The Breitling Watch Source Forums

As I was one asking for this new section, I would like to start with a typical fake "Vintage Breitling" and describe the tells; please correct me if/when I go wrong and please add whatever I have missed to mention ?

Ideally we would build up a reference base that could help new vintage collectors to identify fake and Franken watches.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BREITLING-CADET ... 0636606288

quite typical rebranded "Chronographe Suisse"

"tells":

dial clearly repainted, script logo wrong

"double caseback" 18k gold cases were not used by Breitling

Ref.# 1013 is not a documented Breitling model no.; seller knows this and claims it is a "1197", but this should then be stamped on the caseback !

No period correct Breitling serial number

movement technically correct Venus 175/188 but bridge markings not in line with claimed 50s production date

Additionally, the caseback (or one of them) is marked 'Metal' which would never occur with a gold piece. Breitling used SS casebacks on plated / rolled gold pieces, but not solid gold.

The combination of script and printed logos is usually (but not 100%) an indication that at least one of the logos has been faked or that it's a frankenwatch.