The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hello,
I have a Big Navitimer 816, 1968.


I'm planning to send to B-UK for overhaul etc. when my 'everyday' comes back from it's service.
It doesnt have it's original stap/bracelet. I like the mesh strap currently on it, but I don't think it's the correct size and the 'pinch' clasp slips so not very secure - any sugestions on what I should replace it with?
Also, I guess B-UK will suggest replacing the crystal, will this alter it's desirability?

Thanks,
Malcolm

vintage (Paul) is our expert on original style straps / bracelets so I'll leave that to him. I don't see a replacement crystal as affecting value - it's expected that they need replacing over time.

Nice watch!

Nice 816. I would think the hands have been replaced at some time since they look like new. They don't really match the age on the crystal. The last time I checked replacement crystals were not available for these large style Navitimers, maybe someone has started making them again. The original strap would most likely have been a Croc style strap or possibly a black lizard strap. The bracelets for these watches are hard to find and I think came along a little later in the production cycle.

I can't remember the size, but smaller pocket watch crystals fit.

Malcolm,

I have a 1969 1806 which is with BUK for an overhaul at the moment, here is the quote for the work if it's of any help to you? I know mine is auto but I think the prices for the overhaul of the movement would be similar.

Vintage overhaul of watch and sympathetic restoration to the case - £430.35
New stainless steel chronograph pushers (X2) - AND - New steel Breitling crown - £85.25
OPTIONAL - New outer bezel in black/silver - £450.67
New Plexi Crystal - £19.15

All prices + VAT

So the total inc return postage was £1,169.62

As you can see the plexi crystal is quite cheap! They seem to have a supply of them though.

By the way, I've just replaced the strap on my 1968 0819 Cosmonaute (below) with a Hirsch Duke 22mm alligator grain black strap, from what I could tell from archive photos is seemed very similar to the original look strap on these.



Stef

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Thanks for the posts guys, really useful info and nice comments. Thanks to Stef for the heads-up on costs, may have to leave the bezel as is for now and nice 0819!
Having to get my everyday watch serviced has rekindled interest in my Navitimer and I'm looking forward to getting the overhaul completed. It's not been worn for well over 20 years and I don't know much about it's history, only that it was my grandfathers and he gave it to me when I was young... too young to wear it, hense the need for a new crystal and bezel I had a watchmaker look at it ~15 years ago, he did some basic repair work, the winding mechanism had jammed and one of the hands from a sub dial had come off.

Malcolm

P.S. I dated it from the serial number info on www.navitimer.net - is that accurate?

Yes it is.

Stefan - thanks for sharing the estimate of repairs. Like others I have seen from BUK, its over twice what I charge for the same type of repairs. Craig

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S. Craig Bergsma