The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Good evening all,

I have aquired a late 60s Top Time 2002, in reasonably bashed about order, and the chronograph completely non-functioning. Now I happen to like the watch as it is cosmetically, and would not require a strap or new case or glass, I would simply like to have it fully working.

Is there anybody about who could point me toward a good watchmaker/repairer who you have used in the past? Preferably in Hampshire, England.

Thanks for looking, and if anybody is interested (I realise the watch isnt hugely impressive to the enthusiasts, but I honestly love the style) I can post up some pictures of the poor old thing.

I assume that you mean chronograph.

We have a very good watchmaker on here, but he is in the US. Some of the UK members will no doubt have some recommendations.

And of course we want to see pictures

Poor Pics Im afraid, especially the back as I just kept reflecting myself in it. Anyway, I think the condition is quite characterful, and not to mention correct for a watch approaching its half century. Im not by any means a watch afficionado, and am more likely to be found wearing a Nixon than a Rolex, but this one has such an understated look.





By the way, Im pretty sure its correct, at least, as I actually aquired it in a job lot of other things, mostly ww2 deactivated things, and a signed picture of a U-Boat commander, which is what I was really after, but lo and behold this was sitting in the bottom of the box. I shall be replacing the strap with a wide one, not sure of the name, but they are often used for MilSpec watches as failure of the pins does not result in thee loss of teh watch. The current bracelet isnt my taste at all!

Once its all up and running, I fuly intend to have this as my day to day timepiece, and I cannot wait!

Well unless someone pops up and says its not right, then no harm no foul, since the entire job lot cost me tens of pounds rather than hundreds.

Thanks all.

I'm always wary of saying that it's right without seeing the movement, but I don't see anything wrong with it.

Yep... only in the case where someone swapped out an original Breitling signed movement, you're good to go... I wouldn't recommend winding it or trying to run it any further because you can damage the movement even more.

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"I don't got the bright watch I got the right watch" -Jay Z

The best watchmaker I know in the UK is Steve at http://www.rytetimewatchrepairs.co.uk/

Stephen Burrage
P.O.Box 8362
Leicester
LE7 4WX

Phone: 0116 267 7673 Mon-Fri 08:30-17:30

Email: info@rytetimewatchrepairs.co.uk

I wont go into his whole history but google his name and youll find plenty of good reports, He deals with a lot of uk watch guys and is always busy so thats a good indication, Hes also worked on all my own Breitling/Omegas and that incudes 2 top times from me one was a non runner, He also gives a years waranty on everything. Tell himm Phil Lee sent you and he will give you a good price.

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Thanks for the replys. I would open the watch up but the thing sems to be completely sealed, so Im not going to muck about with it too much.

Thanks for the tip, I will call him monday and see what he says. Pretty sure some radical work is necessary on it, since it isnt actually at all windable. Here lies the problem, I love the look of the watch, but from what Ive seen fom the very small amount of info online available on these watches, that a mint one is worth maybe £1500? So if the cost of repairing it rises above that, it would probably be best to sell this one as spares, and pick up an already restored or cared for version.

Besides Ill let the forum know what happens, for informations sake.

Yeah, you could be there a long time taking the caseback off of this - it's a front load watch

I would be amazed if restoration costs got anything close to the value, even though I think GBP1,500 is too high, especially as it sounds as though you don't have much in it at the moment.

Yes, 1500 seems to be the rate for an absolute mint one, (black dial and much earlier than mine, from my research) I am probably miles out! I have no illusions as to the value, I am just quite entranced by its 'timeless' style. When you say 'not much in it' do you mean not much money invested in it? or not much 'gubbins' (movement?) I think there is a movement inside, because I was reading in bed last night and heard this rapid ticking noise eminating from it and the leftmost stop watch was running! So THAT part works at least. All stopped now, as I appreciate that lubricants will be long gone and possible corrosion inside.

Anyway, its true the watch doesnt owe me anything, and so, if you dont mind of course, what would you say is a reasonable amount to spend on bringing this back to life? Bearing in mind I require only the movement fixed, no polishing or face renovated etc. I dont intend to sell it, so its not profit Im interested in, just a nice, but understated watch! I suppose it will cost what someone is willing to spend, and so, mostly from finished ebay (and other) auctions where Ive seen spare or repair (like mine) going for around the £300 mark, I would be willing to spend about twice that on fixing it.

Is that a reasonable amount would you say? +/- £600 for the movement to be repaired to full functionality. I went to the local jeweller/watchmaker, and he advised a quartz movement fro a few tens of pounds! Now he either doesnt rate the model at all, and thinks it unworthy of a full movement overhaul, or hes after my movement for himself.

Anyway, this is why Im badgering you fine fellows about it, I dont want to find myself with a working, but gutted TopTime, by going to a second rate watchmaker.

I meant that you didn't have much invested in it.

Don't listen to anyone who says that it's not worth anything - it's a mechanical Swiss chronograph from one of the iconic Swiss brands that has survived for more than 40 years - it's priceless for the life that it's led and it deserves to be running on the wrist of someone who appreciates it - and it sounds like you do. The fact that the market doesn't think that it's as valuable as some others is not really relevant - the man who wants to put a quartz in it is either trying to rip you off or he is not worthy of being called a watchmaker - please do not give him any business.

Not sure on vintage service costs, but assume that GBP150 should get you a basic service (that's the watchmaker's time, consumable parts like the mainspring, a clean, oiling, etc). With your budget of GBP600 that gives you a heck of a lot of room for damaged parts needing replacement and I very much doubt that it will cost you that. GBP600 should get you a full movement and case restoration with change - and you won't lose money on the watch if you do decide to sell down the road - you may not make a fortune, but (to me) these pieces are so much more than money.

Sorry, I get passionate about this stuff

I'd as soon it set in a drawer non-functional for eternity as have that happen to it. Makes me sick to think about it.
It's a nice piece. You should take it to a reputable watchmaker and get it sorted and wear it proudly IMO.

I completely agree with you, no need for apologies for excellent information. From what Ive seen of the movement in these watches, its a shame they are hidden away! A work of art in itself.

Thanks a million for the info, and like I say Ill update this thread once the watch is ticking away on my wrist. The strap I intend to use will probably give some purists a heart attack, but they are the most sturdy and safest straps Ive ever used, and I DO intend to use this watch daily.

My only problem now is, that by nature, Im a collector, mostly cars, antiques and aviation/engineering/political memoribilia, and now Ive only started another collection!

Two pieces so far, my 21st Birthday Rolex Submariner and my Fathers Breitling which I believe is a Chronomat, so it says on the face ( a gift when he left Vickers in the 50's). Both Im afraid are too chunky and large for my unfortunately thin wrists, so are never worn, but the Top Time is just right.

Yes, I can feel that familiar collecting bug taking hold!

Thanks again.

I was speechless when he offered this solution. I have little knowledge about the subject except what I gleaned while researching the Top Time, and the movement is spectacular. The watch is plain outwardly, but opulent within.

I think my mistake was walking in there and saying 'can you help me, because Im clueless' or words to that effect.
Well thank heavens for the internet.

PS I fully intend to wear it proudly. When it returns from the watchmaker converstions will probably start ' Does anybody need to know the time?' or 'Hmm, I wonder what the time is?' before I flourish the little gem at people.

Thanks for the encouragement.

You'd have to be a nutcase to rip out a fine Swiss movement and put in a cheap quartz movement...

_________________
"I don't got the bright watch I got the right watch" -Jay Z

Is there any difference between that and taking a Ferrari to the garage with a problem, and them saying 'what you need is this 1.1 4 cylinder motor from a Ford Fiesta. Your car will run then.'

I suspect the fellow knew exactly what he was doing. Its so sad isnt it, but as always 'buyer beware'