The Breitling Watch Source Forums

So I got this 1966 Navitimer a while ago, as usual the plan is to overhaul it. Before I ship it out to Chronodeco I want to check out a few things. Any comments are greatly appreciated.

First of all am i right in assuming that the hour and minute hands installes are from a 70's breitling top time. I am quite sure about the hour hand but not about the minute hand.

Secondly, would anyone know where I can get the original hands? There was a pair on ebay...they went for £27 but unfortunatelly I missed them. Currently I can't find any on the bay. (I would also be happy with the earlier style - black dial - hands)

Thirdly: has anyone of you got any experience with cleaning an 806 Dial? Craig (chronodeco) told me not to attempt to clean a 769 dial as it is too fragile is this the same here?

Next: Has anybody got any experience with Billshaine's straps and bracelets such as the ones below? Are they of good quality?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FINE-STEEL-ME ... 3a808b9003

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HEAVY-STEEL-M ... 3a808b9162

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_odkw= ... p&_sacat=0

Lastly: is this crystal ok? or do you know of anyhting better/cheaper?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/IS-YOUR-BREIT ... 4d0be0caac

Thanks

Chris

many questions, but basic advice is to listen to Craig.

hands do come up from time to time, typically sell for $130 tp 150; 50s hands go quite a bit higher.
crystals are no problem, Craig has the correct Sternkreuz M; at a fraction of this price.

straps and bracelet are a question of personal taste, the fine mesh that Bill sells is of great quality; the lizard is correct and nice, the clasp is a nice touch, but not proven to be correct for 806s.

As always, much obliged Fred. I have ordered a fine mesh strap but might order a lizard at a later point.

Can anybody comment on the hands?

Thanks

Chris

what comment are you looking for ?

The hands are tougher to find than you might expect. Everyone needs hands so they go high. The dial of your watch seems fine and I wouldn't clean it but the bezel insert could stand replacing since cleaning it might make it worse. Originals are also hard to find in good condition but there are some repainted versions on ebay that are 'ok' if that's your only recourse. The straps and bracelets are a matter of taste but I would not use one made in China or Hong Kong because they are not period correct for the watch. They might look similar to what Breitling used in their ads but if they're stamped Hong Kong or China it just ruins it for me. Mush rather see a Kreisler or similar period piece on a Navitimer if you like that style.