The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I've always loved watches. I'm now just venturing into the vintage watch market. My first one will definitely be a Breitling.
My question is: what do I need to know? I'd rather not get screwed on my first vintage purchase. Any advice at all would be helpful. I'm looking at either a 769 Chronomat or a 808 Chronomat.


Also - what are some good places to find quality vintage watches?

Thanks

Welcome to the forum & the world of vintage Breitling.

If you are looking for specific models like the Chronomat 769 or 808, you are a lot less likely to be duped by the typical FantasyFakes from South America, Turkey, Italy or China; a good first step. Both are very hard to fake, although a recent China Chronomat 769 has appeared on the market, but this is easy to spot; brand new dial and hands, incorrect movement.

Standard advice would be to choose a watch you like and post it here for verification - even if outright fakes of the Chronomats are easy to spot, many of the watches offered have incorrect parts or refinished dials; we are happy to validate these.

Ebay and chrono24.com are your best bet to find these watches - you'll need a bit of patience if you want a nice piece at a fair price; good luck with your hunt !

Every piece is going to be different, and even 'real' pieces can have suffered from bad restorations. As Fred says, definitely post here before committing, and also spend some time looking at the existing threads here and you'll become more familiar with the models and what to try and avoid.

Welcome to BreitlingSource.

As Fred and Roff said time and patients will pay off. You are absolutely right getting taken on your first purchase would leave a bad taste and could turn you off from ever pursuing another vintage watch. Very knowledgeable people here will love to help you avoid the pitfalls and make collecting enjoyable. They have for me!!!

GOOD LUCK and WELCOME!!!

_________________
"A man with one watch knows what time it is; a man with two watches is never quite sure."

Thank you for your replies. I'm excited to learn more!

For a good chunk of two years I was in search of a good Chronomat 808 and 769 myself. When I started exploring buying a vintage Breitling I looked to the guides on this forum and learned to understand the slight difference in the model, variations (dials, hands, movement, and crowns), and those that were repaired.(or franken). Make yourself familiar with the model you like and research. research. research. Buy the best Chronomat you can afford because it will cost you less in the long run. It can take considerable time and money to get a watch back into a presentable condition. Also know how original you want the watch to be. This will help in deciding whether to spend a little more for something you want and enjoy.

Understand too that watches that are pristine and/ watches with providence are hard to find, but they are out there. The hunt is sometimes the best part after ownership. Good luck!

_________________
"A man with one watch knows what time it is; a man with two watches is never quite sure."