The Breitling Watch Source Forums

When my dad was a young man, he dreamed of being a pilot. When he joined the army during WWII, he was heartbroken to find out the astygmatism in his left eye disqualified him. He became a helicopter mechanic during the war and did various kinds of mechanic work throughout his adult life. Then, in about 1964, he took private pilot lessons and - together with four other guys - bought a Cessna Piper Cub airplane. He was so excited! We took lots of trips in that plane, including one - our family of six in a four seat plane - from Santa Cruz, California to El Paso, TX, where my dad grew up.

A few months ago, my father passed away. My brother sent me a few of his things. I was touched to get his pocket knife, that I gave him as a gift about 40 years ago. He carried it every day. Also amongst his things was his Breitling Navitimer watch! I remember being mesmerised by this watch when I was little. I think he bought it around the same time as he got the Cessna.

It seems to be in beautiful condition, though it isn't running and one of the sub-clock hands fell off and is loose on the face. I want to take it to a local watch repairman who specializes in vintage watches to have him clean, oil and repair it. Is there any reason I shouldn't do this locally? I am curious to see the serial number inside the case, too. From pictures, it looks to me like an original mid 50s Navitimer, though he didn't buy it until later. It could even be a replica, though it seems authentic to me. I love it, either way.

Anything anyone can tell me about this watch (pictured) I would love to hear. Thanks.
Cheers,
Jill

Here is the back case.

Welcome to BreitlingSource, and sorry about your dad.

The watch is very real, although the crown may be a replacement. Our standard recommendation is to have member chronodeco (Craig) do restoration work. He's in the US but works on pieces for members in Europe and Australia - his work is exceptional and you will have a piece that will function very well and retain the history that it has spent so long acquiring - a fitting tribute to your dad.

Beautiful watch and sorry for your loss.

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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 chronomat GMT 47
2 Omega planet ocean chronographs

Congrats, your old man had great tatse, wear it with pride. I would second what Roff said, don't take it to a local repairman!

on watch & servicing recommendation; Craig does outstanding work - and is a great guy !

Nice watch!
As for the aircraft, there is no Cessna Piper Cub. Piper built the J-3 or "Cub", which only has two seats.
Cessna built various models with four seats. These being the most common, 170, 180, 172 Skyhawk, 177 Cardinal, and 182 Skylane.

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Breitling Navitimer: Black Dial
OMEGA Speedmaster Professional
Steinhart Nav.B-Chrono II
Elgin-Hamilton 37500 (Aircraft Clock)