In my book, the Breitling Top Time is one of the chronograph watches that I would happily wear. Two reasons for that – it’s relatively small, and I have a tiny wrist, and it’s non-fussy, simple, and elegant looking.
Charles, who sent this one in, probably feels similarly 😉
Performance is a bit patchy.
The movement is in very good condition – just in need of a service.
The case has lost some of its gold plating, and I send it off to be replated.
The hands look good, and will just get a light polishing.
No hour recorder, so the bottom plate is quite simple.
The chronograph mechanism with the central second runner, and the minute recorder on the right next to the crown. The minute recorder does 45 minutes.
The movement has a small plate over the click wheel.
Escape wheel and fourth wheel have their own small bridge.
Somebody put in a mainspring that is way too long – the spring should only cover 1/3 of the barrel. Also, the spring end is deformed.
Everything goes into the cleaning machine.
Let’s see how the new mainspring fits into the barrel.
Yep – that’s what it should look like.
Then the gear train goes on the plate.
The base movement is back together and beating.
Not too bad – the movement will increase amplitude after a bit of time, and we will see that later.
Now I can start putting the chronograph back together.
All done, and I adjust depthing, and I’m ready for casing.
I lightly polish the hands, and the dial and hands go back on.
The case, crown and pushers hve been replated and look great.
With a new crystal, this watch just looks stunning, and I want it!
The case is as good as new.
Tell me you don’t want it 😉
And, as promised, the amplitude is where is should be after two hours of beating.
looks great i am going to send in my dads to time so i can restore it for him as xmas presents this year…may take me that long to get a booking with watch guys !!!!!
everyone is loving your work 😉
As always, I have to say I just love Top Times – and that one is a fine example 😉
Fantastic! What do you use to polish the hands?
Dialux vert and a fine polishing cloth.
I hate modern Breitlings, but that is superb.
Ok. One other Breitling I would actually like to own. Lovely!!
Wow Christian all the components of this service come together very well to produce a great looking and performing watch. I think Charles will be very impressed when he gets his watch back. Totally agree about the size and style you can’t beat a quality vintage watch.
I want it too! Good work.