Which breitling is this?

[shirt]

I’m looking for a vintage chronograph and have been surprised to find breitling to be reasonably priced compared to Heuer etc. I stumbled upon a photo of the watch above and really do like the minimalist, clean appearance. The link states it’s a model 1198 899823 which doesn’t return any search results other than the page itself.

https://www.catawiki.be/l/32128769-breitling-vinta...

Any ideas? Could it be a custom/refaced job?

[lostkiwi]

Looks like a Breitling GOLD ref 1198 cal. venus 188 Diameter 34mm from 1960 but with different hands:
https://sfilev2.f-static.com/image/users/190146/ft...

[Titfer]

lostkiwi said:

Looks like a Breitling GOLD ref 1198 cal. venus 188 Diameter 34mm from 1960 but with different hands:
https://sfilev2.f-static.com/image/users/190146/ft...

The size is a the thing to look out for - 36/38 mm was considered a large watch then.
34mm will feel very small, so be prepared.

Nice looking watches though.

[nikaiyo2]

IMHO it’s re-dialled. I think the Breitling text is not period correct, not sure on that but I think with non cursive font the sub dials are indented.

If it’s a watch to wear every day and it’s priced correctly for a redial not sure it’s that big a deal.

[GCH]

Could be a redial, or a frankenwatch. Lots of them about.

Check out the top time range, and also the (original) premier 789..

[shirt]

Thankyou. I also think it’s redial/frankenwatch. The sale price (€1100 I think) would seem to reflect this.

I started looking at the original premier but do believe 33mm will be too small. The 810 top time seems a better bet.

I would be wearing it daily yes, and I think I’d actually prefer having a frankenwatch made to spec. as the reason I’ve shied away from a decent watch (I’ve wanted a vintage chrono since forever) is that I’m amazingly good at breaking things. I really don’t care about values but I’m very particular on aesthetics so this approach does appeal.

Is there anyone specialising in that kind of thing and what would be the rough costs involved?

[nikaiyo2]

shirt said:

Thankyou. I also think it’s redial/frankenwatch. The sale price (€1100 I think) would seem to reflect this.

I started looking at the original premier but do believe 33mm will be too small. The 810 top time seems a better bet.

I would be wearing it daily yes, and I think I’d actually prefer having a frankenwatch made to spec. as the reason I’ve shied away from a decent watch (I’ve wanted a vintage chrono since forever) is that I’m amazingly good at breaking things. I really don’t care about values but I’m very particular on aesthetics so this approach does appeal.

Is there anyone specialising in that kind of thing and what would be the rough costs involved?

I would think getting something close then getting it modded to suit would be easiest place to start.

There are watch modding forums mainly for Seiko but might point you in the right direction!

I don’t think £1100 is OTT for the watch shown.

Bit of a thought- have you considered Bell & Ross? They do some really nice vintage inspired Bicompax chronographs that are more modern in size and will likely be easier to live with on a day to day basis.

https://www.chrono24.co.uk/bellross/vintage-origin...

Edited by nikaiyo2 on Monday 9th March 20:41

Edited by nikaiyo2 on Monday 9th March 20:52

[lostkiwi]

nikaiyo2 said:

shirt said:

Thankyou. I also think it’s redial/frankenwatch. The sale price (€1100 I think) would seem to reflect this.

I started looking at the original premier but do believe 33mm will be too small. The 810 top time seems a better bet.

I would be wearing it daily yes, and I think I’d actually prefer having a frankenwatch made to spec. as the reason I’ve shied away from a decent watch (I’ve wanted a vintage chrono since forever) is that I’m amazingly good at breaking things. I really don’t care about values but I’m very particular on aesthetics so this approach does appeal.

Is there anyone specialising in that kind of thing and what would be the rough costs involved?

I would think getting something close then getting it modded to suit would be easiest place to start.

There are watch modding forums mainly for Seiko but might point you in the right direction!

I don’t think £1100 is OTT for the watch shown.

Bit of a thought- have you considered Bell & Ross? They do some really nice vintage inspired Bicompax chronographs that are more modern in size and will likely be easier to live with on a day to day basis.

https://www.chrono24.co.uk/bellross/vintage-origin...

Edited by nikaiyo2 on Monday 9th March 20:41

Edited by nikaiyo2 on Monday 9th March 20:52

So do Longines.