The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hello all,

I bought this Vintage Breitling at an auction, but I can't seem to find the model anywhere. Have I been fooled or is this a genuine Breitling? In the last event, could someone tell me what model it is? Further information: it is mechanical and as you can see it has a chrono.

Thank you very much in advance.

Kind regards,

Kris.

I can't see a pic?

Sorry, first posted it with ipad and couldn't include the pic. Has been updated now. Sorry again.

People more knowledgeable will be along shortly but looks similar to the ref 178 (there were a number of dial variations over the years) in the 2nd picture down here.

viewtopic.php?f=11&t=37353


And here

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=48962

And here

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=49007

And here

http://www.bachmann-scher.de/en/library ... d-673.html

Can you upload a pic of the rear?

Thank you very much. It is indeed similar, but not quite the same (different type of numbers). It also says 178 on the back.

Yes the 178 is the model number, Ref 178 and the longer number is the serial number which dates it as 1945 as you can see below.

http://www.brittons-watches.co.uk/watch ... _dates.htm

Very little is known about the ref 178s, and there seem to have been many dial variations (do a google images search but be beware it will show images for watches with the Venus 178 movement which are not Ref 178s. This should have a Venus 170 movement. All the ref 178 models have the 12 and 6 o'clock sub dials but many different dial variations were available over the years as you will see)

The more experienced experts will be along shortly to comment on the dial and should be able to tell you if it is original, a redial or has been restored at some point.

Thank you so much. This is truely helpful!

No problem at all. I suspect the dial isn't original, partly due to the excellent condition for such an old watch (the case is also in great condition which may suggest that it has been recoated as these were typically not SS due to the war effort so most originals have a fair bit of the coating damaged), maybe also for the number font you mentioned but also because of the 12 o'clock subdial. If you look at the other examples they tend to have longer markers at 3, 6 and 9 minutes, this was apparently due to expensive long distance calls at the time being charged in 3 minute blocks so you didn't want to go over the times by accident and you see the same on other watches of this age like the Chronomats, but I am no expert and lots of dial variations can be seen so wait for the opinions of the people with a lot more knowledge than me who will be able to tell you with a lot more authority. I will continue to watch with interest for my own learning.

If you have a picture of the inside post that up too.

Surprised there hasn't been any more comments on here, bumping in case it has fell off the radar

not off the radar , but you were doing great ! no need to chime in as I think you covered most everything about it

but to add my 2 cents , its IMO a fake

- redone dial
- incorrect hands
- case engravings on the back different from what I am used to see (font is 'off' on both the serial and the ref numbers)

movement shot would confirm if movement is original or not but I fear the worst

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

Thanks Dracha, sad to hear you have your fears too, at least I'm not the only messenger now!!

Sad to hear that it might be a fake. I can't seem to open the watch to get a picture of the movement. I'll get it to a watchmaker later. Paid a lot of money for a possible fake...

I can imagine, where did you get it from, is there any chance of getting your money back?

+1 on all the comments

Thanks Fred, sorry to say Spino that they are two of the most knowledgeable people I was advising you to wait for. Sorry the news isn't better, but at least you know it is reliable now.
Hope you are able to get it resolved.

John