The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hello all,

Based in London, I am a noob, in the market for a couple of vintage Breitlings, trying not to buy a Frankenwatch or paying over market prices.

The Cosmonaute interests me the most (I am a 60's space age type of guy).

What do we think of this one:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VINTAGE-BREITLING ... RCH:GB:101

I realise that I may have to pay for servicing and a bracelet..

Can you confirm the date from the serial number? I suspect 1964-1966?

Love this site and forum, by the way..

Thank you

Running to a meeting so this is quick and dirty - will give you a more detailed analysis later.

Serial number is 1965, watch and movement don't scare me at first glance - slightly unusual to see WOG on the movement in what must be a 60s movement (assuming it is 24 hours!!)

Will give some more resoned thoughts this evening.

OK, let's go........

AT first glance the watch looks like a great example of a non AOPA 1965 Cosmonaute. The dial is absolutely correct with both Cosmonaute and Navitimer on the dial, hands look right for the era too, with the possible exception of the 3 o'clock subdial - that may be too thin, or it may just be the photo.

The outer ring of the slide rule is the only real problem that I see on the dial - I would expect to see red lettering by this time. I'm not convinced that it's original, ironically having been replaced with an older one.

As I mentioned earlier the presence of the WOG stamping on the balance cock is usually an indication of an earlier movement, although it's not unheard of in the 60s. I can't tell from this whether the movement has 24 hour gearing. It's also slightly odd to see the engraving on the plate below the bridge.

So, in summary, I think it's OK, but not one of the best examples - there are better ones out there.

many many thanks for that. I'll watch it and see where the value goes. I think it can become easily too pricey, especially as the bracelet is missing.