Recently I saw an influx of questions about vintage Datora pieces, mainly the 784's and 785's and whether or not some watches were authentic, had work done to them or were blatantly fake/franken , I started to dig a little deeper
As I was just able to purchase one , which was subsequently sent to Chronodeco for service and Craig confirmed it was correct, I used this watch, together with a 18K Gold piece also confirmed to be genuine by Craig, as a starting point.
The first thing I noticed on most Breitling 784's and 785's was a distinct shape on the lugs, these are beveled and show a 'square' on the lugs (see circles on the lugs on the 785 from the 1946 catalog)
These beveled lugs and squares can also be seen on the 2 784's side by side and also on some of the 785's on offer on Ebay and Chrono24. Some other 785's do not have these beveled lugs and I find those questionable as I am unable to ascertain authenticity.
Now, by no means this is meant to be a stamp of approval but I see this might be a good starting point for determining whether or not at least the case is genuine ?
The one watch that puzzles me a bit is the one that Paul showed , as it does not show the beveled lugs ?
Paul's watch is from 1945, so would there have been a change in design from 1944 , my watch with beveled lugs to 1945 without beveled lugs back to beveled lugs in 1946 ?
anyway , here's the visual aid
Original 1946 ad , beveled lugs and squares clearly visible
My SS and the 18K confirmed piece
some 785's currently on Ebay and Chrono24 , with and without the beveled lugs
without
I am interested in hearing what you think
