The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi all. With my recent fascination with the vertical register chronographs, I've been digging into many many Venus 170 powered watches. After building two ref. 178s, I began looking into a ref. 170 version. Unfortunately I am finding very little info anywhere on this model.

My initial thought was that they were pre-1940 era only; however, I've recently found what appears to be a ref. 170 from 1949 given the serial number.




I've heard of empty Breitling cases being used by other companies to house their own branded watches, but I don't know the time period this took place.

Can anyone shed some light on the manufacturing time frame that Breitling produced the ref. 170? Can anyone also share any good pictures of confirmed legit 170s?

Thanks much!

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Dave

40s era two register chronograph (12 / 6) and lasted into the 50s. Richter has a picture of one and the case looks broadly correct, although the nickel chromium is uncommon stamping.

Thank you sir. I think that the "nickel chromium" was a later addition maybe. Looks newer and a different etching style.

It has an unmarked Venus 170 inside and a repainted dial with no name. I'm sure it's a Breitling case, but not sure if it is all Breitling except the refinished dial. Any other way to tell?

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Dave

No way to guarantee that it is - bridge should be unmarked at this vintage, too early for export codes, etc. Easy to say that it's wrong if something has been added, but virtually impossible to prove that it's correct. That said, an unmarked Venus 170 is an unmarked Venus 170 - if it's not original then it's identical to original if it hasn't been 'enhanced' by an amateur engraving.

is the inside of the caseback marked with breitling ?

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"I spent most of my money on Booze, Breitling and Boats. The rest I wasted" - mostly Elmore Leonard

No. I'll pull it out again in a few. Neither of my ref. 178s were marked Breitling on the caseback either.

I'm almost certain the inside caseback was rebranded Lipton if I remember correctly. But I can't find anything about Lipton ... Other than tea.

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Dave

Unmarked caseback would be most likely for this age.

FYI - seen several non Breitling cases in the past 12 years marked 178 with a serial number below on the back that were not Breiting so you have to be careful with these!

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S. Craig Bergsma

Thanks, Craig. I have started to see some differing variations of Suisse or boutique watches in "almost" Breitling cases. I read that quite a few nos items changed hands several years back including watches, movements, cases, and parts.

Having this resource is a saving grace for those of us still learning the watch world. I'm certainly not too proud to ask for help here first ... most of the time I certainly need it!

Cheers.

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Dave