The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I'm new to this forum, so hi to all!!

I've recently been passed down (from my Grandfather to Father to Me) an old Breitling Watch.

I know very little about it, but here's what I do know;

1. the rear cover is marked - BREITLING 2900/26, WATERPROOF, ANTIMAGNETIC, INCABLOC
2. I believe its from the early 50's
3. It currently has a (cheap!) expanding bracelet but believe it originally was fitted with a black or brown leather strap.

Here's a couple of pictures;





I'd love to know the following;

1. the actual model name
2. confirmation of the approx year of manufacture
3. Original strap details. Is a replacement strap still available?
4. Approx value for insurance purposes
5. Any other details someone may know

Thanks very much in advance

1. Didn't have a name.
2. Need to look inside back cover for serial number which will give date made.
3. Any vintage strap you like will work.
4. $300-$500 (imho)
5. Popular model so condition is everything.

Breitling was and is known for its chronographs. Although like most manufacturers, Breitling did make many 3 hand watches over the years to attract customers that might not be able to otherwise afford or might not have a desire or need for a chronograph. These pieces unfortunately are not as desirable today in the vintage collectable marketplace.

We have also seen in recent years a huge influx of fake 3 hand Breitlings for China that has tainted the waters so to speak for many looking to pick up this early pieces as a daily wearer. Quite sad.

Wayne

Thanks for your info guys, these 2 posts tell me much more than I ever knew! Given its a family heirloom, I've handed it into 'watches of Switzerland' in Glasgow today and they are sending it to Breitling for a quotation for a service & refurbishment. It may not be worth it, I'll make that decision once the estimate comes back. They have quoted approx 10weeks for a response . Breitling service must be very busy !!
Thanks again


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I would get it back if I were you!!! Breitling is not the place to send your vintage timepieces. There are much more competent watchmakers, we have a member here for one, that do MUCH better.
Being new to this I will just simplify. The Breitling of today and of yesteryear are the same in name only. The Company went bankrupt in the late 70's and was restarted basically anew. They are not very competent in restoration of vintage Breitling and that is not really the fault of the people working there today IMHO. They are not interested in yesterday but the now and future. It is wha it is.

Wayne

Ok, thanks again for that Wayne.I can easily collect it again tomorrow. Would you be good enough to tell me who the member is who can do the work?


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ChronoDeco is our inhouse wizard of watches. Name is Craig. His email is ChronoDeco.com and he will surely be able to assist your needs to your great satisfaction. All the major collectors here utilize his services if that is an indicator.
Your piece is rather simple, I am sure he could do it while napping.

Wayne

pm member chronodeco - widely (almost unanimously) considered the perfect choice for a competent vintage service/repair.

Wayne - Willy Breitling invested years of hard work and a lot of family money to pay off all his creditors and close down the original Breitling corporation - the company never "went bankrupt".

That is very true Fred!!! Was being rather hasty in my entry. He was a VERY proud man and did his best to keep his company going. I for one wish he was or someone more like him was running it today. Not that ownership is bad, just too corporate.
As with most family businesses, I think the kids did not have his passion for it and just wanted the money in the end. In America, we can look a far as the Walton family for proof of this.

Wayne