BR38
Up for sale an early Breitling chronograph vintage reference 1188, manual wind chronograph, a model launched in the 1940s, 37mm case.
Brand: Breitling
Breitling is a Swiss brand of watches founded in 1884 by Leon Breitling. The brand has achieved worldwide recognition as a leading manufacturer of chronograph watches. Watches like the Chronomat of the forties and the Navitimer of the fifties are amongst the most iconic watches ever made.
The diameter of the Chromium plated case with a stainless steel back is +- 37 mm not including the crown. Full length is +- 47 mm. It is +- 18 mm wide between the lugs.
Specifics of this model:
1 - Genuine Historic chronograph of the f orties , not a recent re-edition.
2 - Belongs to the classical range of chronographs.
3 – Rare and original dial.
4 - High grade, Swiss made 17 jewels movement, caliber Venus 188, a reliable chronograph movement used extensively by Breitling in the late forties and during the 1950s.
5 - Desirable vintage classic looks, with a round shaped classic clean design.
The reference number in the back: 1188 see the picture
The serial number in the back: 73XXXX see the picture
This dates the watch to 1949 according to the Brittons watches table
see dating your Breitling in brittons watches
cosmetics
dial: Very good condition, gorgeous original dial, never refinished, with even patine all over - see the pictures and make your own opinion
hands: Very good condition - see the pictures and make your own opinion
case: very good condition - see the pictures and make your own opinion
Movement: very good/excellent condition - see the pictures and make your own opinion
The crystal: very good condition, no ugly scratches, no cracking and no glazing - see the pictures and make your own opinion
The pushers: very good condition - see the pictures and make your own opinion
The crown: very good condition - see the pictures and make your own opinion
The bracelet : is a brand new, but it is not from Breitling. It is a gift that goes with the watch.
Service history:
1 - In 202 2 the movement was subject to C.L.A. job (cleaning, lubrication and adjustment) by a trusted watchmaker.
For those of you who might not know what a C.L.A. job means, it involves the disassembling of the watch mechanism and having it cleaned in a specific machine with special liquids to remove dry oil and dirt. Afterwards the movement is lubricated with the proper oils and adjusted after being tested in a vibrograf machine.
In practical terms it means that you can use the watch every day without fear that the lack of lubrication wears the movement pieces. Just that. Please don’t assume any sort of warranty.
2 – the case was replated at about the same time.
3 – The crystal was replaced at the same time.
Working condition:
Watch functions: The watch is ready to wear. It starts immediately when wound. Winding is smooth. Runs very strong. Time setting is smooth.
Chronograph functions: All the chronograph functions are working fine, start, stop, and reset. The chronograph was put to work during several hours and it never stopped.
1 - The watch should not be used in the water! All diving watches, even recent, should be sent for a qualified water sealing service each year prior to diving season.
2 - Any acrylic or metallic display that might appear in the pictures is not included in the sale!
the watch is sold as is, without any sort of warranty.
If it is not stated that the watch has been serviced recently you would better consider a revision by an expert watchmaker.
Mechanical watches, like a car, need periodic maintenance. Usually a maintenance service is advised every 5 years
Please note:
1 - The watch should not be used in the water! All diving watches, even recent, should be sent for a qualified water sealing service each year prior to diving season.
2 - Any acrylic or metallic display that might appear in the pictures is not included in the sale.
Remember that seeing the item at very high magnification, as in the pictures that I provide, brings to life small defects that the human eye does not perceive. That is why many people will like even more the watch after seeing it for real.
Please take a look at my other auctions and at my excellent feedback!
Condition: Please refer to the pictures for a complete perception of the item’s condition. This will be more precise and effective than my eyesight or judgment.
All pictures are of the actual item. Photos are not retouched or edited to mask defects. Please take time to enlarge the all the photos for the clearest, largest images. Photos usually disclose the condition much better than a written description as many people have a different idea on what words or terms may mean. If an identifying mark or defect is visible on the photo it is considered disclosed to the buyer.
If you don’t see it in the pictures and it is not mentioned in the description, then it is not included in the auction!
I aim to provide as much details concerning the auction as possible, because I feel that from a buyer's standpoint there is nothing more uncomfortable than unpleasant surprises.
International Buyers - important notes
1 - This item is located in the European Community so there are no taxes for countries inside the European Community.
2 - Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility and are normally collected by the delivering freight (shipping) company or when you pick the item up. Do not confuse them with additional shipping charges. Please note that if the item is returned to me because the buyer refused to pay taxes or didn't take any necessary action, the total cost of shipping will be deducted from the refund.
3 - I advise you to check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding.
4 - Before bidding, make certain that the item offered in this auction does not in any way violate international laws, customs or postage restrictions of your country.
Please read this as it gives you detailed information concerning shipping, insurance, tracking and time to arrive to your country.
Tracking
Registered shipping by CTT (requiring your signature upon reception) can be tracked directly from the eBay page provided that you are in Japan or in a European Community country .
Important note concerning expected time of arrival: under normal circumstances, in the European Community zone , the package is due to arrive in 10 to 22 business days. Outside the Euro countries it will take considerably more days due to longer distance, grouping of parcels and customs bureaucracy. Usually 27 to 4 5 days, a few times less than that, depending of your country.
Due to tracking failure, shipping to all countries outside Europe, with the exception of Japan, will have to be by FEDEX.
Expedited shipping
Insurance for loss
Insurance for loss is included at a cost of 2% of item's value. Insurance will be provided by a third party, not by the post, since I could not find a courier that insures collectibles, precious objects and watches.
1 - Please note that shipping costs include safe and careful packing. I won’t ship watches in an envelope.
2 - Combined shipping will be applied on purchase invoices. This means that you would not pay shipping for each item although the cost of shipping will increase, because the cost of shipping is, of course, weight related.
By buying or making an offer you agree with all that is stated above. Please don’t make any offer before seeing the pictures carefully and reading the description or asking questions if you have any.
Please skip this auction/sale if you don't agree with everything or if you disagree with something that is stated, thanks!