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1943 Ref. 178 - Venus 170 - Project near complete
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Author:  DHopper71 [ Mon Mar 05, 2012 5:56 pm ]
Post subject:  1943 Ref. 178 - Venus 170 - Project near complete
Thought I would share the short version of the story of the watch that pushed me into Brietling obsession. There is quite a bit more detail in the other WUS forum if you head there much.

It started with a couple of movements that my local shop scraped up for me during a visit. At the time I really knew next to nothing about what I was looking at other than they were old, one was Breitling, and they had to be mine. After just a few minutes of searching I found out I had a Venus 170 movement, dial, and hands. Given the style and markings I narrowed it down to the early 40s. Shortly after I posted a thread on WUS asking how possible would it be to find an old case. Similar situation to what I'm in now with my Chronomat, I was expecting a loooong wait.

Well, within a few days I had in hand a box from a watchmakers estate, found on the 'bay, that contained an original case, partial movement, better dial, and hands from a 1943 ref. 178. After a little pusher repair I put it all together. The only thing left to replace is the crystal. I'll soon be sending it off for a full service and intense cleaning as well, but for now ...

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I hope you like it. I absolutely love it! Can't wait to finish my other 178 in the next week. Then I'll be working on a Premier and hopefully one day soon my Chronomat.

Cheers.

~D
Author:  cruvon [ Mon Mar 05, 2012 6:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 1943 Ref. 178 - Venus 170 - Project near complete
Beautiful project watch. Managed to find all parts that were period correct for a 178?
Author:  DHopper71 [ Mon Mar 05, 2012 6:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 1943 Ref. 178 - Venus 170 - Project near complete
cruvon wrote:
Beautiful project watch. Managed to find all parts that were period correct for a 178?



Yessir! The job lot box contained a complete '43 178, with the exception of a couple of movement parts. My complete movement matched the original exactly, and between the two I have a great working original period correct Venus 170. The case, dial, hands, etc. are all 178 originals as well.
Author:  Roffensian [ Mon Mar 05, 2012 6:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 1943 Ref. 178 - Venus 170 - Project near complete
Looks nice and the case is in great condition. Not convinced about the bridge engraving though.
Author:  cruvon [ Mon Mar 05, 2012 7:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 1943 Ref. 178 - Venus 170 - Project near complete
DHopper71 wrote:
cruvon wrote:
Beautiful project watch. Managed to find all parts that were period correct for a 178?



Yessir! The job lot box contained a complete '43 178, with the exception of a couple of movement parts. My complete movement matched the original exactly, and between the two I have a great working original period correct Venus 170. The case, dial, hands, etc. are all 178 originals as well.


Awesome job!
Author:  DHopper71 [ Mon Mar 05, 2012 7:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 1943 Ref. 178 - Venus 170 - Project near complete
Roffensian wrote:
Looks nice and the case is in great condition. Not convinced about the bridge engraving though.



I think you may be right, Roff. One of the movement bridges was unmarked and this one was. When I get it serviced I'll have the other bridge put on. Should be back to normal after that.
Author:  cwiegering [ Fri Mar 09, 2012 1:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 1943 Ref. 178 - Venus 170 - Project near complete
Hi my friend, someone called this a venus 178, but the 178 has 3 sub dials. on the 9 oclock (60 seconds), on the 3 o clock (30 min) and the 6 o clock (12 hours)... just like the venus 152.
Author:  DHopper71 [ Fri Mar 09, 2012 1:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 1943 Ref. 178 - Venus 170 - Project near complete
cwiegering wrote:
Hi my friend, someone called this a venus 178, but the 178 has 3 sub dials. on the 9 oclock (60 seconds), on the 3 o clock (30 min) and the 6 o clock (12 hours)... just like the venus 152.



Hi.

Actually, we called it a Reference 178, which is correct. It holds a Venus 170 up&down register movement. But thank you. The Venus 178 is indeed a 3 sundial movement.
Author:  DHopper71 [ Mon Mar 12, 2012 9:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 1943 Ref. 178 - Venus 170 - Project near complete
Here's a pic with its much needed replacement glass ... and his newly assembled little brother '46.

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Author:  WatchFred [ Mon Mar 12, 2012 9:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 1943 Ref. 178 - Venus 170 - Project near complete
well done, very nice !
Author:  jlee5050 [ Tue Mar 13, 2012 11:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 1943 Ref. 178 - Venus 170 - Project near complete
That one on the right is outrageous.... Super sweet
Author:  DHopper71 [ Tue Mar 13, 2012 1:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 1943 Ref. 178 - Venus 170 - Project near complete
Thanks gentlemen. I'm really enjoying them. I'm thinking of pulling the trigger on a 787 premier to keep them company. Maybe. Might have to wait until my Chronomat is done instead. That may be getting closer to a solution after today, so it certainly may jump back to my main priority.

I need to send off the '46 for a full service and movement scrub. Decisions decisions.
Author:  cruvon [ Tue Mar 13, 2012 4:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 1943 Ref. 178 - Venus 170 - Project near complete
Congrats, well done!
Author:  redark54 [ Thu Mar 29, 2012 6:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 1943 Ref. 178 - Venus 170 - Project near complete
Hello there.I would like to ask a question if I may and I hope you can tell me where I may find the answer.My father inlaw gave me his old ling #577512 model 178.It does not have the red numbering as yours does,but other than that is it is the same..Can you tell me or lead me to more info on this watch.I would like to get it fixed as it runs but stops after a few seconds.I thank you for you time and please do not go out of your way,or only when you have the time to look into this watch..Ken
Author:  DHopper71 [ Thu Mar 29, 2012 6:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 1943 Ref. 178 - Venus 170 - Project near complete
Hi Ken. I'm far from a Breitling expert, but I would be happy to help in any way I can. I'll send you a PM. Maybe you could post a picture of it here?
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