The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hello, I am new here. I recently acquired my first brietling watch and through some interweb searched ound that it is a reference 17b. I am wanting to know if its real first of all and secondly, what does reference 17b mean as far as the watch, and lastly is it worth anything? Would it be worth fixing up?
The watch is missing two dials, the front cover is plastic I think and is not attached. Thanks for any and all help!
http://s1059.photobucket.com/user/Steves_life/library/Mobile%20Uploads?sort=3&page=1

That would be a reference number 178 not 17B. Serial number would date it to around 1943. To determine authenticity would take larger pictures and pics of the inside of the back cover and movement. The crown is a replacement from what was original and the 'Breitling' on the dial appears fresher than the rest of the dial which could be a problem. The case is in pretty rough shape, the sub register and sweep hands are missing, and by the time you get all that sorted out, even if it's genuine, you'll be investing more money into it than it's worth. It's a fairly common model so my advice would be to wait for a better one to turn up.

Thanks for the info! I will get better pictures of the watch
How do I remove the back cover so that I can take pictures of the movement? Should I have a watch shop do it. And what is it worth, if its real?

The back cover just pops off. Look around the edge of the back cover and you'll see a slot where you can carefully insert a knife edge and pop it off. Value for a nice example would be in the $400-$700 range, a little more for 18k versions.

Here are the better pictures. And the pictures of the movement. Once again thanks for the great info.
http://s1059.photobucket.com/user/Steves_life/library/Mobile%20Uploads?sort=3&page=1

How wide is the watch when measured without the crown?

Without the crown it is about 1" wide

So what do y'all think? Is this a real watch? I think I am going to sell it soon and would like to be sure before I sell it. Also does anyone know what a fair going price would be for this poor old watch?
Thanks all!

doubt the width info.

So from my understanding the "crown" on this watch would be the windup mechanism right? Sorry but I really don't know much about watches

case diameter without crown, in mm. yes, crown is the winding/setting wheel.
you don't need to know too much about watches to measure this ?

Not sure what was in my coffee when I measures it before haha but I measured it at about 35-37mm

can't answer the coffee question, but sounds correct for a ref. 178 now

condition is far from stellar; so I'd think value will be between 4-500 €/$, though a no reserve auction on ebay might bring higher results.

Thanks for all the help guys/gals!!!!