The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Thanks for the comments guys.

As far as the engraving and value is concerned.....

Initials will detract from the value - obvious reasons.

It's my belief that this type of case design is worth less than a case that has more of a 'scenic' design, but that's just my opinion. Obviously we have to compare engraving quality as well and this has to be compared with the highest quality examples, and gold only - you couldn't do work like this on gold filled. To my mind, the watches that have trains, boats, animals, mountains, villages, etc have a wider appeal base than something like this - certainly that was true at the time of production given the numbers that are now available. That may be an incorrect assumption, but I'm looking for ways to explain the relatively low price that I managed to get this for.

In terms of not knowing much about pocket watches, I'll see if I can do something in the occasional 'watch tech' series on them, although in many ways they are similar to wristwatches.

I have been timing this piece and it appears to be about 45 seconds fast in 24 hours, not too bad and as you can see in the pictures there is room to retard the index to get it closer.

bnewbie, Zenith made some great pocket watches, congrats and I love the prize winning / Grand Prix Swiss pieces with the medallions on the cuvette.

No medallions on this one.
I'll post some photos.

Most of the time Bnewbie, I think your english is better than mine!

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Driver8

Site Moderator

In response to a question......

I was asked how a piece couls be unique, as I suggested the case might be.

The reason is, when you bought a watch in 1870 you did so separate from the case. You then chose the case that complemented that watch - in this case Waltham insisted that it had to be an 18K case, and in fact this was a Waltham branded case (though likely made by someone else for them).

That's why there are so many different designs - artisans made a living engraving cases in custom forms.

Roff, that really is a beautiful piece, I can see why you're excited. Thanks for sharing, and for taking the time to put up all of that information.

Not much more I can say, Roff. Just like any other watch, I suppose it really has to be seen in person to be fully appreciated! Obviously, you do appreciate it and will have great respect for it.
I can only imagine the work that must have gone into creating that work of art, so long ago. And to think it was created so long before any one of us was even born!
Congratulations, and thank you for an excellent presentation and accompanying photos. It's kind of late, so I am going to read your entire post over again in a day or two, to fully appreciate it.

Cheers,
Carl

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'63 Omega Seamaster, 2014 Omega Speedmaster MarkII

"Those who possess a sense of entitlement are seldom satisfied"

A stunning timepiece! I love it.

I like all types of watches, even thoug Heuer and Breitling are my main interest.

Regards
Jarl
www.classicheuers.blogspot.com

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www.classicheuers.blogspot.com

BEautiful piece and great post! Thanks for sharing.