I bid on a vintage 1950s on ebay last month, went higher that I wanted. Had a very nice redial, if there is such a thing. Had the venus 170, like my other chronos.
My very first Breitling. Apparently also a very special one Made in 1945, according to Breitling Archives.
Does Breitling offer extract of the archives now? I also have a 769 and would be interested in applying for one, if they offer that service. Or are you just matching your serial number to open source reference materials?
I don't know if they are offering Extracts now. My information comes from the Brand Heritage manager who happens to be a friend and who checked my serial against his data.
My feeling is the same as many others here. I have none in my stable but appreciate the vintage chronograph designs from the 40's, 50's and 60's that were pure tool watches. The boatloads of big, clunky Valjoux 7750-based watches from the 80's 90's and 2000's don't do much for me, I'm afraid. I feel the same way about TAG Heuer - 50's and 60's - awesome; 70's - YEAHHH BAAAABY!, 80's - 2000's - meh.
Picked this barn find up at an estate sale yesterday. Always been a Longines guy myself, but this one is quite charming. The dial is mint, just the crystal that is busted.
So I go back and forth on the Navitimer 806 - the pattern tends to be - buy one, don’t wear it for a while, then it’s the first up for sale when I need to raise funds (they always seem to sell), miss it, buy another... This one might be a keeper though - 1968 806 single owner and pretty untouched and full set with original papers, brochures etc - just arrived today:
And for those who appreciate these things, here’s a copy of the brochure which was with the above watch, from 1968 showing the available chrono range and prices from Breitling’s glory days:
Nice find. I've often followed the same pattern. With all those extras, assuming price was right, it would be a keeper for me as well. Wear it in good health.
