The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Can anyone help?

I have come across an early (1915) single pusher wrist watch, that I believe to be a Breitling.
There are no 'Breitling' markings but due to the age of the piece I guess there were none at that time.

The movement looks to be an early Valjoux - looks similar to the Valjoux VZ but there are subtle differences between them.

Can anyone offer any suggestions as to the movement caliber?

The sub hands and chrono centre hand have been replaced at some point.

The case has a London hallmark.
The date mark is 1915.
Import no. 800240.
Makers name is Arthur George Rendell.
He was in business from 1908-1919 in Clerkenwell Road, London.

If anyone can shed any light on the movement details I would be very grateful.
Regards,

tip.top.vintage

I have no idea why you assume it is a Breitling, also see no similarities to the VZ (would be too early anyway) ?
what is the ligne size, this might help a bit; a Minerva 13/20 predecessor ?

Don't think that it's a 22 GH Paul - keyless works is wrong on the dial side.

Looks like a match to me. It's definitely a Valjoux. Actually Montbrillant was credited with the first independent pusher design in 1915 and the early cases/dials were not always marked. Seems as a presentation piece the buyers would have picked something special. but since the case is obviously English I suspect it's not a Montbrillant but certainly has a strong resemblance.

OK, just took a closer look at the OP's dial side and I see the cause of the difference - there's a part missing!

Here's a complete 22 GH dial side:



Note that part of the clutch assembly is missing from the OP's movement which is why it looked different to me at first glance.

Hmmmmmmm.......thanks guys,

Again, there are similarities here but I think the winding/setting does not match the 22GH.

The setting lever looks to be shorter on the 22GH and the intermediate wheel plate is a different shape......

I agree something is missing.....but still not sure about the 22GH yet........will have a look at the faszination-uhrwerk too (nice site by the way). If the setting lever is screwed down by the setting lever screw/spring....then wouldn't the pivoting of the setting lever be prevented....?

I guess I should have mentioned it has a Breguet Overcoil too........