The Breitling Watch Source Forums

this chronograph is on Ebay, it's genuine ?

Well it is a Venus 170, but I'm a little dubious. Clearly a redial, and I'm inclined to think that it may be a frankenwatch - is it a South American seller by any chance?

It's categorically not 1943 - the serial is almost 60,000 earlier than the start of reliable numbering in 1944, and there were not many watches produced in the war years, so if the caseback is correct then we are talking mid to late 30s.

The hands are similar to documented Breitling hands of the period, but the references I have describe the 171 as having roman numerals, not arabics (but it is a round case, square button, 45 minute chrono). More importantly, they also say that a 171 should be powered by a Venus 188, not a 170. The 188 would have 3 and 9 subs, not 6 and 12.

However, more confusion I'm afraid - the Israeli site has this picture as a 171:


which clearly is a 6 and 12 chrono, and likely powered by a 170. It also has arabics.

I'm not familiar with the specific model, so not sure which is correct (or if there were two versions).

With this one, you need to learn more about the history - especially the dial - when was it replaced / refinished, by whom, etc. Better pictures of the movement would also help - it could be OK, but it almost looks 'too good'. If it is South American, leave it alone.

Roff:
Could you post the link to that "Isreali Site" many of you vintage guys speak of. While I do nto speak Hebrew, I would like to learn from the pics as best as possible. THX

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Chronomat, Steel/Gold, MOP Dial, 2-tone band (2008)
Super Avenger Black Baton Dial (2009)
Bentley B04 GMT Silver Dial (2013)
Avenger Blacksteel Baton Dial (2014)

Here you go... http://www.clubbreitlingisrael.co.il/

Bnewbie, just like Visa; everywhere you want to be! THX!

_________________
Chronomat, Steel/Gold, MOP Dial, 2-tone band (2008)
Super Avenger Black Baton Dial (2009)
Bentley B04 GMT Silver Dial (2013)
Avenger Blacksteel Baton Dial (2014)

Giving my best.