The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I am a retired Detroit Police Aviation Section pilot, 6670 hours in about 22 different aircraft, mostly helicopters but several fixed-wing models in over 25+ years. As a recreational pilot in about 1964 I bought a new Wakmann chronograph, proud as hell, but soon found the buttons sticking with summer perspiration. Somehow I bought an 806 just to get the sealed buttons, don't recall where or the price, had to be very inexpensive, probably used. Amazed at the accuracy.

I later found another one, again cannot now recall how I got it, must have been a swap for something, not likely much. My local watch repair man insists both are original Breitlings. He cleaned one and it runs about a second a day off, two at most. Not bad. Number two is waiting for the oil.

Now I see a Breitling advertised, a 701 I think, price staggers me, $4000??? What is a 700 series? It looks about identical to my two, although mine have different diameters of winding knobs, and the slide rule scale on the small knob one is less readable, smaller font size, numbers less well placed on the dial, so is harder to use. The smaller knob has no "B". Both have the tiny airplane logos, not the AOPA logo.

I have a photo, but do not see a way to upload it.

Please forgive my ignorance of the Breitling cult, I just last month dug these relics out for cleaning, did not realize the possible value of my old stuff. I may give one to our son for Xmas.

How much did an 806 cost in the mid-late-sixties??

Who has the most authentic bands?

Who/what is associated with the dual airplane logo?

Sorry, have to see what Kwammy is up to today...best regards.

Use a photo hosting site like photobucket or similar, Best to post your questions in the vintage forum as there are loads of smart guys who can help (unlike me who only really knows about post 85 models)

oh, and btw........

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John

Current:- Navi World, Coral SO, Panerai 219, Sea Dweller, Suunto Core etc

CORAL CLUB FOUNDING FATHER

Welcome aboard.

~Brian

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Breitling Super Avenger
Fortis Flieger Chronograph
Rolex Submariner Date

A Navitimer cost £38/6/- in England in 1967. That's about $80 at current exchange rates!


Without wishing to sound facetious, the answer of course is Breitling! A very good, cheaper alternative is Bob straps from Germany who sell on Ebay. Hirsch is another well respected strap maker.


That is the logo Breitling used during the 1960s/70s.

I'm sure you will find the link below a very interesting read. It's about a guy in England who has a 1967 Navitimer restored to its former glory.

http://pippick.com/reviews/NavitimerReviewPt1.htm

Welcome!

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Collection: http://s540.photobucket.com/albums/gg32 ... mview=grid