The Breitling Watch Source Forums

This is the result of my recent quest to find a 1957 (my birth year) vintage Navitimer and get it operational/wearable. Wasn't necessarily looking for a gold plated piece but that is what came available.

First off, I would like to thank a few key players in this adventure of mine - which I have to say I was a little nervous to get underway. First, thanks to 'Vintage' (Paul) for finding this piece and communicating all the history/important facts of the watch to me. 'Watchfred' (Fred) for showing those amazing pics of a number of his restorations and discussing/helping with the comfort level of the project. And that guy 'Chronodeco' (Craig) - what was it he did ?...oh yeah, put his time, effort and elbow grease (that's right - not watch oil) into this restoration project. Thanks guys!

Now to the results. The first 7 pics convey the original condition of this piece. The "before" or pre - Craig. Pics courtesy Vintage.








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Then Craig worked his magic - the "after" results.
But first... Craig, are you sure you didn't have any parts left over? (pics courtesy of Craig)
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OK, looks like they all went back together .
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Some remaining pics (not the greatest quality) of mine of the finished product - minus a strap - have one on order to try, still not sure the best color/combination yet. I will follow up with wrist shots after strap is procured.
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That's all folks, thanks for viewing my story! I can report the Navi. 806 is running well .
Terry

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Chrono Jetstream
Montbrilliant 1903
Aerospace E79362

fantastic! Looks the business.

absolutely wonderful, Terry !

Absolutely stunning. Craig continues to outdo himself.
Warms my heart to see a beautiful watch like that given new life

I sort of hated to let this one go because it had some interesting history, and I love watches with an interesting history, but too many tools in the fire at the moment. Craig did a nice job of restoring the case and I love the movement pics when they're disassembled. This newly restored Navi should last you quite a while. Wear it in good health!

Couldn't fully appreciate this on my phone so waited until I got home - absolutely wonderful piece and another great advert for Craig.

And Paul, I have no sympathy for you after the deal you got on the weekend!!!

Huge congrats Terry, wear it in good health my friend.

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Justin
Please contact me via PM for the contact details for Govberg Jewelers
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That's tremendous, Terry. Beautiful case work. Enjoy. Maybe some day I'll work up the guts to try something like this. My watch would be five years newer, but I'd have to fight the urge to have dial and hands restored, because after all I look new and crisp at 50, right? RIGHT??

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Scott

AP Royal Oak 15400, silver
Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Classic Cars
Vintage gold Corum
Rolex DJ 36 TT, oyster dial, oyster/smooth
Baume & Mercier Riviera 200m, silver dial/aquamarine bezel
Breitling Superocean 57, rose/stainless

Really a NICE job ! Congrats for this '57 Navi.

Fantastic watch and great work of Craig !!
Congrats.

Yeah, I struggled with that too, if only we humans could go in and get a restoration - new parts and all! (maybe someday)

Well, as you know the Navi. Fighters was let go for this to happen, hope it is worth it, time will tell, ha!

Thanks to all for the kind comments, can't wait to get this on my wrist - will make me look years younger .

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Chrono Jetstream
Montbrilliant 1903
Aerospace E79362

Terry: restoring that dial or replacing the hands would be like the 4th facelift - all character would be gone.

here is an example of a Breitling Switzerland restoration - for somebody who
wants a vintage watch that looks like new - nice, but...........

http://www.ebay.com/itm/111020045335?ss ... 1438.l2649

Tremendous story Terry. Love the watch, the concept, superb work by Craig - I'd like to do this one day too!

Congratulations and enjoy it on the wrist.

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Happines is Good Health and a Bad Memory.
"Ingrid Bergman"

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"A man with one watch knows what time it is; a man with two watches is never quite sure."

Agree Fred. I wanted to keep the dial and hands as original as I could and still operational, as this gives it the proper age "character" like you said. The case I wanted cleaned up so it looked presentable to wear (whatever that is ). The gold plating created a little more of a maintenance issue I think for this old of a piece.

Hopefully it has some good years left in it, along with the wearer .

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Chrono Jetstream
Montbrilliant 1903
Aerospace E79362