Stripping the plating off a vintage Breitling, or is that a big no-no?

Grotius · Jul 18, 2020

I have just recently gotten into vintage watches. I've come across this Breitling from the 1930-s that I think is absolutely beautiful. It's steel plated with nickel, which has begun to wear off. Is stripping it of the plating, to make it look less worn, an option or will that more or less ruin it in the eyes of a potential future buyer?

connieseamaster · Jul 18, 2020

That's not steel under there, but brass.

MRC · Jul 18, 2020

Are you 100% sure there is steel under that nickel? I'd expect some brass or bronze as seen in the worn crown. If there is steel it's going to be mild-steel which needs a non-oxidising coating, paint, zinc, chromium, whatever.

Leave it!

amcclell · Jul 18, 2020

Don't do it!!!!

AveConscientia · Jul 18, 2020

Don’t

X350 XJR · Jul 18, 2020

You can see the brass base here.

Rasputin · Jul 18, 2020

Leave it as is.

killer67 · Jul 18, 2020

You will come to regret that

TexOmega · Jul 18, 2020

It's good to see Breitling was offering plated cases on both their imprints.

I'm a bit more concerned about the wobbly "Breitling" not so much on the case, these with the snail track and cal170 are not seen often.

Meet Mr. Black

jsducote · Jul 21, 2020

TexOmega
I'm a bit more concerned about the wobbly "Breitling" not so much on the case, these with the snail track and cal170 are not seen often.

Plus printed "fab suisse" AND "swiss made"? That's unusual, is it not?

bobbee · Jul 21, 2020

Do you have images of the movement and the inside of the case back?

Dan S · Jul 21, 2020

You will need to have the case professionally re-plated.

TexOmega · Jul 21, 2020

jsducote
Plus printed "fab suisse" AND "swiss made"? That's unusual, is it not?

I'm sure there are exceptions, but this specific one appears suspect.