The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I own a Navitimer 2110 series number 126605 (White dial). It was given to me by my uncle in 1972 while I was in pilot training. Over the years it has become worn and in need of care. It functions well but the Bezel is missing and one of the plungers is dented. I dropped it of at Breitling China Limited in HKG to have it sent to Breitling for inspection and repair. They want to change the Hands, Crystal, Crown, Crown Tube and Pusher, replace the Bezel and spring. They have also suggested replacing the dial. I would like to keep it in as original condition as possible. They will also not return any replaced parts. The work estimate (except for the dial) is $1,400 USD. The dial is another $260. They also said they can not replace the hands with the same style but will try t get as close as possible. I am looking for some advice on replacing the hands and dial, and also if there are other options in refurbishment.

Thanks for any suggestions or thought - dmenish

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D Menish

Well there are always options....

It's difficult to know whether parts can be restored / refurbished without seeing them, but you may be able to have some parts (like the dial) restored - although that's not the major part of the cost - $260 is expensive for a dial by the way.

The problem with hands is finding them - Breitling don't keep a stockpile of vintage parts so trying to find original style hands can be difficult. I'm also slightly surprised that Breitling is even offering to fo the work - I'm guessing that Breitling China are doing it themselves, as generally Breitling refer vintage work to independents - Horological Services in the US for example.

Some of the work can be done by any watchmaker, but obviously access to parts may be an issue.

There is a member on here who restores vintage watches in the US - chronodeco, may be worth sending him a PM.

By the way, I think the serial number is wrong for 1970s - did you miss a digit out?

Thanks for the information. Yes, I did miss a didget, the series is 1266105. Breitling China said they were sending it to Switzerland for inspection and estimate. The estimate took a month and the time to restore is 10 - 12 months. The dial appeard to me to be in very good shape as are the hands. I have asked them if they can just restore the face and hands so they will be original and am awaiting a reply. I have no committment to Breitling yet but do have to pay for return shipping if I choose to go a different direction. Kinda new to this, how do I send a PM to cronodeco?

Thanks again for your response.

dmenish

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D Menish

http://breitlingsource.com/phpBB2/profi ... ile&u=1961

That dates to 1969.

bnewbie has given you the link to chronodeco's profile and you can just hit the pm button there to send him a message.

I am slightly surprised that Breitling Switzerland are going to do the work - didn't realise that they did any work on vintage pieces these days, live and learn I guess.