The Breitling Watch Source Forums

As you mention, not a fair comparison at all. Mid 70s speedmasters can be found for 3-4k regularly, are quite common, were mass marketed, and commonly traded.

Just 2.5 years ago the 817s were selling for well under 5k, way below what they should have been selling for, mostly because nobody knew about them outside of hardcore milwatch collector circles. They were even unknown to many vintage breitling collectors As awareness grew, which was helped along with Dracha's research and his 817 family, they became highly sought after. They have it all - perfectly sized, uniquely styled military watches with provenance - in my opinion the coolest watch B produced in the 70s. and due to the rarity, a seller can name his price if his example is pretty enough.

Well, looks like I should have won the example on eBay, as I now doubt that opportunity will ever come along again.

none, is absolutely original , green lume on the dial and orange on the hands, just the way it should be for these NOS pieces

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

A friend had two he sourced and sold on. I suspect he did ok on them but not £15k. He showed one to me I should of made him an offer as it's a lovely watch and I ended up buying a heuer bund (from him a while later) but would of prefer the 817!

Interesting. How long ago was that?

I want to say 2-4 years ago? We have a common interest in classic air cooled cars and he showed it to me at a show but I can't remember if it was 2 or 4 years ago The one he showed me he passed on onto another miltary watch collector/dealer. Who also has an interest in air cooled cars.

Hi,

this is my watch.

I have to decide about a week ago which one to sell and which one to keep in my collection: Lemania "Viggen" 817 or Breitling 817. Even the condition of Breitling is way better and I know some history behind this timepiece and, btw, my the very first serious watch was a Navitimer (second was Airwolf) and I was a huge fan of Breitling, but my Heuer 1550SG 3H shares similar design with Breitling 817. As soon as I like the red accent on the Heuer's dial I feel better to wear Heuer 1550SG 3H than Breitling 817. To keep two watches with very similar looks I do not want, so, I decide to keep Heuer and Lemania.

Lemania is my "week-end watch", I love her and do not want to let her go.

Concerning the price, you could be agree or not, but I have monitored the web and find that 15K is pretty reasonable price for this moment. And, if I remember correctly, at the end of this month there is some auction in Monaco where you can buy another example with estimated price 8K-12K Euro plus premium and etc.

I could keep this Breitling in the safe for a years as soon I do not wear her at all. But there is no joy, right?

But anyway, thank you everyone to share your opinions.

Hello @aeroengineer, and welcome to Breitling Source Forums.

Thanks!

My Breitling 817 with Bulova Marine Star, Heuer 1550SG and Lemania 817 around her.

that is one great example , I am sure it will sell for or close to the asking

Rgds
Rene

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