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Info of Ref. 170 model?
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Author:  DHopper71 [ Sun Mar 18, 2012 12:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Info of Ref. 170 model?
Hi all. With my recent fascination with the vertical register chronographs, I've been digging into many many Venus 170 powered watches. After building two ref. 178s, I began looking into a ref. 170 version. Unfortunately I am finding very little info anywhere on this model.

My initial thought was that they were pre-1940 era only; however, I've recently found what appears to be a ref. 170 from 1949 given the serial number.

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I've heard of empty Breitling cases being used by other companies to house their own branded watches, but I don't know the time period this took place.

Can anyone shed some light on the manufacturing time frame that Breitling produced the ref. 170? Can anyone also share any good pictures of confirmed legit 170s?

Thanks much!
Author:  Roffensian [ Sun Mar 18, 2012 1:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Info of Ref. 170 model?
40s era two register chronograph (12 / 6) and lasted into the 50s. Richter has a picture of one and the case looks broadly correct, although the nickel chromium is uncommon stamping.
Author:  DHopper71 [ Sun Mar 18, 2012 1:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Info of Ref. 170 model?
Thank you sir. I think that the "nickel chromium" was a later addition maybe. Looks newer and a different etching style.

It has an unmarked Venus 170 inside and a repainted dial with no name. I'm sure it's a Breitling case, but not sure if it is all Breitling except the refinished dial. Any other way to tell?
Author:  Roffensian [ Sun Mar 18, 2012 1:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Info of Ref. 170 model?
No way to guarantee that it is - bridge should be unmarked at this vintage, too early for export codes, etc. Easy to say that it's wrong if something has been added, but virtually impossible to prove that it's correct. That said, an unmarked Venus 170 is an unmarked Venus 170 - if it's not original then it's identical to original if it hasn't been 'enhanced' by an amateur engraving.
Author:  Dracha [ Sun Mar 18, 2012 3:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Info of Ref. 170 model?
is the inside of the caseback marked with breitling ?
Author:  DHopper71 [ Sun Mar 18, 2012 4:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Info of Ref. 170 model?
No. I'll pull it out again in a few. Neither of my ref. 178s were marked Breitling on the caseback either.

I'm almost certain the inside caseback was rebranded Lipton if I remember correctly. But I can't find anything about Lipton ... Other than tea.
Author:  Roffensian [ Sun Mar 18, 2012 4:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Info of Ref. 170 model?
Unmarked caseback would be most likely for this age.
Author:  chronodeco [ Mon Mar 19, 2012 5:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Info of Ref. 170 model?
FYI - seen several non Breitling cases in the past 12 years marked 178 with a serial number below on the back that were not Breiting so you have to be careful with these!
Author:  DHopper71 [ Mon Mar 19, 2012 7:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Info of Ref. 170 model?
Thanks, Craig. I have started to see some differing variations of Suisse or boutique watches in "almost" Breitling cases. I read that quite a few nos items changed hands several years back including watches, movements, cases, and parts.

Having this resource is a saving grace for those of us still learning the watch world. I'm certainly not too proud to ask for help here first ... most of the time I certainly need it! :)

Cheers.
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