The Breitling Watch Source Forums

After much anticipation, my 809 is now back from an overhaul. Even though the lugs look polished up, it's just the light. It still has all the little scratches and such that it went in with. The watchmaker replaced a messed up minute wheel, gave it a full service and polished the crystal. I had him leave everything else alone. Anyway, I'm very smitten and glad to have it back. This watch will have a special place in my collection for a long time to come. Thanks for looking and have a great week! -Chad

Looks a lovely piece. Congrats!

What a beautiful piece,.. Running strongly too just back from spa

Looks great !

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

Beautiful! Good Luck with it! How did you find it?
I am looking for an 809 too!

Really love the 24 hrs dials. Looks beautiful!

Looks great - I just sent my 809 in via my local watch repair/jeweler to the vintage Breitling "guru" on the east coast somewhere. Couple questions for you: my 809 has quite a bit of wear - for example on the outer slide rule some of numbers have lifted/curled. Wondering how much "repair" or reconditioning to do so as not to damage value? Any help or thoughts would be much appreciated.

giving you advice without seing the watch condition is impossible.
assume the "guru on the east coast" are Mark ? Theresa Heist, so you'll be in competent hands, but if you post pics of the watch in unrestored condition and the offered replacement parts, we can give you our suggestions and thoughts.

Thanks. Here's the best pic I have with me. I've asked the repair folks to take a series of them inside/out front/back and I will post more as I get them. The watch is currently not functioning and I've been told there is moisture damage to the movement (and looks like dial too from pic) that is causing the repair list to be pretty extensive. Cost may run 3k+ for repair. I'm seriously considering it for sentimental value. The watch belonged to my wife's uncle or grandfather, both of whom were private pilots. The watch has been sitting in their family home for quite a while; I'm guessing it was damaged and/or forgotten about for the last 15+ years or more. Confident that it is a 1-owner watch and unlikely to have seen any repairs or modifications. I will post more pix as I get them, but aside from being crazy to spend more than the watch's value in repair costs, if anyone has suggestions or comments I'm all ears. Thx. Erolso in MN.

Your watch is a beauty mate, wear in good health!

If I were you I wouldn't touch that nicely patinated slide rule, it gives that touch of authenticity to a vintage watch. You could get a replacement sliderule if is in stock with the watchmaker if you intend wearing the watch often and keep this sliderule safe. I would atcmost do a movement service, don't touch anything else!

also see no reason for a $3k restoration ?

replace everything , dial, ring, hands, bezel, brush case , pushers, crown, plexi,
then service and parts

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

let me rephrase: from what I can see on that pic, I see no reason to spend that amount

agreed !!!

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