A vintage Breitling Top Time panda dial chronograph is always desirable, but when it comes with service papers from Breitling it becomes very desirable indeed. Model 2009.4
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
From the serial number on the case back we can accurately date this watch to being in 1967.
CONDITION
This example had an overhaul in 2009 by Breitling themselves. They fitted a new crystal, signed crown and replated the case and crown pushers. Square cases can suffer from wear on the corners, so this is a great thing to see. The was was also serviced, and had a Breitling strap and buckle added too which this watch still has fitted. The total cost was £726.88. Also included was a valuation from Breitling giving an insurance valuation of £3,590.
The fact that the strap is hardly worn indicates that this watch has not been on the wrist much since that large bill. The gold plate has a light patina of tarnish that can be easily cleaned off, but we have left it as is for now as this aged look it very appealing and not possible to add – if you want the case cleaning we will do that for you. The modern buckle is steel rather than gold plated, and does have scratches. We do wonder if someone has polished the gold plate off. Inside the watch is a Valjoux 7730 chronograph movement, working perfectly and resetting to 12 as it should. The dial is clean overall, but does have a few hairline scratches. The Springbar website did this good article on the history of the Top Time model, and they even include the watch worn as a prop in Thunderball by Sean Connery playing James Bond that sold for $160,000. We have used the picture of Sid James wearing the same model of the Top Time in Carry On Nurse from their website.
This watch will be supplied with a Breitling service case, service papers and insurance valuation from 2009 and our Certificate of Authenticity.
Please see the HD video for more detail. All photos and videos are part of the description and are of the actual watch unless mentioned. We do not photoshop any pictures, and the images are copyright of birthyearwatches.com and should not be used without permission.
SIZE
Width with crown 39.2 mm
Width without crown 36.4 mm
Between lugs 22 mm
Lug to lug length 37.8 mm
Case Thickness 11.5 mm
All sizes are approximate.
Included with this watch is a 3 month guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses. If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries. Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us. Payment can be made by most credit or debit cards, bank transfer or PayPal.
