The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hello All,

Thanks to this forum I found someone to repair my Dad's Navitimer . ( Tijdloos , Leiden , Netherlands ) .
Since I know nothing about watches what should I do and what not when having it repaired ?
It has some dents in the backplate .
Any absolute NONO's ?
Also what wristband is originally supplied with this watch and what other options do I have ?
Leather , steel folding clasp ( I know he likes steel bracelet with folding clasp ) ?
And where to find it ?
Please send your opinions !
Thanks for your help ,
Bruno .

The original strap would have been a 22mm tapered strap ( to 16 or 18mm) in black leather, probably lizard. But these watches look equally great on dark brown or tan. I think they were also supplied with the steel “ flex” elasticated metal bracelets. There no need to be slavish to the original style . Search google images and buy what you like. I think a less casual croc strap looks sharp.

In regards to the repair, best to keep it to the minimum

- get the movement and case fully cleaned
- do not polish the case, leave the caseback marks there ( no one sees them anyway)
- do not touch the dial
- Polish the crystal to remove scratches or replace with a sternkreuz M crystal if needed.
- I’d suggest in your case the hands need to have the luminous material redone as you can see it’s flaking away, and once it does it ends up on the dial and in the watch mechanism. Some watchmakers try to stabilise the lume with superglue on the reverse. Match new lume reasonably closely to the lume colour of the dial. Try not to repaint the hands.
- you may want to keep an eye out for a new/ replacement for your sliderule, as I’m not sure yours is original? - the painting looks very dark - but they are very very hard to find so probably leave it as is.

Is the third subdial hand in there? I only spot 2.

Hello Buddman ,
Thanks !
The watch hasn't been touched for the last 50 years . It was stored for at least 40 years in a closet .
So I believe all is original even the slide rule .
As it hasn't been opened my guess is that all 3 hands are still inside ... but you are right I only see 2 as well ...
I can see 3 small screws but only 2 of them have a hand . I guess one broke off .
I do not dare to open it
Thanks for your time !
Bruno .

https://www.ukwatchstrap.co.uk/DiModell ... ns-G8.html

https://www.ukwatchstrap.co.uk/DiModell ... wn-G8.html

Also loads on eBay - all types colour sizes.

Others
https://bulangandsons.com/collections/t ... atch-strap

https://bulangandsons.com/collections/t ... atch-strap

Croc/alligator straps are a bit more difficult as they can look good on-line but feels cheap in person. If you go that way you want to spend more and get good quality. If you really want to “float the boat” then ABP Paris. They normally have a post Christmas sale. I like this one but you’d need to ask for 22mm

https://www.abpconcept.paris/collection ... noir-black