The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Is this a Frankenwatch of just a fake? Looks like an early 18k Chronomat but never seen one with a steel back cover. I have seen Serie Speciale back cover on a gold bezel Chronomat marked 81950. I wouldn't think it would have the anchor sweep second hand on a 81950 either. Figured if it was genuine it would have gone already.



http://www.ebay.com/itm/Breitling-Mens-Vintage-Wristwatch-Excellent-Condition-/220917117090?pt=Wristwatches&hash=item336fafb0a2

Hmm, weird.

Dial and case look perfectly fine, need to try and find some more caseback shots of these to see.

Chrono seconds hand could been put during the service, no idea about caseback.
It's not fake, Franken, maybe.

Its probably a fake: goldplated! They made quit a few in those days already, but they did not come from China, but rather from Italy, as far as I remember.

Alien

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http://www.ellert.at

I think it's got to be a Franken.

Case and dial look perfect for a late '80s Chronomat and, imho, way too good for a replica of that era.

A change of hands during service is not unexpected.

The 1985/86 catalogue states "Case, caseback and bezel 18Kt. Gold." so caseback is incorrect.

The only pic of a "Serie Speciale" 81950 caseback I can find was on a certain "museum" site on what would now be a D ref with gold bezel.

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There is another possibility:

They made a few gold plated pieces as examples, so the representative, who visited the jewelers with the collection could lower the value of the collection he travelled with. I know, my agent had one. Maybe its one of those.

BG
Thomas

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http://www.ellert.at

Called the seller today and he confirmed it's plated, he thinks 14k. He got the watch in a trade so doesn't really know the history of it but says it does have the proper Breitling movement inside. Without some sort of verifiable proof the plating was done by Breitling as a sample piece I think it would be a risky purchase at best.