Split second research...

subregister · Nov 13, 2019

Hello OFers-
Starting up on some more research...now into splits (https://alphahands.com/vintage-watch-research/split-seconds-rattrapantes/)

I'm not too far in, but wanted to share some interesting information (at least to me 🤨 ) on the Breitling 762 split.
It appears that Breitling produced the 762 not just for themselves, but also provided some quantity to other manufacturers, specifically Grana and Lebois.

What we see below are:
Breitling 762 serial 609272 (left)
Grana 762 serial 609277 (top right)
Lebois 762 serial 6092xx (bottom right)

These all have the same steel case, pushers/crown, same caseback stamping style, and Venus 179.

Evitzee · Nov 13, 2019

Rattrapante, or split second, chronographs are a marvelous thing of beauty and complication.

The one in my collection is a Parmigiani 18k white gold case version, ca. 1999. It has a Venus 185 movement (similar to the 179 but with an added hour counter), these movements date to the 40's and 50's. It seems a small cache of these movements were found in the 90's and made their way to the market via Parmigiani, Ulysse Nardin, Girard Perregaux, and a few other makers. Parmigiani made a series of 10 rattrapantes with different case materials and dial colors. Finished to the typical very high quality standards of Parmigiani. A cool complication, and generally undervalued in today's market.

Hodinkee has a nice primer on split second chronographs:
https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/a-detailed-survey-of-the-split-seconds-chronograph-and-its-cousins

crashpad_watches · Nov 13, 2019

Totally agree that the split second function is awesome. I have the Omega De Ville Coaxial Rattrapante. Definitely a unique movement in the Omega realm. Love it.

ZigZagoon · Nov 13, 2019

subregister
Hello OFers-
Starting up on some more research...now into splits (https://alphahands.com/vintage-watch-research/split-seconds-rattrapantes/)

I'm not too far in, but wanted to share some interesting information (at least to me 🤨 ) on the Breitling 762 split.
It appears that Breitling produced the 762 not just for themselves, but also provided some quantity to other manufacturers, specifically Grana and Lebois.

What we see below are:
Breitling 762 serial 609272 (left)
Grana 762 serial 609277 (top right)
Lebois 762 serial 6092xx (bottom right)

These all have the same steel case, pushers/crown, same caseback stamping style, and Venus 179.

I was trying to bid for the Grana 762 on Christie's but got outbid in the end 🙁

oinkitt · Nov 13, 2019

subregister
It appears that Breitling produced the 762 not just for themselves, but also provided some quantity to other manufacturers, specifically Grana and Lebois.

These all have the same steel case, pushers/crown, same caseback stamping style, and Venus 179.

That seems rather specious reasoning. What firm evidence do you have to prove this claim?

I would think it was more likely that Breitling, Grana, and Lebois bought the case, pushers, and crown from the same manufacturer.

Below is a picture of a Venus 190 probably made by Breitling. I contacted Tourneau in the US about it. They told me they didn't have any info to give me however without prompting they did say it might be worth as much as $1000. That made my day!!!

subregister · Jan 5, 2021

Re the suggestion on Breitling providing to others...I see that with the Mervos split also (a little more obvious since the movement is double-signed). The Grana movement almost looks like Breitling script might have been removed from the balance cock, I can't tell about the Lebois.
If someone has any information on those companies all buying independently from the same manufacturer and being OK using the same reference number and serial number that would be interesting to know (I haven't seen that done before, but always have more to learn) - please shoot me a DM.

@oinkitt were you the buyer for that Tourneau on eBay?
https://www.ebay.ie/itm/231602063992?ViewItem=&item=231602063992

oinkitt · Jan 5, 2021

subregister
Re the suggestion on Breitling providing to others...I see that with the Mervos split also (a little more obvious since the movement is double-signed). The Grana movement almost looks like Breitling script might have been removed from the balance cock, I can't tell about the Lebois.
If someone has any information on those companies all buying independently from the same manufacturer and being OK using the same reference number and serial number that would be interesting to know (I haven't seen that done before, but always have more to learn) - please shoot me a DM.

@oinkitt were you the buyer for that Tourneau on eBay?
https://www.ebay.ie/itm/231602063992?ViewItem=&item=231602063992

The purchaser for the Tourneau didn't finalise the sale so I bought the watch off the vender.

Its been at the watchmakers for the last 2 years waiting for him to make an hour wheel. It appears that someone tried to change the date between 10pm and 2am and destroyed the part. I know I didn't do it, I never correct the dates on my watches.

The part all the suppliers (4) "suggest" is incorrect. The main plate is actually marked 171.

This is the part I need.

This is the part several suppliers have suggested.

My watchmaker said he will have to machine the lower wheel off the original part, make a new one and fix it back together.

Hopefully he will get to it this year.

Split second research...

subregister

Evitzee

crashpad_watches

ZigZagoon

oinkitt

subregister

oinkitt

Similar threads

Omega Speedmaster rattrapante split second 3540.50

Possibly unique Ulysse Nardin late 30s split second wristwatch co-signed Verga 46mm SS case

Searching Parts Omega Olympic Split Second Chronograph Stopwatch Ref. MG 6713

Incoming 18.72 Split Second Pocket Chronograph

Omega 'Olympic' rattrapante split-second chronograph - looking for additional info

Omega 3 second split second Rattrapante Stoppwatch (is that the model, and what is it worth???)