The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi All,

I have stumbled across this forum and been rather impressed so now check it regularly!

I am new to the vintage Breitling world (had many later examples) but have always wanted an 806 as my father had one from new in the 60s. I recently picked up one of the 1967 NOS gold plated 809.4 Cosmonautes which is beautiful but I want a stainless steel 806 and have found the one in the attached images (more in the link below - I have also added a picture of my 809 )

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Yb0fq ... ygIjMKW5CH

Please can you comment - in my opinion it has had some polishing but is a little beaten up on the lugs and the case back is over polished although the serial number can still be read. The lume is rather discoloured too but the slide rule/dial don't look too bad. The seller is after £3k which I think is a little steep.

Many thanks!

Other than the lume being dark, it looks a perfectly desirable and correct example to me. Also doesnt look like the case has been polished. Serial should date to 1969-ish.

Nice looking watch. Is the bracelet original Breitling or aftermarket? I think the price is in the correct range, but never hurts to bargain . Bonus that it has the manual. I've only seen these in yellow before, but it is possible it has faded.

Thanks for the comments, useful to get others thoughts! I don't think that it is the original bracelet, the seller has a note from the original buyer saying that he replaced the strap in 1971 for this one... Shame he only kept the manual and not the box too... the only bit putting me off a bit is how much the lume has darkened.

Lume tends to go that colour. Nothing wrong with it. Manual probably isn't original to watch but worth having.

The seller and I agreed a price and this beauty arrived today. The case is original and unpolished and the watch seems to function correctly. I'm a little disappointed with the lume darkness and am contemplating having it painted in an 'aged' way but am in two minds - if done very well then the watch will be even more lovely looking - what do others think?

Also, please can any of you give an insight to whom to send the watch for a proper servicing bearing in mind that the only history I have suggests that it has not been touched since 1971... I was wondering about Swiss Time Services / Swiss Tec who seem to be highly recommended for vintage Omega and other brands. I have also had Richard Askham recommended - anyone in the UK have views on where to send it?

Thanks for any advice!

IMO, watch is fine and I would leave the dial alone.
Again, IMO.... only one guy to send this to for service, Craig aka ChronoDeco. None better and his work speaks for itself. If your in the EU, still worth the trip. You will NOT be disappointed!

Wayne

I too would leave it as is. Richard is a good UK based option, Craig is of course excellent.

I have sent several watches to Christian at watchguy.co.uk. Superb service. Website is worth a browse.

Thanks for the comments - I'll look into them all!