The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hey all, thanks for the rich resources in this forum! I've learned a ton just browsing around.

I'm considering my first vintage Breitling purchase. I've always been attracted to the 810. I've found an interesting piece for what I believe is a decent price. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the authenticity of it as well as what a reasonable price range would be.

I believe this is a Mark 2. Serial number is 1277287 which dates to 1969. As far as I can tell all is original except for the hour and minute hands. Is my assessment correct?

Any idea what the interesting pyramid engraving on the back is? I found another 810 with a similar engraving: https://www.matthewbaininc.com/watch-details/2979.

The seller is willing to accept around $4k USD for it. I think this is an okay price...do you agree?

How difficult do you think it would be to find the correct hands?

My apologies for all the questions. I really appreciate the help!

as you say, main hands are incorrect.
the “pyramid” (or triangle) was used by Breitling when they re-marked cases, this case was originally intended for a ref. 824

Thanks WatchFred. The case was originally intended for an 824...was it used for this 810 instead because of a case surplus? I'd love to learn some of the history here.

And how difficult would it be to find original hands? I'm in no rush, but I'd like to have the original set eventually.

Probably 2 issues. 4K is pretty high on the price range, which I’m not sure is fair given the wrong hands. Secondly, finding hands is a crap shoot. They are not available, so eBay is your likely source fir a used set. Might never find them. A watch with wrong hands is not worth a watch with correct hands.

Makes sense, thanks buddman. What would you estimate as the price range for a nice original example of the reverse panda 810? Just so I have a ballpark reference in mind.

I understand wrong hands would devalue a watch. I guess it depends if I'm willing to gamble as I may never find the correct hands.

Not totally sure I agree with my friend Buddman re: the valuation. US$4k is not unreasonable at all for a watch in that condition with the wrong -- but findable -- hands I dont think....just my opinion...

If it all correct, I’d want to pick one up for 3-4K, but retail might be 5ish. I quite like your version with the lume plots at 12 and the squared lugs.

Geez I'd love to pick up an all original one for 3k but I haven't seen any close to that in SS reverse panda. Guess I'll poke around and try to get more of a feeling for myself on the valuation.