The Breitling Watch Source Forums

A friend of mine asked me for some help in regards to a pocket watch that was left for him form a family member. I have not seen the watch in person nor do I have any pictures as of now. I asked him to take some pictures for me tonight so that I can post them and hopefully they will help with the search. But I wanted to get this up here asap to see if anyone could help him out. Basically we are looking for some background info on the history behind the watch. It is a Vacheron Constantin pocket watch. Yellow gold with a white face and Arabic numerals. The back has a decorative design etched into it which really ins't any help as he doesn't know what it looks like off of the top of his head. The number below is the number that is transcribed on the back case lid of the watch. It has a front case lid protecting the face as well as the back case lid, however you can not see the movement. He thinks it might be his great grandfathers but he is not to sure. It was left to him in 1980, so says the bag that it came in. Even though it received it a few years ago and apparently forgot about it until last night when he was cleaning out his safe at home. Until I get the pics this is all I have to go off of. I would appreciate any help with this until I can get some pics of it. I am sure it will need a lot of work to even start working as it hasn't been running since 1980 nor has it been serviced. I will post pics as soon as he sends them to me. In order to ensure it it is a real Vacheron Constantin we would need to have the caseback opened to look at the movement and see if there is a serial number. However there is no AD around here that I would trust to bring it to. And I for sure do not trust myself to do it.

9925192
This number is located on the outside and inside of the back portion of the watch. I am not to sure if this number helps with the search as I cannot find any info with it. I am not sure if it is a serial number (doesn't seem to be according to some lists I have found) or what else it could be.

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White Dial Super Avenger with Batons
Grey Dial Breitling Bentley 6.75

Past:
Black Dial Super Avenger with Numerals
Countless "high priced" cheapos

Doesn't sound like a serial number, I'm travelling this week so no references until the weekend. It's a hunter case (the 'front door), dating can be helped by knowing how it is wound - likely either key wind (you need a key and there is a hole on the inside caseback) or stem wound (you use the stem at 3 o'clock).

I didn't think it was a serial number as it didn't remotely match to any series of serial numbers I have found so far. the number is just to long. Thanks Roff that is a start. I asked him a few questions and he doesn't know any answers frankly. He is going to bring it into work tomorrow so I can take a look at it and take some pics for myself. and I will be able to answer that question once I see it.

Safe travels.

_________________
White Dial Super Avenger with Batons
Grey Dial Breitling Bentley 6.75

Past:
Black Dial Super Avenger with Numerals
Countless "high priced" cheapos

We were able to open up the caseback to get to the movement. The Serial number is 280024. Which we found places the watch between 1900-1905. What a piece of history!!!! I can't even begin to imagine what this watch and it's owner has seen. Here are the pictures for your enjoyment. I did find for him that the only service center is located in Maryland, not to sure what he wants to do with it at this point. It hasn't worked in a long time and it does need a new crystal as well as a complete overhaul/refurb. Does anyone have a guess to what that might cost as I am not familiar with any type of vacheron? I am sure it will be well over $2,000. I told him though no matter what it is to get that operational and be able to use it like his great grandfather did is something special for sure.

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White Dial Super Avenger with Batons
Grey Dial Breitling Bentley 6.75

Past:
Black Dial Super Avenger with Numerals
Countless "high priced" cheapos

VC is actually looking to update their records of historic pieces so they might be prepared to cut you a deal. Dial looks to have survived very well, just one little chip on the edge.

Congratulations, it's a great piece.

Agreed, when I saw it this morning I couldn't believe how great the dial looked especially for it not having a crystal over it for who knows how long. He is a lucky man especially since that has been passed down thru a few generations. What a great thing to have to be able to pass down to his son.

That is good news about VC, I assume he would have to send it in to them for them to look at? I am trying to convince him to get it overhalued and back to working order.

_________________
White Dial Super Avenger with Batons
Grey Dial Breitling Bentley 6.75

Past:
Black Dial Super Avenger with Numerals
Countless "high priced" cheapos

Not sure how VC would handle it but would probably have to be sent to them for an assessment - you might be able to do it through an AD.

I figured as much. He isn't to sure he wants to send it anywhere for fear of it getting lost, which I understand. But in my mind something like that should be restored and preserved for future generations. But again it isn't mine.

_________________
White Dial Super Avenger with Batons
Grey Dial Breitling Bentley 6.75

Past:
Black Dial Super Avenger with Numerals
Countless "high priced" cheapos