The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hello all,

I have the opportunity to buy a 1947 Premier 797. I really want to get me feet wet with a vintage Breitling, but I am concerned about authenticity. The more I google around the more subtle differences I see. This website forum has been very informative, and now I feel I have to upload a few photos that the seller has provided me to get you quick opinion. I am new enthusiast and so I want to buy based on facts, not emotions. The sellers photos are of really poor quality which I think is funny. Why not send me great photos? on the other hand I will meet in person if I decide to buy. Seller says its been serviced and runs well.





Does this pass the sniff test? What is a good ballpark value? Anything specific I should look for if I see in person? Can I remove the caseback myself, or do I need special tools? (a jeweler?)

now that's a rare one
both the watch and my answer, as most pieces posted are either questionable or clear frankenwatches or fakes.

this is a very nice and perfectly correct "spider lugs" Premier 797, even if the pics u post are so small I can't read the serial properly, all of these I've seen were produced between 1946 and 1947.
Movement is a Venus 175, bridge should be marked Breitling Premier.

Last auction sale I remember for a 797 ended a bit above $2k to give u a value estimate.

casebacks are easy to take off with the proper tools, but if u do not have that, I'd suggest to have a jeweller do it.

I see little to worry about, though verifying the movement is correctly marked does make sense.

I would add to what Fred said to say to take a look for any lug repairs... This style had an issue of lugs breaking off rather easy and have seen many cases were a lug or multiple have been reattached.

Wayne

Well, I did meet the seller, and I looked the watch over carefully and decided to buy it. There does appear to be a small nick out of one of the lugs, but otherwise I would say the watch is in good original condition. Looking very closely, it did not appear like any of the lugs had been replaced. There are a few very tiny blemishes on the crystal which show up in different spots on photos because they are not on the dial. The movement looked good to me. I did notice the adjustment dial was moved bit towards slow. The Chronograph function seems to work well and resets exactly to 12 o'clock. I need to get a new strap, because the one on there is a bit too long for my wrist. (In one photo I have already changed it to a cheap leather one I had laying around) I also thought the spring bars were a bit tired looking, (One protruded a bit past the hole in the lug, the stop was worn down) I wonder if they are original? I plan to put some new ones in. Glad to have a vintage Breitling, and hoping to be wearing it soon!

all correct and very nice, congratulations !