The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I haven’t worn a watch for decades, but over the past couple of years I have become interested in mechanical watches, particularly something with history.

Recently I found an old watch amongst my recently-passed father’s odds and ends. It is a Breitling 2610 Unitimer as shown in the images. He was far from wealthy, so I can’t be sure if it is genuine or not. Although he was a pilot and owned a small home-built plane, I find it hard to imagine that he could have bought an expensive watch at any stage. A bit of internet research tells me this is a fairly rare and collectible model. I gave it a shake and have been wearing it ever since.

I have a number of question for the Breitling experts:
• How can I confirm that it is not a fake
• If it is genuine, what would be the preferred course of action
o Leave it as is, wear it and enjoy
o Service it (currently loses a bit of time)
o Replace the glass
o Replace the winder (currently non-Breitling)

Actually the images don't do it justice. It is dirty, but not mistreated. Any and all comments would be very much appreciated. Regards, Dale

not a fake, no worries; yes, do have it serviced, correct crowns are not easy to find for these.

welcome & congrats, rare bird !

welcome to breitling sourcce, great watch you have there !

I have a number of question for the Breitling experts:
• How can I confirm that it is not a fake

Hereby I confirm its genuine and not a fake

• If it is genuine, what would be the preferred course of action

get it serviced , I recommend the member 'Chronodeco' but do NOT send it to Breitling ! , they know nothing about vintage watches

o Leave it as is, wear it and enjoy

ermmm.. yes, but get it serviced

o Service it (currently loses a bit of time)

(yes see above)

o Replace the glass

replacing the plexi is part of normal service , I recommend having it replaced

o Replace the winder (currently non-Breitling)

if you can find an original one , get it replaced


and again , wonderful and quite valuable watch you have there !

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

haven't done that for some time, here's a sibling welcome !

Many thanks for the replies. That is really great news. Two years and thousands of internet hours researching a new watch, and the result was much more than I ever imagined, especially given the family sentiment. I will take the suggestion and contact Chronodeco regarding a service when I have chance. A couple of further questions:
The band is not in good shape nor original; what would be a period-correct alternative? I have not been able to find any images of this model in it's original as-delivered form. Following that, could anyone point me to some links for original brochures/owners booklets etc? Thanks again, very much appreciated. Regards, Dale

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

Those docs are gold!!!

and the pic seems to show Breitling also had problems finding the correct 19mm straps - and settled for 18s

Next question: Are their any sources/leads I could try that may have a Breitling Winding Crown, and glass?

crystal can be replaced by any good watchmaker. Crown may be a bit harder as the one in the catalogue looks a more rounded than the ones we normally see (eBay is a good source to look at options). Again, I would leave it to the watchmaker to get a close match - would be good if someone here has a period correct one and could provide measurements.

As Dracha recommends, many of the people here use Craig at Chronodeco. He has the right touch not to over-restore.