The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Another great restoration by Craig

Before


After Spa Treatment

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"A man with one watch knows what time it is; a man with two watches is never quite sure."

nice !

Thanks Fred

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"A man with one watch knows what time it is; a man with two watches is never quite sure."

Very nice, congrats! Well done Craig...as usual.

Lovely piece - well done Craig and congrats Rick!

Beaut Rick enjoy her

Congrats, scrubbed up beautifully!

New here, but would love to hear the "history" of how you found this jewel, what it took to bring it back to life, and maybe a little info from "Craig" about what the watch needed....

Hope it is not to much to ask......
Thanks

This is beautiful! Wow

Justice there is not much of a story! I found it on ebay and also found a nos case. When Craig serviced it he found a worn wind/set gear plate and replaced it:

He serviced the 178, replaced the crystal and cleaned the dial.

And here it is finished:

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"A man with one watch knows what time it is; a man with two watches is never quite sure."

@justice51: the 176 and the 178 are beautiful pieces from the early 1940s, but were nickel or gold plated base metal, no version in SS existed (heard it had to do w/ higher import duties and/or import restrictions for stainless steel to the US, unsubstantiated), the 178 was manufactured in sold 18k too. Base metal cases just did not survive these decades of use in decent condition, so either you are luck to find NOS cases (some are still around for sale for the 176), or you are lucky to find a decent case refinisher. Some purists frown at this and prefer shabby, worn cases; i don't.

Fred there is another NOS 178 case for sale on ebay now.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/BREITLING-CHRON ... 53fdf034a3

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"A man with one watch knows what time it is; a man with two watches is never quite sure."

I know, Rick; have one of those (actually an almost identical twin of yours), but have found a VERY decent case guy in Canada, turn out equally nice and less trouble to reassemble.

Fred I have had numerous complements for this watch from patients and employees when I wore it in the office. Even my wife says it's one of the nicer watches I own and to get an unsolicited complement from her is rare.

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"A man with one watch knows what time it is; a man with two watches is never quite sure."

Rick and Watch Fred.....

That seems to be more of a quality "easter egg hunt" of parts, springs, gears, cases than simply going and "buying" a good quality Ling on E-Bay....That watch came out beautiful...congrats....In your cases it seems that the "hunt" is the thrill, and lasts much longer that just plunking down dollars across a counter...!!!

I really enjoy the "stories" and history of these fine timepieces....THANKS