The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Well here I am looking into vintage purchases after deciding that current models, with the exception of some great value brands, are quickly outpacing my annual watch budget. I have always enjoyed the idea of a vintage model, and over the last few years the one model that always catches my eye is the Top Time 810.

In looking into options I am checking the sales forum here, timezone, and ebay, but are there any other places to keep an eye on listings? Any other resources I should look in to for info?

Secondly, are both the bi-compax and tri-compax layouts considered an 810?

Chrono24 is the other obvious option, but as you know, check with the group here first. With the help and guidance of the wonderful members here you won't go far wrong.

Of course you had also best start deciding what your next pieces will be after the 810

Welcome Thomas,
Wise decision , soo many more to choose from when you go vintage

And to answer your question, no not all bi and tri compax are 810's and not even all tri compax's are 810 either. The 810 is a specific ref that is a designator for the movement inside (venus 178 ?) F red will correct me if this is incorrct

But if you are attracted to that particular bi tri compax model you may want to search or 'top time'



Rgds

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

Welcome to the world of vintage Breitlings, Thomas.

As Renè says, bi- and tri-compax Top Times have different reference numbers; as I assume you are referring to round cases only, listing all others would be a bit excessive.

Happy hunting !

round case Top Time, launched 1964; case/dial/hands change in 1967 to Gen.2:
bi-compax WP ref. 2000/2002, Venus 188, later Valjoux 7730 and 7733
bi-compax ref. 2001/2003, Venus 188, later Valjoux 7730 and 7733
tri-compax WP ref. 810, Venus 178



















1969: in the narrow sense not a Top Time, but same case as Gen.2 TT, called "Long Playing":
tri-compax WP ref. 815, Valjoux 7736



some pieces you do not see too often, but round Top Time; early 70s 824, Venus 178



early 70s, the last "Top Time", a Co-Pilot 7656; Valjoux 7736

Fred,

A quick question, what brand are the brown straps on the gen 1 Top Time's? I really like the deep colour and wondered where you got them

The yellow NATO straps is a great choice on the Co-Pilot as well BTW! I know a lot of people dislike them, but they do work well on this type of watch.

Thanks in advance
Graham

Tradema / Breitling Italy; only 18s and 19s are good quality, 22s not.
out of production, but do come up for sale on the bay sometimes, seller from Mallorca.

Well if I didn't have the itch before Fred posted his pics I certainly do now!!! Thanks for the advice on ref numbers.

I am going to keep my eyes peeled for a silver dial tri-compax model. I may be interested in a "project watch" if I come across the right model and send it to the venerable Craig.

thanks Fred,

something else for me to keep an eye our for on eBay ( as if there wasn't enough already!)