The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Big thanks to Breitling Source in general and the hand full of dedicated vintage guys here for answering all my questions. In particular I'd like to publicly thank Fred. He has been a HUGE help and very patient with my endless PMs of "what about this one" or "is this worth it". In the end I managed to hold out for exactly what originally caught my eye. 3-register, white face, contrasting subs and the all important (in my mind anyway) orange second hand. Problem is I could never stomach the roughly $2K entry fee for a nice one given I had never actually seen one in person. I did buy a couple of vintage Zodiacs only to quickly sell them as the 35mm size is just too small...the thickness was really the issue. Recently I purchased a 70 Alsta dive watch and like it a lot more. That re-lit the fire under me to track down a vintage chronograph. The results are below. I think it just might be a diamond in the rough.

If a couple of years ago when I bought my SteelFish you told me I'd pay in the ball park of a grand or so for a 40 year old watch with cracked crystal, missing hand/pusher and beat up case I'd seriously laughed out loud. But then again this one did come with a swanky Speidel expanding band so maybe it was a deal at twice the price.

I'll revive this in the future when the makeover is complete. Nice how the hour sub hand found its way to be wedged into the minute and second hand, no?

Here's the one I picked up last month. Rough. Currently getting a thorough overhaul, new crystal, and nos dial installed. Should be a looker when I get it back.

Congratulations - will doubtless look great after a trip to the spa.

Congrats Rich, I'm looking forward to seeing how it turns out.

_________________
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Paul, can't wait to see it when done.

Roff, you really think so? Not having gone through this yet I am really on pins and needles and not sure what to expect. I have seen some beauties come back from the west coast but here on the east coast I am a bit anxious. I mean to me (vintage newbie that I am) this one really seems sort of bad. Worse than the pix I had from seller, and she was not a watch person so had to take the word of a 2nd hand store owner specializing in hand bags and some mid-level jewelry. On the positive side I can see any signs of it trying to be opened.

Thanks J.N. I think your blue numbered beauty tops the day for new arrivals.

I checkd the serial numbers and it seems to be smack dab in the middle of 1969. Should fit right in with my 1971 and '72 pinball machines. I already think I need a black dial with white subs.

Rich, you are doing a San here (sorry San, I know you have a sense of humor).

I went through the pics before you bought it and nothing in the new pics is
surprising. The dial is perfect, the hands will be great after cleaning/straightening,
the case will look great, your new pusher is waiting for you.

you'd be surprised how good your 810 would look w/ only a new crystal
and some time w/ Cape Cods !

WAIT, then ENJOY !

Roff, back me up here, please ? Rich will be sleepless for the next six weeks ?

Oh I trust you guys...just hard to believe it can come back as nice as some I've seen here. Most of that dark stuff is soft crud and not rust or pitting. Figured Craig might want it in its full glory without some hack messing with it at all. I've got hunting for a bezle to keep me busy for the next 6 weeks. Already have that swinning Speidel on my Alsta

This is not in bad condition - it really isn't. It will be fine, trust me!!!!

That's funny. Great minds must think alike. This one is going in my 810.



Don't worry too much about the condition of your 810. It can be fixed for sure. I've sent Craig tins full of parts before and he's sent me back museum pieces.

Lol Fred, yeah I almost returned my stunner 785 because the seller didnt accurately state a stain at 12 on the dial, glad I didn't after advice from you all because that was nicely cleaned off by Craig and a movement service done , turned out great!

OP, here's it
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=40240

wow, that really clean up nice especially on the face and hands. Great looking watch before but after....nice!

Oh yeah very nice... You will not be disappointed in Craig's work. He's always a man on a mission and loves a good challenge.

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

Thanks mate!

Well that was much faster then expected. Not the greatest pix, I will need to get out my "real" camera when I get a strap for it. While it does not look like new it is way better than I would have thought possible prior to coming to BSource. Obviously I thought it would look better even good or nice but it honestly looks fantastic. The close up shots and high polish don't really do it justice. At arms length is looks fantastic and at nose length still super nice.

Thanks to all here that helped out and pointed me in the right direction. BTW, Craig was super easy to work with. Highly recomend.

Very nice and......

Told you so