The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Do all vintage Breitlings have some sort of signature on the bridge of the movements?

I found a reference 769 with a serial of 484050. I think the serial makes it a very late 1930's or very early 1940's watch.

The movement looks like the right caliber Venus, but the bridge is not signed. The bridge does not look like a replacement because it is has a patina that matches the rest of the movement. The dial, hands and case look right.

I have a picture of the movement, but naturally photobucket is down at the moment. Will attach later.

Not all Breitlings have signed bridges, but yes - a photo will assist.

I would be very interested to see a 769 with that serial number.

Here are some pictures

I know that is a very low serial for that reference #. I checked Antiquorum's site and they have sold a few with low serials as well.

We can't take the serial number at face value - Breitling didn't apply for the patent until 1940 (and it was awarded in the same year), so it's physically impossible that a watch earlier than that could have the patent number on it.

My guess is that the caseback, which does lokk correct, is actually stamped up for a non-chrono watch and made it's way into the wrong parts bin. If that's the case then this watch is a 1950, which sounds a bit more feasible. Finding a Chronomat earlier than 1945 is virtually unheard of.

Other than that, this looks like a very nice example, the movement looks fine to me, and the case and dial are also correct. The centre seconds may be a replacement but otherwise looks to be in original condition.

Thank you for taking some time to look at it. I just re-discovered I owned it when I was cleaning some things out.

So here is the next big (and inevitable?) question.

What do you think is a reasonable sales price? The crown is unsigned. I used to know that sort of thing, but haven't bought or sold any watches in years.

Baby due in 2 weeks and I could probably use a few extra dollars.

I'm sorry - I would rather someone else answered that question. I may be interested in buying and I don't think that it's fair to offer an opinion with a vested interest.

The engraving on the caseback obviously detracts though.

One other question - are the lugs drilled right through - if no then definitely later, although if they are it's not conclusive.

The holes are drilled through. I got the watch from an estate. I was told the owner was a naval aviator. There is a number under the name. It is one digit short of a social security #. I was told it was his dog tag #. I thought they used the Social Security number on dog tags? But maybe not.

We can chat about the price offline if you like.

Get a reliable value assessment and then we can talk. Paul (vintage) and Craig (chronodeco) will both be able to give you a fair assessment of value. I think Craig is on vacation for a couple of weeks but Paul usually stops by on the weekend.