The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I am just getting started collecting watches. So far I have acquired a Montbrillant (A41370) and a Colt (A74380). Knowing that I have developed this new interest, over the holidays my parents dug out my grandparents and great-grandparents' watches. Among them was a Patek Philippe Calatrava that belonged to my great-grandfather. The back includes an inscription from his employer. He started there in 1922 and died in 1977. My best guess is that he received this watch sometime between the early 1940s and late 1960s. I'd be interested in any information or thoughts on this watch. I submitted it through the local Patek AD for restoration and a proper strap a few days ago. They thought it likely would need to go to Geneva and that it would be late January before they had any information for me. Thank you.

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Colt (A74380)
Montbrillant (A41370)
Superocean 42 (A17364)
Transocean 38
Superocean Heritage 38
Great-Grandfather's 1959 PP Calatrava ref. 3403 (being refurbished - due back in late Sept, 2014)

I don't have any info on the watch, but what a great memento of your great grandfather. This watch is proof that the calatrava is a timeless design. I bet once it's restored by PP, it'll easily pass for a more current model.

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Regards,

Peter

BREITLING for Bentley Motors T & Mark VI, Aerospace
ROLEX Submariner Ceramic116610LN
OMEGA Plantet Ocean 8500 42mm Orange arabics
OCEAN7 LM-3

Keep us up to date on this one! what an amazing heirloom

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Pain is only weakness leaving the body.

Wow, I wish my parents would pull something like that out of storage for me!

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Chronomat 01- Sierra Silver/Steel
Navitimer 01- Limited Edition #1337/2000

PP are classic pieces, gorgeous looking watch. Ask the AD that you have handling the watch to get you an extract from the archives in Switzerland. Basically PP have a record of every watch that they produce and can issue you a very nice certificate that gives you some history of the watch - when it was produced, movement details, that sort of thing.

Thanks everyone. I'll keep you posted as the process moves forwards. As I understand it, watches older than 25 years usually have to go back to Geneva for restoration and it can take a year or longer depending on what needs to be done. I couldn't believe my eyes when I found in the box. But for my new watch habit, it might have remained in storage without anyone understanding what it was. I wasn't very old when my great-grandfather passed, but I was lucky enough to have known him. My grandfather -- the oldest son of the great-father who owned the watch -- just passed this summer at 89. He was my last surviving grandparent and we very much felt his absence over the holidays -- as well as the general absence of having any family elders around -- so it was particularly moving to find this watch, which I will make sure is properly cared for and passed down in the family.

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Colt (A74380)
Montbrillant (A41370)
Superocean 42 (A17364)
Transocean 38
Superocean Heritage 38
Great-Grandfather's 1959 PP Calatrava ref. 3403 (being refurbished - due back in late Sept, 2014)

Wow! What a story!
I wish I had a great grand father like you had!
Enjoy the watch and take care of it. It really deserves it.

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"It is just a matter of time!"

Lovely story, and watch. So good to think that it's in the hands of someone who appreciates it.

Great story and piece!

Inheriting that piece aligns with Patek's mantra; 'You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation.'

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Chronospace - Jet Team Edition
Jaeger-Lecoultre - MCC Navy Seals GMT

Fantastic story; you are very fortunate.

I wanted to share that I picked up my great grandfather's watch today. It was at Patek approximately nine months being serviced, and I am thrilled to have it back.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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Colt (A74380)
Montbrillant (A41370)
Superocean 42 (A17364)
Transocean 38
Superocean Heritage 38
Great-Grandfather's 1959 PP Calatrava ref. 3403 (being refurbished - due back in late Sept, 2014)

Great piece, enjoy it

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5 Super Avengers
1 Super Avenger 2
1 Super Avenger limited edition
1 Super avenger night mission
1 Limited edition chronomat Boston Celtics
Navitimer GMT
Transocean Chronograph Unitime
2 Omega planet ocean chronographs
1 Tag heuer Monaco

The best looking vintage watch I have ever seen. A true example of a timeless watch that reflects the PP spirit. I am jealous!!!!

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Breitling Chronomat 01 Limited Edition
Breitling Navitimer 01 46mm

what a lovely watch and heirloom, congratulations !

Fantastic story and a superb watch. It looks fantastic.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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Chronomat 01- Sierra Silver/Steel
Navitimer 01- Limited Edition #1337/2000