January 1, 2026

Vintage Breitling Chronograph Repair & Restoration | Navitimer, Cosmonaute, Top Time

Vintage Breitling chronographs are some of the most iconic and technically fascinating watches ever made—and at TimePieceShoppe, we specialize in bringing these historic timepieces back to life. From early hand-wound Venus and Valjoux calibers to the groundbreaking Calibre 11/12 automatic chronograph series, our shop provides servicing, precision timing adjustments, and careful mechanical restoration tailored specifically to Breitling’s unique movements. We provide service and repair and restoration of the Breitling Chrono-matic, Navitimer, Cosmonaute and other Breitling Chronographs that use the Calibre 11/12 movement, as well as the earlier Venus and Valjoux powered models.

If you’re considering repair for your own Breitling, be sure to visit getting started.

For additional information on watches we work on please visit these pages: Vintage Rolex repair —Vintage Omega repair — Vintage Heuer repair —Bulova Repair, and Pocket Watch Repair. See my FAQ for additional information, and visit Watch Repair Case Studies.

Comprehensive Service for Vintage Breitling Chronographs

Every Breitling chronograph receives a complete, professional overhaul following traditional Swiss watchmaking standards. A typical service includes:

Full disassembly of the movement, including all chronograph components
Ultrasonic cleaning of bridges, gears, screws, and jewels
Inspection for wear, corrosion, or past repair damage
Correct lubrication with modern synthetic oils
Reassembly and adjustment of the chronograph mechanism
Timing regulation in multiple positions
Testing of power reserve and amplitude
Case, gasket, and crystal evaluation (performed only if requested—no cosmetic work is done unless authorized)

For early calibers like the Venus 178, Valjoux 72, and Venus 140, special care is taken to ensure proper engagement of the clutch, heart pieces, brake mechanism, and return-to-zero system. For later automatic models such as the Calibre 11/12, we also service the micro-rotor and module interface.

Models and Movements We Commonly Service

Hand-Wound Chronographs

Venus 178 (Navitimer 806)
Valjoux 72 (Co-pilot, Top Time variants)
Venus 140/150 series
Valjoux 7730/7733/7734

Automatic Chronographs

Calibre 11 & 12 (Chrono-Matic, Navitimer 1806)
Calibre 14 (GMT variants)
Calibre 15

If your watch is not listed here, we likely still service it—feel free to ask.

Common Issues in Vintage Breitling Chronographs

Many watches arrive with one or more of the following problems:

Inconsistent chronograph engagement
Hard or “mushy” pushers
Slipping or hesitant reset function
Low amplitude from dried oils or worn pivots
Poor timekeeping caused by aged lubricants
Rotor noise or drag in Cal. 11/12 watches
Past repairs using glue, incorrect screws, or non-original parts

Why Professional Breitling Restoration Matters

Breitling chronographs—especially pre-1980 models—use intricate mechanical systems that require specialized knowledge, correct tooling, and careful adjustment. Improper servicing can lead to:

Worn column wheels
Damaged clutch mechanisms
Misaligned hands
Bent chronograph levers
Irreversible cosmetic damage

A professional service not only restores reliability but preserves long-term value and originality—both essential to vintage Breitling collectors.

FAQ: Vintage Breitling Chronograph Repair

Do you service Calibre 11/12 automatic chronographs?

Yes—these early automatic chronographs are a specialty in our shop.

Do you work on Navitimers and Cosmonaute models?

Absolutely. These Breitlings are among the most frequently restored here.

Do you replace parts with original components?

We use genuine parts whenever possible; if parts are unobtainable, we work with Henning Horological Fabrication when feasible.

Will you polish the case?

Only if requested. Many collectors prefer the original finish. My recommendation is no or little polishing.

How to Begin Your Breitling Repair

If you’d like to submit your watch for service:

Visit our Getting Started page (link on your site)
Contact us by phone or email with questions
We will discuss your watch’s symptoms, history, and estimated costs
Photos and service documentation are shared throughout the process

Photo journals of Breitling Chronographs we’ve repaired:

Breitling Chronograph Calibre 12 History

Since its founding in 1884 by Léon Breitling, the Breitling brand has produced precision chronographs and aviation timepieces. Early Breitling chronographs from the 1910s and 1920s featured pocket-watch-style cases and simple monopusher mechanisms. By the 1930s, Breitling was producing dual-pusher wrist chronographs that set the standard for modern chronograph design, including early calibers supplied by Venus and Valjoux.

During the 1940s and 1950s, Breitling introduced additional models like the Chronomat and Navitimer, both powered by high-grade manual-wind movements such as the Venus 175, Venus 178, and Valjoux 72. These column-wheel chronographs were renowned for their reliability and precision.

In 1969, Breitling helped pioneer the world’s first automatic chronograph with the introduction of the Caliber 11, developed in collaboration with Heuer, Büren, and Dubois Dépraz. This innovation evolved into the Caliber 12, powering models like the Chrono-Matic, Navitimer, and Pult (Bullhead) chronographs, easily recognized by their left-hand crowns.