This is a splinter from thread:
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=59569 I did not want to distract from the ref. 797 on display there, but have side questions about my SS ref. 787:
WatchFred wrote:
Joseph85282 wrote:
While we are looking at this, I need to ask: Was the "Premier" label only applied to Breitlings with gold cases? Is that what makes them Premier?
not at all; actually all "Premier" I am aware of were available in stainless steel; some even in plated variations.
the differentiator between the high end "Premier" (all carry three digit model references, leading 7) and the mid range chronographs of the "Cadette" line and others were the calibers used; all "Premier" have column wheel movements by Venus SA, the 13 lignes Venus 150/152 or the 14 lignes 175/178 (ref. 761 has a Landeron 39), the other models have the lever chronograph calibers Venus 188 (4-digit numbers leading 1 and 2), one model has a Landeron caliber.
so why wasn't the Venus 170 line called "Premier", as that's a column wheel caliber too ? maybe because never was no lever alternative, but nobody around to ask ....
I have a SS ref. 787 with a serial number that dates it to 1945. The dial/movement/case all appear authentic, but I have suspected they were a marriage at some point. My suspicion was based on the following:
1. The watch has replacement pushers and crown, so it is certainly not 100% original.
2. I read somewhere that "Premier" was only used on dials housed in solid gold cases (not the most reliable source).
3. The bridge is signed "Breitling" but not "Premier" like I have seen in other examples.
I purchased this as a frequent wearer, which is why I was not overly concerned with the originality off all parts. If I learn its more original than suspected, I will be very pleased. WatchFred has enlightened me regarding Premiers and gold cases, so I can check that off.
However, I am still uncertain about the bridge. To me, the movement looks like a proper Venus 15x but the bridge isn't engraved "Premier" like the examples I have seen. So this leads me to two questions: First, is there any reason to believe this is not a Venus 15x movement (seems unlikely to me, but I must ask)? And second, are there other examples floating around of genuine Premiers with only "Breitling" signed on the bridge?
As a side note, WatchFred, the strap came from your Cypriot friend
Great recommendation I found on another thread.
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