The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Would be grateful if someone could give me their opinion on the attached watch. It is (according to the seller) a Breitling Gold-Plated Navitimer Case No. 1146059, Ref. 806. What would be a good price for it?

Those look like stock photos - I wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole unless I had real photos of the front and back of the watch, movement and inside caseback.

Serial number dates it to 1967, and that does look correct for that. Price is going to vary hugely depending on condition, servicing, etc. Would like to see better photos before commenting.

Many thanks for the pointers, I will try and get more photos and post them. I have just started collecting Breitlings and am trying to learn as much as possible about them so I make educated decisions on the pieces I buy. I have a few nice pieces so far.

I bought this piece from antiquorum in the last auction. I have just received and when I try and set the time the crown comes all the way out - Is that normal? Am a little disappointed since I thought it should be fully working. Can someone tell me if the crown is meant to come all the way out? Also how do you change the time if this is normal.

My thoughts are, for what they are worth:-
The sale price of 13200 HKD (including extras) seems a little cheap or a good price depending on what you have in fact received. I would be surprised if any one told you that the crown should pull all the way out.
What does the movement look like, is it a Venus 178. Any Photos would be interesting.
My thoughts are that if you get it repaired/serviced your total outlay would be nearer the true value if it is legit.
My knowledge only comes from reading these forums though.
Did you see Roff's comments ?
The experts will soon add their comments I am sure.
Good luck with it as your initially posted photos show a very nice watch

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Regards
David D

David,

Thanks for the response, it was also my first auction. Will take it down to the AD here tomorrow and get them to open the back (don't know how to do it myself).

Will also take the photos now I have it and will post them in a day or so.

Must admit am feeling pretty disappointed that it seems to have a problem when Antiquorum didn't mention anything.

I love the watch and was really looking forward to wearing and enjoying it, now it seems it will be a month or more before I get the chance.

I got two Breitlings in the same auction- piece number 252 as well, that seems ok and is really nice.

Cheers, Ian.

Ian,
Wait 24 hrs untill the real experts come back to you as their opinions will have a greater data base of knowledge than my newly aquired and incomplete one, I have an interest in Navitimers (and an 809 of 1966) but am not an EXPERT.
The good luck bit still applies

Was 252 not this watch then ?

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Regards
David D

David,

Sorry the other one was a Chronomat, item 274.

Cheers, Ian

To be honest I don't think that the price was that great considering the buyer's premium on top.

The crown should not come out, and it requires servicing. It's likely not a difficult fix, and probably won't add a huge amount to the servicing cost, but the servicing should be done asap - the movement is exposed to the environment and dirt and moisture can easily enter.

Unfortunately Antiquorum (or any of the other houses) are not particularly helpful with their descriptions, but you can contact them ahead of the sale and ask for more information - they are usually pretty helpful.

Roff,

Thanks. Will take it to the sealers tomorrow. The price of HKD 13,200 is including the buyers premium.

Still as a newbie to this I am prone to the mistakes, so long as I learn along the way I am happy.

Am grateful to you and David for the responses as it helps me learn.

Cheers, ian.

In that case the price wasn't so bad

I have taken some pictures of the watch and have loaded them below - including one that shows the crown out. Will be heading off to the AD here this morning and will get a picture of the movement when they take the back off.

The watch seems in pretty good condition and is working well and keeping time (although i cant change it).

all thoughts and comments are more than welcome.

Ian

Every cloud has a silver lining. The AD here took the back off the watch and fixed the crown (loose screw and easily fixed he said). Best of all there was no charge. So, end result is a fully functioning watch. they also recommended that it should be sent in for service soon but since it had to go to Geneva for that i will enjoy it for a month then send it in.

Ian

Lovely 1967. Looks original to me - even has the correct 67 outer sliderule. Definitely could use a clean and service, but it's a nice pick up.

If you are in the US there are other options for servicing - Mark Heist is the guru at Horological Services in PA, although his waiting list is several months.

I checked recently. Mark's wait time is about one year. Although I certainly don't speak for him, I would think Craig should be able to turn it around quicker than that. I also have personal knowledge of a watchmaker in VA who could do an excellent job of servicing it. He surrendered his Breitling service center authorization because he didn't want to invest in a large inventory of their watches when he only sold a few a year.

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