I’m curious what the forums think about my purchase. I bought in an auction this evening. I don’t know a whole lot about it except that it’s a 50s era Breitling Cadette 1188 with a Venus 188 movement. Looks like an original dial. The hands look a little interesting. The chronograph doesn’t work, so I know it’ll need to go in for a service. Don’t hold back... I hope it’s a good one. I know there’s a ton of great knowledge in here.
I’m not your ton of knowledge but first, congrats, and hope you enjoy. I do like the look. I’m a sucker for square pushers and dual sub-registers. Gold plate looks pretty worn (more pix would help you get more info) and no idea how hard to service this Venus movement but of course how good a buy depends a lot on what you paid w/ fees to acquire. Curious to hear what others think. My amateur eye agrees on original dial and don’t know about hands or other bits.
Well, it has some pretty serious condition issues, but if you got it really cheap, you can get the case re-plated and hunt down the right hands (yellow gold stick). Maybe it will be a fun project. https://www.chrono24.com.au/breitling/chronograph-cadette-1188-venus-188-vintage--id9755173.htm#gref
I think they might? I mean, it's from the 50s... and these weren't really 'luxury' items like they are today. I'm pretty happy with the patina of the dial, but I already pinged Horological Services in NJ, and I'm going to see what they say.
I think so. It’s not uncommon for readability to use IIII. :edit: Unless your talking about the bleed into the subdial which under second thought is a bit worrying. The large amount of missing gold plate would turn me off of this piece though.
I didn't even notice this.... I just sent it to Pennsylvania today to get looked at... I'll post an update later.