The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Just wondering if transparent casbacks are available for vintage Breitlings (in my case for the Datora 785, what about the Navitimer 806?) so that I can admire the working of the movement through the caseback. Didn't know such casebacks existed till came across this writeup about installing a sapphire caseback on a Daytona that can also be pressure tested. Offcourse I had always dreamt of one.
http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=98086

Plus we don't need water resistant casebacks since most vintage Breitlings bar a few are not waterproof so this should be a lot easier to fabricate I guess?

Checked out Thomas Preik's website and unfortunately he only has a caseback for one model of Breitling, any idea what's unique about this model (Breitling Navitimer Calibre 11)?
http://www.thomas-preik.de/epages/media ... /Breitling


Would you consider installing a transparent caseback on your vintage Breitling to be able to admire the movement? Offcourse you could always put the original caseback back on if wanted to.

San, I bought one of the Preik display backs for my SuperOcean Cal. 12, these are for the big case line only,
but I am sure Preik could do one for the Datora, just contact him, workmanship is excellent.

Never mounted it though, just lying around in may spares box.

I do have a Gallet with a display back fabbed by a US watchmaker, as I love those Excelsior park movement very much:

Didn't realise that Preik was still doing it - though I prefer mine original.

That EP movement is rather nice, a worthy upgrade for the Gallet.

Wow, that transparent caseback is stunning my friend!

Just realised it might be a bit more difficult to do a transparent gold case since my Datora is rose gold, don't think a SS case would look good, correct? Unless he used a rose gold plated one to match? A 18k gold one may be too expensive to make.

Looking at the movement, thinking a transparent caseback should look good though haven't seen one of those v72's in action!

I thought I would add a few things to this subject from some of my own experiences. For snap on backs, the outer metal needs to be thick and heavy. This is required or when you snap the back off, the glass will pop out even with good crystal cement. Most of the existing backs that I tried to do this to were not heavy enough so a custom one is usually required (something I don't do). Screw on backs are easier as they are not subjected to bending when they are removed. On both types of backs, the metal needs to be thick enough for a shelf to be machined so the glass can be glued onto it. Most of the stock backs that I tried were too thin. In short, it needs to be a complete custom unit. I have a small basic lathe for watch case work but the display casebacks are beyond what it will do - ie: curved edges. Craig

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S. Craig Bergsma

Thanks Craig, was about write to you asking if this was technically a good idea for the 785!:). Any one else besides Thomas Preik that you know of and could suggest? Also since is in gold, would the caseback too need to be in a similar 18k gold metal to avoid damaging the main case when snapped on?

Solid gold would probably cost you a minimum of $2000 to $3000 and not really increase the value of the watch so not a good idea. Plated brass would work if its machined to snap of easily. I do not know anyone who does this. Craig

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S. Craig Bergsma

Thanks for the info Craig, I have written to Thomas Preik asking if he can fabricate one, will keep you'll updated!

I sold this many years ago.

/ Kurt B

That's awesome Kurt. Who was it by?