Does anyone know anything about vintage Breitling watches?

[teawamutu]

DH has significant birthday coming up in a few months. Has mentioned in a 'when I win the Lottery' kind of way that he'd love a vintage Breitling.

I don't have the three grand that some seem to cost, but looking on fleabay it seems you can buy some for 400-600 or so. If I start putting aside now I could manage that - but would they be worth it? I have no idea what I'm looking for, or where to start.

Any advice v gratefully received...

There are many specialist watch forums on the Internet; would be surprised if there isn't a Breitling one. AFAIK Breitling have never made low-end watches but presumably some models are more desirable than others.

Yes! I bought my husband a Breitling Navitimer from 1966 (his year of birth). But I paid almost £3000.. I'd be wary of ones much cheaper than that, but I suppose it may depend on year and style.. Most vintage Navitimers will be £2,500 minimum.

The one I bought had good provenance (receipts, entry in an auction manual service receipt) and the jeweller put on a new lambs leather strap and put it in a Breitling Bakelite case...

Do you know what style he'd like?

Maybe search for a specialty watch shop near you and speak to them? Somewhere that services luxury watches etc.. They will be able to help, perhaps source one for you. I would question the authenticity of the ones on ebay...

*specialist not speciality

God I hadn't even thought of a fake vintage watch. What an idiot.

I'd thought probably a fairly plain one - obviously not a navitimer! - as DH likes fairly plain watches anyway. So maybe there are less spendy ones that are still authentic. I'll have a look for watch forums, that's a good thought. Thanks

Definitely look on the watch forum. I bought a new one for husband which he adores.

I wouldn't expect a functioning breitling for that price.

You could maybe get one that's been through the wars and being sold for parts for a few hundred.

I bought myself a Breitling 20 years ago, paid £1200, now worth £6,000 according to Mapping and Webb.

I wouldn't buy from e-bay - £600 is far too much money to speculate on.

Mappin!