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Old 2 May 2020, 03:13 AM   #1
JSolution
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Indestructible gold watch

I’ve owned this 18k solid gold breitling for around 12 years, it was the second watch I ever purchased. I think it’s a late 70s early 80s model Although I’m not sure it has no papers. I’ve never polished or serviced it although the days wheel has started to stick so it’s time to go in.

I bought it when didn’t really know much about watches and I’d previously bought a Rolex datejust. Over the last couple years my watch collection has increased tenfold. I’m someone who tries to avoid scratches as much as possible but when I bought this and only had the two watches I really didn’t care of ever think about it over all these years. Added some photos of the condition and I don’t have one dent, ding or more than a surface scratch on it over all those years, I’ve smashed it off doors took it swimming on numerous holidays (yes on the leather) and really just abused it and I’m surprised on the condition. Really makes me think I don’t need to be as careful as I am with my gold watches. The case back is very scratched I think that must of been the previous owner and must of been on a different strap, as the deployment clasp that I have on it makes it impossible to lay it flat.

Anyway, the point of this post is due to the rise in gold prices this watch has now been rendered indestructible. It’s now worth a few hundred pounds more than I paid for it in scrap gold. There’s literally nothing I can do to this watch to devalue it lets see if it outlives me!




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Old 2 May 2020, 03:41 AM   #2
N2theCAPE
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If you want it to out live you I would definitely recommend getting it serviced and maybe not bang it so much but definitely wear it! It's meant to be worn not in a box. Also if you're going to keep taking it to the beach maybe get a rubber strap for it.

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Old 2 May 2020, 04:30 AM   #3
envuks
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I believe that version of the chronomat would be an early/mid 90s production for Breitling. The model number is the K13048 number which is visible on the caseback in your photo. If desired, you could use it to do research and get a tighter date for when the watch was originally produced.

It’s a great example of breitling as they approached the height of their brand. In the 90s and early 2000s breitling was on bear with Rolex brand perception-wise.
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Old 2 May 2020, 05:52 AM   #4
Mad Hatter
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Great story and great watch! Now go get rid of that crusty strap!
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Old 2 May 2020, 09:25 AM   #5
2000-NJDEVILS
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Very nice Breitling - What is the case size in mm??
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Old 3 May 2020, 12:22 AM   #6
JSolution
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Quote:
Originally Posted by envuks View Post
I believe that version of the chronomat would be an early/mid 90s production for Breitling. The model number is the K13048 number which is visible on the caseback in your photo. If desired, you could use it to do research and get a tighter date for when the watch was originally produced.

It’s a great example of breitling as they approached the height of their brand. In the 90s and early 2000s breitling was on bear with Rolex brand perception-wise.
Thanks for the info.
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Old 3 May 2020, 12:23 AM   #7
JSolution
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 2000-NJDEVILS View Post
Very nice Breitling - What is the case size in mm??
Thanks it’s a 40mm I believe although I would never of even asked at the time or thought about it since!
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Old 11 June 2020, 09:20 AM   #8
cowboyjack
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That’s a very nice Gold watch!
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Old 11 June 2020, 12:09 PM   #9
jltait
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The Chronomat is touch as nails, in any metal. I’ve got the two tone evolution. It takes a licking and keeps on ticking.
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Old 11 June 2020, 10:18 PM   #10
Chester01
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I had a 1999 ss chronomat and I wore it doing anything. In 10 years, never had it serviced and it kept great time. Breitling did something to that movement, because I had other watches with eta/valjoux movements, and they would need service every 3-4 years as they would stop running or lose time. Thats one I am sorry I let go of.
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Old 13 June 2020, 06:57 AM   #11
Nav01L
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This has to be one of the coolest vintage piece out there, especially in gold. Awesome stuff!
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Old 8 July 2020, 05:45 AM   #12
Camdamonium
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Cool story! Definitely get it serviced.
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Old 12 July 2020, 09:12 AM   #13
Bobby T
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The Chronomats from the late 80's-early 90's, whether SS, Two-Tone or Solid Gold were one of the best looking and hottest watch on the market, back then. I had 2 or 3 and loved them!!! Great looking Chronograph....keep enjoying that classic!!!!
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Old 15 July 2020, 01:26 AM   #14
HERITAGE82
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I always wanted one of these, but spent my money elsewhere when I had it.
Maybe one day...
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