The Breitling Watch Source Forums

The number "1012" is signed on the back of a 1940's Breitling with Venus 170 movement, 36mm.
This number occurs with the signature Breitling on the back, but no other number.
Does it sound right? I'm not so familiar with 1940's Breitling and what numbers should be found on these.

And, if I buy a 1940's Breitling (looking for Venus 170 or Venus 188) - how much should the price be reduced if the leather strap is generic and there's no box or papers?

Will have to check the books tonight, don't know 1012 off the top of my head.

Do you have pictures that you can post?

In terms of price, strap is virtually irrelevant - you aren't going to find a watch with an authentic original strap that is almost 70 years old. Just compare modern prices as a guide - a watch with a $20 strap will sell for $50 or so less than a watch with a $100 strap (you'll never get full value)

In terms of papers, it's rare to find a 40s watch with papers so it's more a case of the premium that you pay if you find one. That's tough because it really comes down to the model, how popular, condition of the watch, etc. As a rule of thumb maybe 5 - 10% premium, but certainly don't see that as an absolute rule.

Here is a picture, can post another one of the back.

the back with number 1012.

Thanks,

I'll check the books this evening to confirm my thoughts.

Sorry, forgot about this last night.

Will make a note on my forehead for this evening

Ok, I have a question that relates directly to this watch. Has anyone seen a legitimate Venus 170 based Breitling with a 30 min register? I don't recall seeing one, but my knowledge in this area (like many other areas) is weak.

Yes, but not in a Breitling - there definitely were 30 minute geared versions of the movement, but I don't ever recall seeing a real one in a Breitling or with a BOW / WOG code.

I can't place 1012, and the caseback engraving makes me suspicious of this one, but want to check the books before committing.

I do have a 170 based Wakmann with a movement that has the chrono bridge signed Britix (case back as well) however the balance bridge is signed WOG. It does have a 30 minute register.

BTW reference 1012 is not listed in Benno.

I can't find reference to anything close to 1012, and the caseback looks wrong, so I am going to have to say frankenwatch.

With the good condition of the dial the suspicion is always a redial, and the absence of movement pictures would cause me to leave very well alone.

Ok, thank you a million, I appreciate you taking time and looking into this. Finding an old watch is starting to feel like smashing my way through a jungle.
So, with a 170 and two subregisters (up, down) I would have to look for a 45 min upper register - does anyone know what models should come in question for Breitling? I'll look through the forum to see if there are earlier guiding pictures posted.
The 769 is a classic with two subregisters, left, right, and Venus 175 is also an option, but I'm under the impression that these are very popular and a lot more expensive than this type that I've been looking for..?
Well well, pushing forward through the jungle with my machete ... thank you again for letting me take use of your expertise.

The watches are out there - 769 is probably the best known, but there are enough 40s chronos around that you should be able to find one that you like. In a 170 the 45 minute register is certainly the most common. I'll look up some model reference numbers for you on the weekend.

As a general rule, never buy without movement photos and never buy from South America. Also be wary of Spain and Florida.

If you find something that you like throw the pictures up on here and we'll happily opine

As promised, some 12 / 6 subdial references from 40s era Breitlings:

170
171
172
173
174
175
176
178
179
180

Can't say for sure which ones were 170 vs. 188, and some may have had both at different times.

Also, I have NEVER seen a V170 Breitling with a signature on the back. Always look for an original dial, PROPER script signature on the chrono bridge and a reference and serial number on the back. Craig

_________________
S. Craig Bergsma

Great, thank you! I'll post pics when I find the next desirable one