Discussion
Saw this in a shop window in Copenhagen. I could see it's a Breitling and having a look on the internet has revealed it to be a 'Top Time'.
Thought it looked like a nice watch. I didnt realise they did anything other than their overtly heroic stuff.
I've just looked a bit more at the 'Top Time' range (is it a range?) and this looks great. Similar in some respects to the Speedmaster Pro.
Thought it looked like a nice watch. I didnt realise they did anything other than their overtly heroic stuff.
I've just looked a bit more at the 'Top Time' range (is it a range?) and this looks great. Similar in some respects to the Speedmaster Pro.
Looks like a nice example of a ref# 814 from the late 60s.
It should have a venus 178 (same as the navitimer 806 of that era) which is a great movement and easy to service still via a competent indy - but beware missing parts such as crowns or pushers or damaged dials/hands as it is difficult - if not impossible- to find certain parts such as these.
Breitling are absolute b
ds when it comes to their vintage pieces, and will not supply any of these without their vintage overhaul service, which is a) slow, b) expensive c) not always necessary,
Crystals are plexiglass so scratches polish out and a replacement crystal is pennies.
Thankfully there are people such as Craig (aka chronodeco on the breitlingsource forum) who can look after these things properly without breaking the bank.
How much was it and which store was this?
Yes there was a whole range of Top Times. They used to be very under the radar, but have crept up in desirability in recent years and therefore value. There are many types in style, movement and design, and some are very nice. Plenty of abused pieces and franken watches though so do your homework if you are thinking of buying one.
The bottom picture you have posted is ref# 810.
It should have a venus 178 (same as the navitimer 806 of that era) which is a great movement and easy to service still via a competent indy - but beware missing parts such as crowns or pushers or damaged dials/hands as it is difficult - if not impossible- to find certain parts such as these.
Breitling are absolute b
ds when it comes to their vintage pieces, and will not supply any of these without their vintage overhaul service, which is a) slow, b) expensive c) not always necessary,Crystals are plexiglass so scratches polish out and a replacement crystal is pennies.
Thankfully there are people such as Craig (aka chronodeco on the breitlingsource forum) who can look after these things properly without breaking the bank.
How much was it and which store was this?
Yes there was a whole range of Top Times. They used to be very under the radar, but have crept up in desirability in recent years and therefore value. There are many types in style, movement and design, and some are very nice. Plenty of abused pieces and franken watches though so do your homework if you are thinking of buying one.
The bottom picture you have posted is ref# 810.
Edited by GCH on Wednesday 4th February 17:28
Not sure what an 'overtly heroic' watch is, but Breitling made (and still make) quite a variety of styles.
Pre '80s Breitlings are a different kettle of fish to the current range, although there are some current designs (not just the Navitimer) that owe a lot to the '60s designs.
If you like a vintage watch though, a good Breitling's just as good as an Omega, Heuer or Rolex, in my view.
M,
Pre '80s Breitlings are a different kettle of fish to the current range, although there are some current designs (not just the Navitimer) that owe a lot to the '60s designs.
If you like a vintage watch though, a good Breitling's just as good as an Omega, Heuer or Rolex, in my view.
M,
GCH said:
Looks like a nice example of a ref# 814 from the late 60s.
It should have a venus 178 (same as the navitimer 806 of that era) which is a great movement and easy to service still via a competent indy - but beware missing parts such as crowns or pushers or damaged dials/hands as it is difficult - if not impossible- to find certain parts such as these.
Breitling are absolute bds when it comes to their vintage pieces, and will not supply any of these without their vintage overhaul service, which is a) slow, b) expensive c) not always necessary,
Crystals are plexiglass so scratches polish out and a replacement crystal is pennies.
Thankfully there are people such as Craig (aka chronodeco on the breitlingsource forum) who can look after these things properly without breaking the bank.
How much was it and which store was this?
Yes there was a whole range of Top Times. They used to be very under the radar, but have crept up in desirability in recent years and therefore value. There are many types in style, movement and design, and some are very nice. Plenty of abused pieces and franken watches though so do your homework if you are thinking of buying one.
The bottom picture you have posted is ref# 810.
Thanks for the info. I don't know the cost I'm afraid it was in a shop window here http://www.nelso.com/dk/place/28735/ and I didn't go in. I've since seen one advertised online for <£2k. It should have a venus 178 (same as the navitimer 806 of that era) which is a great movement and easy to service still via a competent indy - but beware missing parts such as crowns or pushers or damaged dials/hands as it is difficult - if not impossible- to find certain parts such as these.
Breitling are absolute b
ds when it comes to their vintage pieces, and will not supply any of these without their vintage overhaul service, which is a) slow, b) expensive c) not always necessary,Crystals are plexiglass so scratches polish out and a replacement crystal is pennies.
Thankfully there are people such as Craig (aka chronodeco on the breitlingsource forum) who can look after these things properly without breaking the bank.
How much was it and which store was this?
Yes there was a whole range of Top Times. They used to be very under the radar, but have crept up in desirability in recent years and therefore value. There are many types in style, movement and design, and some are very nice. Plenty of abused pieces and franken watches though so do your homework if you are thinking of buying one.
The bottom picture you have posted is ref# 810.
Edited by GCH on Wednesday 4th February 17:28
I'm not looking really, just making myself aware.
Crook said:
marcosgt said:
Not sure what an 'overtly heroic' watch is, but Breitling made (and still make) quite a variety of styles.
M,
Oh you know the type of thing, large complicated looking ones usually advertised on an fighter pilot's wrist: chisel faced with a helmet under his arm.M,
Again, they do, even now, some much subtler models
M
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