Vintage Breitling Chronograph - Top Time ref. 810 Mk II

Description: What a watch, what a watch! It’s perfect vintage style, from the era where “sporty” watches like this one were breaking some of the stuffy rules of dress. That’s how we ended up with Porsche Carreras and panda dials. Just a few years before this one was made, Sean Connery anointed a sibling Top Time model into the house of Bond Cool. These Breitlings are still reasonably priced relative to the Carreras…It’s a gorgeous design too. The hour indices feature appliques that glint in the light. The silver dial has a beautiful sheen and starburst radiance. The subdials with their white hands and white numbers add a bit more to the contrasts. I love how the subdials on this are slightly angled at their edges and taper downwards towards the center that is subtly grooved like a record. Based on my research, this one hails from 1969 - 1972, close to the end of an era for the Venus 178 movement that powers this watch. I personally have a fondness for this particular model’s “red” second hand, although it looks very orange to my eyes. I love the pop of color. And I have a very soft spot for manual-wind chronographs. That simple act of winding and watching the clock start like a little horse out the gates. Gets me. The Venus 178 is something of a hidden treasure amongst savants. A column wheel chronograph, beautifully constructed. It’s been dubbed the “Long Playing” movement due to a long mainspring that gives it a 45+ hour power reserve. Model: Breitling Top Time Ref 810 Mark II. Venus 178 manual wind chronograph. Case measures 38mm wide, with 19mm lug width. Condition: Very Good. The dial I would call pristine compared to other examples I’ve seen. The only slight blemishes are on the tachymeter where there are very small smudges around 5 o’clock and where the case meets the dial past the tachy ring. The crystal has little swirlies, as well as one scratch that runs from the 7 o’clock index just past the sweep seconds sundial. Case has seen a bit of wear, in a few places exceeding normal swirlies. There is a small ding in the upper pusher, a roughed up edge on the upper right lug, and signs of several bracelet / strap changes. Has signed crown that matches original spec, signed case back with appropriate model on it, internally stamped caseback, and signed Breitling movement. Movement is working well but could use a service. Winding is smooth. Sweep seconds are fine. Chronograph second hand seems to jump very slightly as it moves, and doesn’t reset quite to zero - but it’s less than a second off on the reset. I cannot attest to whether it runs fast or slow, and service history is unknown. Please look closely at photos, which are quite high resolution. Includes: Generic strap marked IW. Lots of life left on it. About Me: I got bit by the collection bug about a decade ago. The passion waned, the watches went into (well-protected, indoor) storage. It's just time to sell them all. I know it's hard to buy online, harder still when the Seller has ratings. If this watch makes your heart beat faster, message me! I'm sure we can find a way to address your concerns with the right dialogue. I'll respond promptly.

Price: 4550 USD

Location: San Anselmo, California

End Time: 2024-11-19T22:33:02.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD