The Breitling Watch Source Forums

What about my Breitling ref. 178 with Venus 170 movement? The caseback is engraved with the name Irving Smitt....

Is this original and what would you do if it was yours? How about the value?

Thanks in advance and any information would be great....

I'd probably get it serviced, replace the crown & crystal, and see if the dial will clean up (nothing to lose in this case). The watch dates to the first half of the 1940's and I found an Irving Schmitt that joined the Army in 1942 on a military web site. 178 dials often appear on ebay so you might be able to find one in better shape than what you have. Value, as is probably $250 - $350.

Thanks! The longer I have the watch on, the better it looks as I love the patina more and more. There are two dials on ebay but the are restored! Someone told me that the watch is less valueble with a restored dial.

Where could I get a new crown and crystal?

Thnaks for the comment!

I can see how you'd love the patina.... It's definitely heavy but also even across the dial so it's got charm. Certainly feel free to leave it as is

As Vintage said, replace the crown and crystal when you get it serviced. A good watchmaker will fit the correct parts. Chronodeco is who many on this forum use... In fact he has one of my beauties right now.

He also happens to be excellent at carefully cleaning dials, so you can ask him if yours will clean up at all ... But completely optional and if you it like it as is... Don't touch it!

Enjoy !


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