The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Dear readers,

I am a young watch enthusiast and after careful research I have found a watch I might want to buy. It is a Breitling Premier ref. 777 from 1946 (if that is correct). As I have come across quite a lot of warnings for fake breitlings or franken breitlings I wanted to check with the experts (you) if the watch is as close to the original as I believe it is.

The dial: Original.
Hands: I think the hands on this watch are from later Breitlings but I am not sure. The 100% original watches I saw on the internet had more a syringe type of hand...
Case: Original.
Pushers: Original.
Back: I have seen Breitlings with these kind of case backs but have not seen one on a 777, so this might not be original.
Movement: Original. On the assumption the bridge should be unsigned...

Let me know what you guys think! Also would you recommend buying this watch?

Thank you in advance!

Kind regards,

Matthijs

I think your assessment is well-reasoned. You have done your research.

Everything looks correct except the hour and minute hands. They are likely not from a Breitling at all, and are certainly much newer (that is not radium, but rather some modern lume paint). Not uncommon, since radium eventually eats away the center of the hands. Ideally, I like the lume on the hands to match the lume on the dial. The owner must have had them replaced during a service. Not a deal breaker for me, since vintage hands can be found....if you want to have them replaced.

Overall, I think it's a great piece. The case back is fine (there were several varieties). Venus 175 movement is very clean. The case is sharp. The dial is basic...I prefer the tri-color dials...but in remarkable condition. The pushers and crown may not be original, although given how pristine everything else is, they may be. Regardless, those are unsigned components, and proper replacements do not effect value too much.

This is a watch I would be proud to own. Although I would be on the lookout for vintage Venus 175 lumed hands.

all fine, even the candlestick hands could well be correct; lume is new.
tell me if you pass

Thank you very much for the replies. I will let you know if I am able to buy it!