Repairing a vintage Breitling for 1,500 Euros - would you do it?
Hi there, in my last post I presented the beat up Breitling Top Time Ref. 810 chrono I inherited.
Now I received the estimate from the watchmaker for the repair: 1,500 Euros.
He writes (translated from German):
"The movement is heavily rusted; the Pushers are bent; the casing is heavily rusted.
We recommend the following work:
Complete restoration of the movement
Replacement parts, if necessary
Replace the winding stem and crown tube
Tumble polishing
(Without restoring water resistance)"
Well... If the watch was in a better shape, I would go for it without hesitation, despite the 1,500 Euros. But with the case and the dial being in the condition as it is, I am on the fence about it.
So my questions are: What would you do? and: From an "investment" point of view alone, does it make any sense?
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It's a family watch.. I would do it 🙏🏻
Depends on the sentimental value as it was inherited. Got potential to be a real showstopper, so if finances allow then yes I would personally. 👍😍
I love Breitling still own 5 quite expensive models, still interested in a few newer models but the case and condition of your watch makes sense only if it holds great attachment for you. Forget investment, unless the watch is a very desired iteration I have found watches from the brand do not sell well in the secondary market, even less in the collectors marketplace. If the watch were mine, I would restore the watch as much as possible with no plans for selling in the future.
There's one on eBay at the moment for €2,250 so it barely passes the investment point. Like others have said, if it's got sentimental value then go for it. It's a gorgeous looking watch.
Family piece?
Yeah, i'd get it done. And to be honest, $1500 seems like a good deal for what apparently needs doing.
I would find another repair shop. This quote is their signal to you that they don’t want your business. It is excessive and their list of services looks pretty standard.
There's one on eBay at the moment for €2,250 so it barely passes the investment point. Like others have said, if it's got sentimental value then go for it. It's a gorgeous looking watch.
That seems to be a good price for the condition. I found the reference 810 on Chrono24 for between €2500 and €5000 for good to very good condition. But sadly the condition of the dial and case of my watch are very far from "good".
The price isn't too bad and I think it's worth it for the sentimental value. If your watchmaker will do everything that he says he will do (and does those things well,) it's not a bad option.
You could try and get a second and third opinion before making the decision. In my eyes, the service is a few hundred Euros too much, although as someone who services his watches himself, I can't really talk. Plus, I live in South Africa, so the prices for watches and servicing are vastly cheaper than in first world countries, but the standard of work is likely not as good.
I wish you the best of luck!
I LOVE the Top Time 8ref. 810, so I would do it, just based on that! But sentimental family value as well? I would do it.
What a neat addition this would be. There is no "investment" point of view as that's not how I view watches. I'd love to inherit something like this. At no cost to purchase, I'd definitely do it.
I would defo do it, I think the way I would justify it would be that at€1500 you will have great vintage watch
I only do if the watch has special meaning
Is it your style of watch? Would you wear it? Would you buy it to wear, for 1500€? If you like it and assume you’ll wear it, the sentimental value is just a plus you can’t put a price on. I was in a similar situation and decided to service it completely, but that’s completely personal. Like this, you’ll never wear it, so if finances allow it, I’d give it a try.
The price isn't too bad and I think it's worth it for the sentimental value. If your watchmaker will do everything that he says he will do (and does those things well,) it's not a bad option.
You could try and get a second and third opinion before making the decision. In my eyes, the service is a few hundred Euros too much, although as someone who services his watches himself, I can't really talk. Plus, I live in South Africa, so the prices for watches and servicing are vastly cheaper than in first world countries, but the standard of work is likely not as good.
I wish you the best of luck!
I agree, this price isn’t too bad relatively speaking, especially due to it condition and you must take into consideration the relative rarity of OEM price.
The price isn't too bad and I think it's worth it for the sentimental value. If your watchmaker will do everything that he says he will do (and does those things well,) it's not a bad option.
You could try and get a second and third opinion before making the decision. In my eyes, the service is a few hundred Euros too much, although as someone who services his watches himself, I can't really talk. Plus, I live in South Africa, so the prices for watches and servicing are vastly cheaper than in first world countries, but the standard of work is likely not as good.
I wish you the best of luck!
Thank you vey much! Just to add: This estimate is already the second one. The first watch shop where I brought the piece sent it to Breitling, and their estimate was about the same, around €1500.
Is it your style of watch? Would you wear it? Would you buy it to wear, for 1500€? If you like it and assume you’ll wear it, the sentimental value is just a plus you can’t put a price on. I was in a similar situation and decided to service it completely, but that’s completely personal. Like this, you’ll never wear it, so if finances allow it, I’d give it a try.
Yes, it is my type and would love to wear it. In fact I was falling in love with vintage chronos just a while before I found the old watch. And I really love about the Top Time that is 38 mm, which I think sits really well on my 6.5 inch wrist.
I really don't know if I would by this specific piece for €1500. I guess not, I would rather get another nice watch from my wishlist. But that is where the sentimental value comes into play.
Its a lot of money, but things like this matter to me. I'd do it. But I'd also know its not an investment. Its just a cost, and when its back to health, it'll be something to be proud of.
Thank you vey much! Just to add: This estimate is already the second one. The first watch shop where I brought the piece sent it to Breitling, and their estimate was about the same, around €1500.
I think that you should take the plunge. It is a lot of money, so it's best that you sit and think about it carefully. I know I'd do it for the sentimental value in a heartbeat. It's a gorgeous watch and it deserves a second chance. Wishing you the best of luck.
Yes
Yes 100%