The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hello,
I recently discovered my father's old Breitling Premier. Inscribed on the back are my dad's name, his army rank and service #, "Paris, France 2.26.46."
Ref #789, ser #591219.
I thought it was great b/c of the inscription but after looking a bit online, I see this may have more than sentimental value. I'd appreciate any information about this watch.
Thank You

Well the serial number dates the watch to 1945 rather than 1946 - obviously the inscription is when it was presented. The Premier name as you might guess is indicative of a higher end movement. The 789 came in a couple of variations with both 2 and 3 subdials (3 and 9 or 3, 6 and 9) with a Venus 150 or 151 movement.

In terms of value, I'd have to see some pictures before I could comment, although the inscription that makes it more valuable to you will actually reduce the value on the general market.

Thanks. It has two subdials. I'll try to get some pics up. I don't know how to estimate condition, but I do know that it doesn't work. As I said I'll get some pics. Thanks.

Photos attached, hopefully.
Thanks.

The 6 on the dial is very stylised - a lot more so than you generally see, but no reason to doubt authenticity with the provenance.

In this condition, with the engraving, and with no knowledge of the movement other than it doesn't work, it really doesn't have any value beyond the scrap value of the gold (assuming it is gold - there are no hallmarks visible, but they may be inside the caseback - a gold coloured caseback is generally a good indication of a gold watch).

It is definitely worth taking it to a watchmaker and getting some idea of the condition of the movement - the problem may simply be a broken mainspring and a simple service will fix it, on the other hand it could have gotten water in it and have completely lost movement. I would also have some sympathetic work done on the case to restore it without losing the inscription. The dial looks to be in good condition and I wouldn't have that worked on. The crown also looks good, almost too good so maybe a replacement, and it also looks like the bottom pusher has been replaced with a steel one.

A good condition example of this watch in steel is probably around $1,000 - maybe slightly more with a recent service. The gold obviously adds to that, but the inscription will take value away. If I were to hazard a guess I would suggest that this can be a $1,500 watch if restored - maybe $1,700. However, depending on the amount of work needed, especially with the movement, you could easily pay a good part of that having it restored.

I would be happy to give you a quote to restore it. Thanks, Craig AKA Chronodeco
http://www.chronodeco.com

_________________
S. Craig Bergsma