The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Just got this back from Craig and he believes it is all original. What do you all think. There is not much written about Monbrillants.

Brietling did not label its brand on dials or movements before 1928 due to copyright issues between Leon/Willy Breitling and their ancestors (father/grandfather). Due to the conflict, when they started labelling 'Breitling' in 1928, 'Montbrillant' was also used along with 'no name' dial and movements, and remained in existence until 1939. The webpage and paragraph below, although in French which I translated using 'Google Translate', explains the interchangeable usage of the names/models 'Brietling' and 'Montbrillant' between 1935 and 1939
It was around 1935, it seems, appear the first markings on the dials and movements. You can find the brand "Breitling" but also the brand "Montbrillant". It also seems that there was within the company Breitling some hesitation as to what to call the company. Montbrillant the word is regularly used since installation in La Chaux de Fonds. From 1934 to 1936 he even supplant the Breitling name in numerous commercials. But in 1937 the brand Breitling resume definitely over, although occasionally one can find the brand Montbrillant until 1939. It should be noted that only one advertisement in 1935, shows a dial chronograph wristwatch where the word appears Montbrillant. All others, both in 1935 than 1936, show dials unsigned."
This webpage and image on page 25 (right side) shows the first 'Montbrillant' model in 1936:

Here is the Montbrillant Craig restored;

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

Very nice Rick. I think that one of the reasons that you don't see them discussed much is that there aren't many original ones around, plus of course they are even less well documented than the later pieces.

Great looking piece !
I cannot confirm or comment on the autenticity w/ rgds to Breitling as I just dont know enough of these .

One thing I do know, it deserves a much better strap than the chinese one !

Great catch Rick , beautiful watch

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"I spent most of my money on Booze, Breitling and Boats. The rest I wasted" - mostly Elmore Leonard

love it - and think you have added a correct piece to the miniscule number of surviving Montbrillant; can't prove it, of course, but I like it a lot. Congrats !

Rene That was the strap it came with. Craig says it needs a soft strap because it uses female spring bars. Lug width is 20mm.
any suggestions.

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

Great piece