Bill in Sacramento wrote:
. . . page 27 of the Esembl-O-Graf Chronograph Watch Calibre Guide, which shows the "Breitling" signature of the sample Venus 179 image. For this serial number and reference number, I would expect a third button. I think the "dual-use" crowns came just a few years later, but not in 1945 and as shown in the 1946 catalog.
I think this has a replacement rattrapante sweep second hand and a re-painted dial. I wonder if the 30-minute register really increments in 45-minutes, since that would be the 762 spec.
This would be a good one to handle for inspection. Since the movement parts show a real difference in discoloration, I wonder what an experienced watchmaker like Craig makes of a bridge so much more oxidized/corroded than most of the other movement parts. That may not be unusual, I just don't know. [I just know that for my projects, the crappy bits seem pretty uniform throughout the movement.]
It just might be that this one has been through a long and extensive period of rehabilitation.
Hi Bill:
Just curious which year is the Breitling Lounge catalogue from (it shows both "Dual Use" crowns and crown buttons)?
http://www.i-am-spamming.de/x108-b ... -1264.html