The Breitling Watch Source Forums

So I've noticed

I've seen one but neither of the sellers seems willing to respond when I asked for additional photos. (I say one because one of the sellers is using the other ones photo in his ebay ad, even the exact same text for the item description)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0363346098
http://forums.watchnet.com/index.php?t= ... 4799&rid=0

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Currently:
Breitling - Colt chronoOcean
Others - RADO Integral Jubile, Movado Museum, Lum-Tec M9, Seikos

Special knowledge can be a terrible disadvantage if it leads you too far along a path that you cannot explain anymore.
Frank Herbert 'Dune'

That's not the same watch - that's an Aviastar from much later - mid to late 90s.

I ran across both photos one night while searching around and went 'Hey!' I've seen that picture before. It seemed odd, particularly since neither seller seems to want to answer my email and send me additional photos.

I figured from your earlier comment that 'the one' is not a well known / available watch, that I would be in for the long haul searching for one. Not that for unlimited funds I couldn't find one but ...

I've also noticed that my searches get watches with diamonds and gold. Not what I wanted as I never was big into overtly flashy jewlrey. It was different when I worked in Manhattan, but now I'm more into the understated. Except for 'the one' I'm hunting for.

_________________
Currently:
Breitling - Colt chronoOcean
Others - RADO Integral Jubile, Movado Museum, Lum-Tec M9, Seikos

Special knowledge can be a terrible disadvantage if it leads you too far along a path that you cannot explain anymore.
Frank Herbert 'Dune'

The other problem is that the Chronomat is a name associated with Breitling watches for almost 70 years, so searching for Chronomat can be a frustrating exercise. You might have more luck including the model number which is 7808 for the one that I showed.

The 818 is similar looking but slightly earlier (late 60s) and the left hand crowns will be 1808 and 8808.

Thanks. I was getting a lot of hits and for watches that weren't even close! I'll take my time and look for one in good or better shape or barring that, what kind of layout should I expect to give the factory to rebuild one?

_________________
Currently:
Breitling - Colt chronoOcean
Others - RADO Integral Jubile, Movado Museum, Lum-Tec M9, Seikos

Special knowledge can be a terrible disadvantage if it leads you too far along a path that you cannot explain anymore.
Frank Herbert 'Dune'

Breitling in the US won't do it, if you find one in bad condition then there are a few options to have it restored - Craig (chronodeco) can help.

In terms of having one built from parts, that's probably a non starter.

The thought had crossed my mind and kept going

I asked as I don't know how long it will take to find one and I'd rather put $4000 (NOS price I've seen) into the sports car. Like I mentioned elsewhere thats brakes and a fuel cell, mostly. The car is the big consumer of disposable income right now and will be until it's running.

So I want one but not bad enough to try and invent one, if I were doing that I might as well buy a watch at Target and save $3980

If I see something that looks decent and needs a bit of work I can schedule that. If I fall across something then great. Otherwise I'll wait till the car is done. You are quite helpful and make some very good points and I really appreciate your time with this. I'll find one sooner or later, you'll know

_________________
Currently:
Breitling - Colt chronoOcean
Others - RADO Integral Jubile, Movado Museum, Lum-Tec M9, Seikos

Special knowledge can be a terrible disadvantage if it leads you too far along a path that you cannot explain anymore.
Frank Herbert 'Dune'