The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi,
I have been doing a spot if investigation into Top Times. Lots of models and movements!
Love the steel, circular cased ones...Thunderball dial!

Can anyone help shed some light on the main differences, how you tell them apart, most sought after etc...

Assuming the Venus 178 & 188's are the cream but a bit confused by the amount of models with Valjoux (7730, 7736? Etc).

Also can one tell a Venus 188 from a Valjoux without seeing inside? Spacing of sub dials perhaps?

Any info would be great. Getting into my Breitlings after many years of Zeniths!

Thanks.


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actually not that many:

Top Time ref. 810; only V178; tricompax, 38mm diameter

Top Time ref. 2000-SS/2002-GP/2004-18k; bicompax, V188/R7730/R7733, 36mm diameter, WP

Top Time ref. 2001-SS/2003-GP; bicompax, V188/R7730/R7733, 36mm diameter, non-WP

Valjoux R7730 are renamed Venus V188, R7733 is considered slightly less collectible, but great movements.

"slim hand" pieces all have V188 or R7730, later wide hand 200x might have the R7730 or the 7733, often (not always) marked on the caseback.

no way to tell externally if somebody has swapped the movement.

Thanks. That is very clear. All great looking watches.
Finding local (London) prices are in the region of 1500 - 1800 uk pounds for a very clean 2002 with black panda dial.


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Keep looking at those prices. Way too high unless you have an unlimited liquid cash flow then it doesn't really matter.

Wayne

Thanks. I don't want to pay over the odds so will keep looking. I was told 1400 tops for a mint 2002 'Thunderball'.
Sound about right?


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I will let Fred answer this one!!!

Wayne

I think it was Fred that advised! Sorry in advance if wasn't you!!


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As I said I don't like paying over odds. A few Zenith 135's on the 'bay at the mo - asking £7k to 11k!!!! Scary.


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Let me clarify, your 1500-1800 uk pounds would be the price for a 18k gold 2002 and up. For a mint stainless steel, no flipping way. I am sure Fred would agree.

Wayne