The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi Everyone,

My first post on this site, I usually hang around other sites as I am more into Panerai.... Nevertheless, Just last week I picked this up from my dad who had been holding on to this since my grandfather passed away. He knew I was a watch freak so he left this to me. He received it as a gift in 1970 from his flying friends when he moved from Quebec back to Ontario. As you can see from the inscription on the case back "To Captain Smith from the boys at Ste-Therese 1970". My grandfather wore the watch regualarly and I am almost sure he never had it serviced in the 40 years he owned it. The only thing I can tell that isn't original is the crown. When I last talked to him, he mentioned that one day while winding the crown broke so he took it to a local watchmaker who just put on what he had. The case is pretty banged up but the movement runs like a charm even after all that time.

I am too afraid to open the caseback so I have no clue about the serial number or exactly which movement is in it, although I would really like to know... .. Anyway, here are some shots I tool on the weekend.

Regards,
Thomas

I think that it's rather earlier than 1970. The movement is a Venus 178. It could obviously use a service, but other than the crown it looks to be in nice original condition - congratulations on a great watch and the story makes it all the better.

Thanks.... Without knowing the serial number, do you have any idea how much earlier it could be than '70? I know back in those days, they tended to sit around for a while before being sold...

Thanks for the info..

Regards,
Thomas

My guess is 1966

Kurt B

Impossible to know for sure. There are a couple of indicators that this is earlier - the small subdials are common through 1967 / 68, but become much rarer after that and I don't recall seeing any 1970s with small subs. The more confusing thing though is the outer slide rule. To see one of these without any red on a piece even as late as 1966 is highly unusual. The problem in dating without serials is that there was no true demarcation - more transition over several years. There are some general rules - red box around the 10 on the outer slide rule is usually 1967 for example, but other than that it's tough. Also, when pieces were serviced the outer slide rules were often replaced due to fading.

Given that the watch was a gift in 1970 (presumably nought new at that time) I am tempted to discount the black slide rule which could push it back to as early as 1962 or so, and say that I don't believe that it is any later than 1968, and if you forced me to guess I would say 1966.

Edit - Kurt beat me to it (and agrees).

Cool... Thanks guys!!

I am still contimplating on sending it to Switzerland or not. I am worried they will start swaping dial or hands.. I want to keep it as original as possible. If they could assure me 100% that they can leave those original and only service the mov. then I would send it in in a flash... Even knowing it will be gone for 6 months or so....

REgards,
Thomas

Don't send it there.

I assume that you are still in Ontario? If so then the North American factory authorised service centre is Horological Services in PA. Mark Heist and his team do a great job, but even with staff increases you are still looking at that six month window.

For a quicker and cheaper basic service we have our own 'tame' watchmaker, Craig - username chronodeco who can help you out.

Nope, I am in Germany. That's why I also had to wait so long to get the watch....

I have another question.. It's gold plated... Can they re-gold plate the case? The case also has a pretty big part near the case back is damaged. Seems the watch probaby feel at one point... Can that be fixed? (sorry I don't have a picture of that..).

Thanks,
Thomas

THe case can probably be reshaped. Not sure if Breitling do the replating themselves, but it can be done.

Show us pictures of your vintage Panerai's...

_________________
Breitling SuperOcean Steelfish - 2009
Breitling B-2 - 2002
Rolex DateJust 18k/ SS (1984 vintage)
Omega Seamaster (1958 vintage)
Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece MP6318 - 2003
Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph CV2013-3
Victorinox DiveMaster 500

Vintage Panerai's are too expensive I only have new/ "newer" ones... Vintage PAM's can start in the range of 20G's and up.... Out of my league..

Regards,
Thomas

Hey, does anyone know where I can get a replacement crown? I've posted on all the forums i know but not too much reaction. I would really like to simply put an original crown back on the watch, but get it hastle free.

Thanks,
Thomas

Most people that have them don't want to sell them - they are more valuable to keep and do the servicing yourself. I've never found a reliable source - my Canadian parts house claims to have them, but they have never been able to deliver. Best bet is to try watchmakers who work on older Breitlings and see if they have one that they would be prepared to sell (in the right size of course).

Thanks for all the excellent info you are helping me with... What size would I need? I wasn't aware there would be noticable differences..

Thomas