The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi folks, I just got this watch, and I don't know what it is. Any help would be great. Thanks for looking.

massive doubts
ref. 1011 is (at least) undocumented, probably never produced by Breitling
unmarked Venus 170 movement is correct for the period.
dial is very questionable, looks like an older redial
a pic of the inside caseback would be nice for confirmation.
most probably a perfectly nice old watch, that just never came close to a Breitling workshop.

No doubts for me - Breitling has clearly been added to the dial of what it otherwise a nice watch, just not a Breitling. Shame, it was nice for what it was.

. . . chatting with a squirrel. I had offered that I think there is at least one shop that is adding makers' signatures to old, vintage dials. In other words, it's trickier to spot a fraud if the dial shows proper period design and age.

The squirrel, who is a real wiseass, said: "If a fraudster has equipment that's good enough to lay on a credible signature on a vintage dial, why not just reproduce an aged dial, too."

I told the squirrel that I would think about it.

In this case the change of color for the script "Breitling" makes it easy to suspect that it has been added. But, I can't help thinking that the sub-registers are printed too small for the indentations set into the dial and the sub-register hands. That usually results from using a pattern that incorrectly matches the dial during the repainting process. Maybe that is a really old re-dial.

Oh. I did notice that the squirrel wears a Timex Iron-Squirrel.

Too small and off centre too (especially the bottom one).

The over printing of the various dial elements is also extremely messy. Possible old (or aged), but that just means that it's been wrong for a while.

Does the squirrel concur?

He doesn't know much about watches. Just nuts.

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

Thanks for the heads up. I'm going to send it back.

Update. I contacted the seller, and well... you decide.

Me: I would like to return this watch, as it is not a Breitling. it is old, but someone has added the Breitling to the face, and it is not original. thanks

Ebay seller vintagelingerie-catalogs-displays: Joseph, Hello. What makes you think someone added the Breitling name to the dial. Thank you, Bill

Me: I can not find this watch in any reference material. I also posted high res photos of this watch in a Breitling forum, and was told by more than a few that this was a not a Breitling. I'll send it out with tracking if you send me an address. thanks

Ebay seller vintagelingerie-catalogs-displays: Could you please send me the link so I can see the picture(s) and what people said about the watch. Thank you.

Me: viewtopic.php?f=11&t=31403&p=231901#p231901

Ebay seller vintagelingerie-catalogs-displays: Joseph, I'm not convinced by the comments. I described the watch correctly and as stated in the description it was sold to restore or for parts and was Sold AS IS. You didn't ask any questions during the auction. Your next step to open an dispute with Ebay and Paypal. Thank you, Bill

Me: This watch is not a Breitling. if it is you can prove it. I will file a dipute, and leave a neg feed back. thanks

Ebay seller vintagelingerie-catalogs-displays: I originally asked you from your question why did you feel the dial was refinished, yet you never answered my question. By opening a dispute this protects both you and myself. If it determined that I owe you a refund I will do so. Thank you.

Maybe the seller can come back and read this comment...

You're a schmuck!

He wants to do it the hard way then I say to the OP do it... You'll probably get your money back anyway... tough break dude...

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

I sent him a link to this page. I hope he has a conscience, and does the right thing.

Me:
I would really like this watch to be a Breitling. When you asked me why I didn't think it was, I told you; I can not find this watch in any reference material. I also posted high res photos of this watch in a Breitling forum, and was told by more than a few that this was a not a Breitling. If you are not a crook you will refund my money, and I will send you this thing back. I'm interested to see what the experts say. viewtopic.php?f=11&t=31403 Thanks

Well I hope he reads this post.

vintagelingerie-catalogs-displays is a seller that I am familiar with because of the large number of watchmaker tools and parts that they have for sale on a regular basis. We've never done business, but I frequently watch his auctions and it would only be a matter of time. The reputation is that he is a reliable seller, but I wasn't aware that he was an expert on vintage Breitlings.

If he is, then, well he's made a mistake because this piece is wrong. If he isn't then I was clearly mistaken in thinking that he was a trustworthy seller and I guess I can only draw my own conclusions about quality of the tools and parts that he has available.

I hope Ebay reads this post. I guess I'll do more homework next time. Thanks for the help.... I'm still looking for a Vintage Breitling. Are there any around?

Sure.

Just check here before you buy, unfortunately the majority of eBay pieces have problems, but there are good ones out there.