 1 watch, but may buy 3-4 different styles if the price is right…maybe $500.00 per watch +/- I just want him to have a nice, fancy watch that he can be proud of other than his old Timex, Bulova, or Sheffield watches. Below is a watch he really likes but is not working so that is another little project I have to do for him as well. No idea how much that watch would be worth...knowing him, I am sure its not worth much though..lol

Any help you guys can give me or point me in the right direction will be most helpful… I am going to google to do some searches also, but you guys with all the knowledge you have I figure is going to be my best, and safest shot!

Thanks everyone,
Shawn

ebay and patience ! Not from China, not from South America, hesitate when you see a seller from Florida, beware of Turkey. Post pics and links, you should be able to find nice pieces well below your target price, though you should factor in a complete service in addition to the buying price.

Re the old Bulova, pm member chronodeco. It might not make sense financially, as servicing costs will be well above market value for this, but if your father likes this watch then this is the best way to go.

If you're patient enough with google translate, try eBay.ch. The old 3 handers were sold more in Europe than here.

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1961 ref 806
1967 ref 2002
1991 A10096
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Here's an example of a nice , simple, 1950ies automatic 3 hand
at 35mm its just wearable

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

nice, very rare and probably quite far above the pricing ideas of the OP ?

Not necessarily ,well, you wont get it for the price of 1 Chinese fake, but you should be able to get it for the price of 3
Chinese fakes

edit: Chinese fakes are increasing massively in price, I just saw one offered for $700 !! , .. so its 1.5 to 2 Chinese fakes, not 3

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

Hi ftgokie,

I think the answer lies in what you said it in your opening paragraph. If your Dad loves watches but won't buy a good one for himself, then consider the following;

Perhaps he does not want to take the chance of damage or loss on an expensive watch. They can be a burdon and something that most people don’t consider when buying that something special for another person.

Buying him 4 quality watches might be a bit of an overload for him and perhaps, although well intentioned, might just make it harder for him.

Perhaps you should buy the 4 for yourself and let him look at them occassionaly!

Later

James

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Jim

"You have Control".

Thanks James! If my wife seen your reply, she would say you couldnt be on my friends list because you suggested I buy them for myself

I think my dad honestly has just never been exposed to a higher end watch, but I could be wrong....He seen my Superocean Pro just before I sent it off to Breitling for a total overhaul he just kept asking if I would sell it to him and what I was going to do with it.. So, I think he wants one, he just doesnt want to be the one that dishes out the money.. I will just look around and see what I can find and get him an older Breitling and I think he will be super happy.


Lots of good info here and as a watch noob I am soaking as much up as I can..

Thanks everyone
Shawn

Hi Shawn....My father is the same way. Years ago I gave him my old Huer(pre Tag) when I bought
a Movado gold dress watch. He put the thing up and never wore it! the battery burst...there goes
a great watch
Don't make it too good to wear...If he's that kind of guy.
Good luck

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"In the end there can be but one"

Geez, that kinda sounds like my dad. I think if I got him an older nice watch for $300-$500. I really think he would wear it. He is retired now so he wouldnt be afraid to wear it and mess it up....Great advice though