New user, old watch: Breitling Top Time Ref 810
Hey there, I'm new here and I wanted to start by showing you the watch I inherited from my father 19 years ago. It is a Breitling Top Time Ref 810 (a Mark 2 with red hand, according to an article from Fratello). My father got it from an uncle in the early '70s.
Two decades ago I wasn't into watches, so I left the Top Time in the drawer in my parent's house where I found it. Fast forward to some weeks ago. I rediscovered my fathers watches and with it the pretty beat up Breitling. I took it to my local watch maker who sent it to Breitling for a possible revision. They wanted 950 Euro for the movement alone, plus some new parts on top. 1300 Euro in total.
Then I learned that the manufacturer isn't allways the best place for servicing vintage watches, so I left the watch untouched by Breitling, had it sent back and then gave it to another independent watch maker who is specialized on vintage pieces.
They are now looking at the watch for an estimate. My idea is: The movement should be serviced and the watch be cleaned, the crystal either polished or replaced. Besides that, the watch should keep it's (very) used look. The case looks pretty rough and the dial has some damages around the outer edge. But I generally like this piece very much and think it will look nice on new strap.
That's it for today. I will post updates when the watch is serviced.
Anyone out there with vintage Breitlings? (Maybe even Top Times?)
Welcome to my WatchCrunch profile.
100% agree - get it serviced and cleaned up, replace the crystal if it can’t be polished -
But leave the “worn” look as is.
(It’s a beautiful piece, by the way, congrats)
Lovely piece and indeed fix it up but keep the history. While no top timer, have a eeringly similar story, as dad was a breitling fan which eventually (and unfortunately) led to me today owning two of their hybrid models (a chronospace and an aerospace).
Not a huge fan but would never think of selling them. After years in storage, caught the watch bug myself, picked them up and gradually having them serviced (interiors mainly and Cristal polishing - and battery changed :) but keeping the history, the small knocks and scuffs on the case - some may even be on me as a kid decades ago.
Long story short, family watches carry the family with them, a little messy, not 100% perfect, but more than making up for it in feeling..
Gorgeous watch! Welcome!!
Wonderful watch project.
Beautiful meaningful vintage watch.
🔥
Family watches are great. Love it.
✅
This is a great waych with a cool story! I think a little love from service and you will be happy. IMO the patina needs to stay. Welcome to Watch Crunch and Enjoy!
With a vintage watch like that in my opinion you want the movement serviced & the case cleaned & rebuilt with new seals. The crystal can be polished up if it's acrylic & not cracked. I wouldn't get it polished unless it's really badly scratched.