The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Tom,
another question: what ist the diameter of your watch, case without crown ?

if it was a Wakmann reference 1309 case, it must have 37 mm

IMHO, this is probably due to the whim/process of the manufacturer (in this case Valjoux) or by request of the purchasing marque because sometimes we see the "gilt" finish and sometimes not, even on the same model:





Note also that we see "gold" Venus movements and also steel even though they are the same caliber...

Early 178 Co-Pilot 15 minute counter:



Early 806:



And we know (or at least it has often been stated) that Breitling did not finish their own movements, so why or how could Wakamnn have done so without even a real factory aside from their offices on 597 5th Ave in NYC?

Just my opinion but I am unconvinced that Wakmann was truly "making" their own watches; I now believe it was Gigandet all along (and perhaps Gigandet was making these complications for other, more prestigious brands as well, like that LeCoultre ).

Best,
T.

37mm.

Best,
T.

than you can be lucky, you have a correct Wakmann 1309 case, but the question remains, was it orignal a Wakmann and is later signed at Breitling or was it original Breitling ?

You nailed it, Michael!
THAT is the $10,000 question.
The fact that they were "sister" companies gives me some hope but I am still searching for something close to proof. Most of the "experts", though, do not think it's possible.
But mapping Breitling history is still in it's very early stages, IMHO, and a lot of the so-called "rules" do not stand up under closer scrutiny.
So, as I say, I remain open-minded. And as many of us know, watch companies did a lot of very strange things in the 1950s...
All the best,
Tom

Parts cataloge for the Wakmann Datora calibre 730

I know where there is one for sale... black dial with stainless case and ORIGINAL box and instructions. Best one I have ever seen. Craig

_________________
S. Craig Bergsma

Watchestobuy in Canada? If so, time to sell a kidney!
Best,
T.

No - its mine. Email be at chronodeco@embarqmail.com . Thanks, Craig
FYI - I do some of the repair work for watches on Watchestobuy. Small world huh?

_________________
S. Craig Bergsma

Having seen some of their asking prices you should put your prices up

Also interesting that they only offer repair work for Canadian customers but use you for some of the work

Roff - its been on eBay since Sunday so I really don't want to post it here. If a member Of Breitlingsource is interested, I will take 10% off the BIN price and free shipping in the US.
Thanks, Craig

_________________
S. Craig Bergsma

...a few quick questions, if you would be so kind:

1) How did you know that this Wakmann Triple Date Chrono had a Gigandet case? Stamped on the inner back, I assume? Or some other way?

2) Do you think that Gigandet made the cases for and/or assembled all the Wakmann Triples? I ask because of the identical "ship" logo found on the back of both Wakmann Triples and Gigandet watches:



AFAIK, Wakmann was not providing Gigandet with anything except an outlet for their watches in the States, so...

3) Ever see a Wakmann or Gigandet Triple Date Moonphase Chrono with Valjoux 88?


Thanks in advance and good luck with the sale--that's a real nice Triple Date Chrono!
Best regards,
Tom

1. All of the ones I have seen had Gigandet in the inside of the back.
2. I don't really know exactly what the connection was between Wakmann and Gigandet.
3. Never seen an 88 in either one.
Craig

_________________
S. Craig Bergsma

(chronodeco's Wakmann AOPA Triple Date Chrono)

Thanks, Craig. I know we are rehashing the hash here but no "Gigandet" inside my 804...



...and no sign of any deliberate obliteration. (Yes, folks, I know this is supposedly not an accepted inner caseback sig for Breitling...but it is awfully well executed, don't you think? ).

Will also have to double check these service marks on mine with a loupe--I think I see "1965"...



...and that would be an awfully long con for a put together watch.

Thanks again & best,
T.