The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi all - I'm interested in the 1940s Breitling chronographs. I'm trying to learn more about them and quickly realizing that most available (especially on ebay) are replicas or maybe Frankos as you guys call them. My main question: I saw two completed listings on ebay in particular that I really liked - I'm guessing neither is a legitimate watch but still have pretty limited experience and am basing that mainly on price and seller location. Assuming Breitlings just like these did exist, is there a designation/serial number/etc I could use to learn more about them? Have any of you owned something like one of these and do you have any thoughts?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-full-si ... 7675.l2557

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Breitli ... 7675.l2557


More generally, I'd like to learn more about these 1940s chronographs. Did Breitling release any sort of catologue back then? This site has some awesome old chronologs/brochures but they dont go back further than the 60s. The online Breitling museum seems to go back only to the 50s. Anyone know of a great source to learn more and see some photos?

Thanks all, had a great time reading parts of your forum over the past few days.

1st seems to have an original ref. 178 case w/ a correct serial no., but logo engravings are added and incorrect, the dial is refinished, but hideously.
not a Frankenwatch, just a restoration that went (very) wrong.

2nd watch is a total fabrication, nothing here ever came near a Breitling workshop.

the dial on watch #2 looks like some kid had fun with colored magic markers!

_________________
"A man with one watch knows what time it is; a man with two watches is never quite sure."

Hello,

I found that other brands have better reference guides than what I have found with vintage Breitlings. Rolex and Omega collectors even have support from the manufacture as well as the online forum to refer to. But starting here is perhaps the best first and last step. You also should grab a copy of RICHTER's Breitling book 3rd EDITION and Breitling's "Breitling the Book" to begin your own reference guides. You can use all these resources and others to make a good evaluation on any watch you are looking at. Like what you have done, get the advice and opinion of some of the most knowledgeable guys here.

A vintage Breitling is great but it has it own pit-falls (finding the model and one in acceptable condition to you, cost and weeding out the fakes from the franken to the great unknowns.

I've found the discovery, hunt and finally to acquisition to be rewarding. Have fun and good luck!

To be honest with you, if a watch is coming out of Argentina I would ignore it. I have come to my own conclusion that the Falklands War had nothing to do with Falkland Islands at all. It was all fought over a fake Breitling the Queen bought for Prince Phillip and she was out for payback.