This is actually my preferred watch. It still needs correct hour/minutes hands but, even with oversized Heuer Bund hands, it still shines.
I really hope to find the right ones in the future. It deserves them. Actually, threads about Breitlings 817 are few.
This particular 817 has been assigned to helicopter pilots of Italian Army (E.I.) mainly during the 70's. From 1978 to 1979 I had my military service as a combat diver in the recon platoon belonging to the 1st Amphibious Battalion stationed in Venezia lagoon. I always bear with me the recollections of those helo pilots flying Hueys in the narrow lagoon's channels below trees top level, some 2-3 meters above the water, to avoid being detected, and picking us after a one night recon mission, dead tired. So, when I got the chance to get a Breitling 817 I did it.
I hope you didnt fall asleep reading this little story and thank you for your hospitality.
