Don't Buy A Chronograph Until You Have Seen This! - Valuable Lessons With A Vintage Britix Watch 

I thought he was going to explain the dangers of buying a MVMT watch lol

I love how you always have your paper with notes on , not like crazy ass video edits This is just pure info with sense and solid content, entertaining and passionated stuff,,,youre awesome bro love from Germany

"Give me a stopwatch and a map, and I'll fly the Alps in a plane with no windows." - Lt Kamarov, Navigator That quote from "The Hunt for Red October" was the impetus of my obsession with all things Chronograph. And all things Cartographic.

That car is an Alfa Romeo tipo 159!!! (my second personal fav right after the tipo 33) That Britix is gorgeous!

Picked up two 1940-50s chronograph Suisse watches. A Landeron 48 made by Dorex and a Venus cased by Midland. They were both well under $50 from local antique stores. Also if you learn to fix them yourself you also save money and the future of watchmaking 😉

1:39, the 'ie ie ie' sound is the best moment of the video!!

This reminded me of a false thought pattern I often see. People are used to think that if service cost is higher than purchase price, then it's not worth it to repair. But this is not at all true in vintage watches. Quite often you get a watch cheap because it has problems and then the repair cost is really the cost of the watch. You need to estimate that when you make the purchase and judge if the total price is what you are willing to pay for a functional serviced watch. It is of course a gample, you may win or loose. Also, unless there's proof that the watch is serviced, you have to service it anyway. Changing a few parts while doing it doesn't cost much extra, if parts are available. On a special watch even making parts can be reasonable. Watchmakers can be quite handy at it.

Even a 34mm looks pretty big on your wrist (I'm talking about the britix), So sad they have to extinct, Surely it's a rare 'piece' of timepiece isn't it..? Cheers..

I wanted to go to sleep TGV! Mercy!

I guess I mean to say can we please hear the heartbeat of featured watches for 10 seconds or so as a standard aspect of the review? Longer would be better, but 10 seconds would be great all the same :)

Thx dude. Appreciate the information. Just came across your channel. Have you reviewed the Seagull 1963 reissue? If not will you do it? Thanks again!

Do not sell the Submariner. It was a milestone watch in your life. You will regret it.

Dear TGV. I love your show. I’m new to your channel but I instantly got attracted buy your deep knowledge, passion and enthusiasm! Keep it up! I am thinking of getting the Hamilton Jazzmaster day/date. Would love to see your review. It is not really reviewed anywhere. Gorgeous watch IMO.

Awesome watch...but somehow reminds me of Seagull chronograph. Maybe it was inspired by this watch.

Very great information I would like to know about service prices and what brands have the best performance and cost effective service prices

as always great video, I'd like to share my experience with a vintage Seiko chronograph, the 6138-3000, the size of this watch is about 42mm (awesome) the lug width is 19mm , the watch was produced in the 1970's . I also have a 6139-8030 rather on the small size. both movements are automatic. I decided that I wanted the 6138 serviced, I was thinking about sending it to Saltzman based on recommendation, however I figured Seiko in NJ is not to far from me and since its a Seiko who better to service the watch. after a month a got my watch back the cost, 169.57. and what did I get for my 169.57. A serviced watch and they also sent me the time graph report on the movement. dial up was +8 s/d amplitude was 226degress beat error .03ms. 6 o'clock up was +6 s/d amplitude 218 beat error was 0.3ms. 9 o'clock up was +000 s/d amplitude was 226 degrees and beat error was 0.3 ms. now this movement is about 35 plus years old. I heard horrors stories about parts not available. I plan on emailing Seiko and ask them what parts were replaced if any. all in all this watch is pretty cool and since I'm a Seiko addict I'm happy that this time piece is running and keeping excellent time, just wanted to share this in the event any one is on the fence about having their Seiko serviced by seiko.

That Tiger you sold me contains a 7750 and I think that's just fine. It's a strong workhorse, easy to service and great parts availability. Interestingly my Shorokhoff chronograph uses a vintage Poljot movement (that AS totally revamps) which is based on an old Valjoux movement design. A lot of your points in this video could apply to any complication not just chronographs - parts availability, ease of repair... A very interesting video with some great points. Ciao, John

I was just about to pull the trigger on a Valjoux chronograph with movement ok but tatty case and pushers, assuming I will be able to find parts easily. Your video made me change my mind and look for better example instead, you potentially saved me a load of hassle and money, thanks mate!

I have some additional opinions and advice: 1. Find a piece that share components with other movements of the same lineup. Potentially minimizes servicing costs and watchmakers are more likely to be "familiar" with the movement. A great example is the Seiko 7016/8. 2.Find one that has a substantial online following; I know that one day my Poljot 3017 is going to fail but there will be wizards on internet forums that will know exactly what's wrong and who to call for a service. It's the best kind of insurance policy for older watches. Great video! And good luck with the repairs!

Only one reason to sell your Submariner and that’s to get a more desirable one, a 5512, 5513 or the like. Or if you have multiple. Only one though? Keep it.

Go to the archives and watch ur sub videos .. it may rekindle ur love for the sub... it is a v special timepiece

Excellent one TGV. Great information. Please do not let go of dear old Subby (Subbie?).

Doppleganger of Willaim Dafoe, Period .

Seems like cautionary tale for buying watches where the brands are dead and buried I think most richmont brands and the holy trinity stuff basically will service anything despite the age but it was cost you a arm and a leg and long wait time.

A couple months ago I purchase a Breitling chronograph with a separate 24 hour watch on the same bracelet. I really like it but because the chronograph was not working very well, I had it serviced even though it was supposed to be service when I purchased it. I paid a little under $3000 for the two independent watches on the same bracelet. The watch bill is $700 to repair this automatic watch it. because I really like it I said go ahead. I was about to buy a Triumph motorcycle chronograph watch tonight, However, I am really having my doubts after watching this video. The watch only cost $100 but I’m afraid how much will the next cleaning or worse yet a repair bill if that might be necessary bill if it can even be repaired because of the lack of parts. I think your videos are great however I do miss Hugo input. I also enjoy it when you talk about other items that we might want to think about to be a complete urban gentleman. A pocket knife, Signet Ring, etc.Thank you again, I will try my best to keep track of the time. AWR ⏱

I take an initial service into the price. My Gallet Flying Officer was $700... I knew that would be a factor. But he does a complete overhaul and it's pretty much like new.

this information is very interesting and enriching! I took apart A Breitling Navitimer AOPA cosmograph 24 hour in 1967, but this is not a hobby for ordinary people anymore! Be real!

The Valjoux 773x can be replaced by russian Poljot movements. From the Valjoux 7750 there a Chinese copies.

I learned this lesson very hard (to the tune of 2k...). Do your due diligence.

That Navitimer look just like a Daytona. Don't buy fakes guys!

Hey mate! I'm a fan of you :) but isn't the title a bit misleading? :D not a big deal but yeah

I think this was just an excuse to slip in a few rolex references. I would make this universally illegal, with extreme penalties , mentioning rolex when they are totally irrelevant to the subject

Not everyone has anywhere near the a amount of money to get vintage watches repaired! please be realistic TGV!! my grocery's cost me twice as much this week as last week!

Hello TGV! I asked this few videos ago,and i think you dont saw my message. So,again) What do You think about Ingersoll brand? They have nice pieces with moonphase(automatic ) for about 250$ Thanks!

My older brother (watch enthusiast too) got an Universal Geneve chronograph from my grandfather. An really old piece, from the 40th or so. He never got it to work longer than half a year. So I guess it's not an easy live with this old chronos. Of course we keep it in family but it's kind of useless little thing 😐. Hmm... or mey be not...may be I am just still jealous that HE got it? 😉 😄

5 years later TGV and just wonering how you made out with the servicing of the chronograph.

I clicked on this thinking it was a 2022 video. Happy to see an older one with the old "war room" set-up.

Hi!, I have a britix mechanical watch, it was restored and it is beautiful, greetings from Chile

Just recently found your channel. Love how you present the videos. I inherited a similar omega as yours fromy grandfather. I wanted to ask about your opinions on Festina watches.

I have always stayed away from Vintage watches, too much of a mine field for me.

A 500$ service is a quarter of the price of a return trip to Japan; just saying. :D

Is britix watch high quality? Where was ít made? Thê swiss movt?

Dear Tgv, Could you please tell us a bit about the brand Rado, and what are your thoughts on it,

Great informative video TGV, I wish Swiss movement manufacturers would reproduce hand wound Chrono movements due to them being thinner than Automatic Chrono movements. Just a correction your Navitimer is based off a 7753 not 7750 , 7753 has the 3,6,9 Layout and the 7750 has the 6, 9, 12 layout. 7753 also has 27 jewels where as the 7750 has 25 jewels. Regards Kyle

Please work more on editing so this video could be more condensed to 5 to 10 minutes

Good video,,...I too can say the good folks at Saltzmans are wonderful to deal with!

I bought a vintage chrono from T&H, it failed to reset correctly within six months. Sold it back to them at a great loss. FAIL!

Hey man, love your videos. I’ve been thinking a lot about chronographs in the past week. I have been thinking about building my own chronograph after being inspired by chronographs made by Undonewatches. Although I love the look of the watch, I’m not very impressed with the gimmick of having a clear back with with Seiko VK61A. I then did some research and wondered if I could use a valjoux 170 with that watch. Not only is the movement more beautiful, but it also has that aesthetic and element to it that you just can’t find in a modern watch. The design of an undone watch is based on a 1940s-50s chronograph. There’s just something so beautiful about a vertical two eyed chronograph that leaves me in awe. Are there any other alternatives to the valjoux 170 or Venus 170 with a vertical two eyed chronograph?

Don't put your money in your mouth. It's dirty. Love your channel.

3:12 if I'm not mistaken, it was a relationship with Dan Henry. Kappa.

Where is the Poljot 3133 in here. And the Seagull 1963 re issue.

I purchased a Baume et Mercier chronograph that is EXACTLY the same as this watch. Same movement and case. My question is do the chronograph buttons wiggle (slightly loose) in the case? Mine do?

So interesting, Really,but not Realistic,Come on now!

Great video one of my favorite watches is a 1960s watch by a little known manufacturer Triunfo Unic it has a valjoux 7733 movement very accurate and wears great

I was watching “House of Cards: US“ and saw Doug Stamper’s wrist. Instantly I identified it as a Britling. He had the same watch for all 6 seasons. This is how useful that timepiece is as a Go-To-Watch.

Couldn't agree more. Don't get rid of the Navi! But, I'm stunned that you're considering getting rid of Subby! You won't lose much, if you do TGV. What's got you considering getting rid, besides the Explorer?

Had the most wonderful experience with an independent watchmaker based in New York state. He serviced my 1972 Seiko 6139 Blue Faced Pogue. Oddly enough, I stumbled upon selling his services on eBay.

Sorry, but not sorry. You are a Graham Hill lookalike style.

A 34mm watch on you looks like a 41mm on me 😂 My wrists are huge lol

As usual excellent video, i have a German small manufacturer Chrono ( Hugo von Eyck - Toliman) and i am really happy with the quality and the design, i always wanted to get a vintage chrono and get it restored, but i got a classic Oris and Favre-Leube 37mm instead :)

Any recommendations on who can service a Lemania 5100? Parts for the movement, from what I gather, are still sort of available from Omega. This is also why I HATE Swatch Group. Swatch is Omega's parent, after Swatch Group raped the Swiss watchmakers during the quartz crisis. Swatch bought out Lemania before they bought out ETA, with the sole purpose of removing competition and in the process, making servicing Lemania movements very difficult (difficult to get parts from Omega) and expensive (Swatch charges super premium for said parts). So, I have a Revue Thommen chrono that has a compromised wheel in its Lemania 5100 that most watchmakers won't touch. I've considered Govberg, as they can service Omega, but would be interested to know if you, TGV, or another viewer has info on who can service a Lemania 5100. Thanks, and down with Swatch: may bankruptcy and Satan come for them soon.

Would that be a Lacrosse strap on the Britix ???

Can you do a show on one of the oldest swiss watch brands .. Favre leuba

That's crazy, $400 dollars is considered a lot for a vintage servicing when I have an Omega Speedmaster that was bought new in 2000 and every place I do to wants $700. Maybe it's the brand name driving up the cost. Anyway, great vid as always, TGV!!!

Great programme (see what I did there? Huh?), but don’t you ever even think of selling your subby. Imagine trying to rebuy it later. I did that with my two-tone Sub and two-tone Datejust. I bought a stainless about 7 years later. JUST SAY NO!

The Britix is lovely just wish vintage came in bigger sizes for my 7" wrist. Your a lucky man, I inherited a 35mm Omega (small seconds) so wearable but also got left a 1947 30mm Rolex Oyster which... we'll just isn't! Perhaps one for the wife but it would get trashed.

The urban gentry would you help me identify a rare chrono? I’ll make a video tomorrow if you will. I know you are busy

Hhahahaa ''these days, far too small'' :). Yep, depends on what you prefer and like.

Hey TGV! This is unrelated to the video but I figured I'd comment on your newest video. I recently ordered a Tisell 40mm flieger style pilot watch with a B-dial. What's your take on the brand? Do you have any direct or indirect experience regarding Tisell? Seems to be relatively unknown. The specs for the watch seemed like great value for money. I was deciding between a Laco and the Tisell but ended up with the Tisell due to pricing and size.

Tgv, can you talk about rado watches?

Ant Anstead (Wheeler Dealers) built his own version (Tipo 158) of that Alfa Romeo in the Britix advert. Love the watch Tristano 👍 My grandfather had an Eberhard that I really wanted but being the third oldest I lost out on inheriting it.

Very well done vid as usual. I fear though that some people here have misinterpreted and got a wrong message from it. That is: stay away from vintage chronos. I don't think this is actually what TGV wants to convey...if I understood correctly the message here is rather: do your homework before pulling the trigger....and funny enough (as TGV partially admits in the vid) this is exactly one of the rules for buying vintage, proclaimed by TGV himself in another vid, he has infringed in buying the Britix. LOL

From Rhode Island and have used Saltzman's for many years. They can be pricey, but the work is impeccable. Worth it for special pieces. They recently changed the battery on my Luminox Scott Casell edition 3954, then pressure tested it and guaranteed it for 12 months. It's the only piece that I trust to use in the water.

"An offer they could not refuse" -statement by Godfather 😁👍

What happened to cars?!!!? They got better!!

My favourite watches are chronographs. Having watched a load of your videos now, I really want a classic dress watch and I've seen a gorgeous titanium with mesh bracelet which I like. It's a Skagen from Denmark, but I'm not sure if they are any good. I got my wife one last summer and she adores it. Super slim and comfortable. I'm going to do more research into the brand first though. And I want a watch from my birth year 1974.

Hey TGV, My dad recently bought a vintage slava ratrapante chronometer for 50£, And it works but not how it should, Me and my dad will probably be able to fix it... Anyway I just wanted to say: this chronometer is just gorgeous the way it sounds the way the pushers feel and the dial looks you should really check this out !! Have a nice day

15:27 looks like a graveyard for watches. Looks sad.

...loved this in-depth, amongst friends, letter-reading episode...just at a point when i've been looking at, but v unsure about vintage chronos, re: issues which you've/Richard touched on...makes me feel a little better grounded...

Great info here! I'm waffling about where to send my Heuer 2446 GMT. It needs a new crown as well. I've seen some on Ebay for as much as 500.00!

Apparently Britix made watches in collaboration with Breitling and Wakmann and used the Venus movements, it’s reported that when Britix had financial troubles because it was only a small company employing 22 staff Breitling came to there help they may still exist but be part of Breitling

Another great video. I have been thinking about chronographs, and complications in general lately. My next watch is going to be a Omega Speed master Professional. I have been looking at the MOON WATCH HESALITE 42mm 311.30.42.30.01.005. I have seen then new online as low as $ 3500. When I look for used one they seem to be the about the same price if not more. It is something I believe I will keep the rest of my life. Should I keep looking for something used or a older model, to save money for my next watch after this? I have been saving and have the money but as this will be my first luxury watch I'm in no rush to pull the trigger until I do more research I (I have been on the look out for a couple months now). If you have time I would love your thoughts; if not I understand. Love your videos. Please keep the coming.

Solid vid on these old chronos, any personal experience with the Valjoux 72 ? I've been considering one lately, thx. Cool outro btw, ER was the first movie I saw Nicholson (and Hopper) in, still a great one after all these yrs.

Off topic but I bought my first 'real' watch. Seiko skx009k1. Great starter watch but its probably one of the coolest things I own. Thanks for helping me get started.

What constitutes a vintage.? Anyway my citizen chronograph is at time of writing 6 years old , solo powered and totally making my seiko automatic collection look a bit silly ..although the automatics are cute

Nice video TGV. Hey, could you please review a fossil watch, because I actually want to purchase a chronograph (under 100$), and I would really appreciate your opinion on it.

I noticed that the back of the watch strap at 16:54 says “echt leder”, which means real leather in dutch, i’m dutch and i was wondering why there is dutch writing on the strap. I have been watching youre videos for hours now btw (just came across a video and couldn’t stop watching)

You should age that new crown, at least from what I can see it's too new and out of place. I think Segal has gotten the tools from Venus and still makes stuff that is similar. Btw I have suffered not been able to get parts, for a Soviet pocket Chronograph it was almost free to get and working and was really just a fun toy hand wound, single pusher actually I was starting stop and wound by just the crown. But I didn't put it in the pocket deep enough and after hitting the road and I was not able to get parts for it and it is now the case at least a compass and emergency transponder and still have place to put stuff in.

I just bought a Seiko SRQ025J1 (SARK011) which resembles the very first Laurel wristwatch from 1913. And I can tell you: it is a gorgeous chronograph with the 8R48 movement!

Need some advice please. Looking for a affordable world timer wrist watch. I would go as far as $1000-1,500.

Learnt a lot from this. I don't own a non quartz chronograph yet... but this will change. Currently I have been using my diver bezel to keep a rough count of the minutes when cooking or the washing machine.

The lemania 5100 and some 70s speedmasters cost a fortune to get serviced. It seems most servicing of these are done by specialists in Germany. The german military was one of the last to still be allowed to use the lemania 5100 after it was discontinued.

my wrists are thin. I love chronograph watches and want to buy something black with leather straps. budget is 300$.

Saltzman is rated 6.1 by their own customers. While I liked the content of this show I would not risk sending my watch to a repair center with so many controversial reviews.

What it would be the value for a Brix? first time I heard of them and I really like the design so I looked up and I found one for 1,000. is it wort it? undone watches are very similar, any experience with those watches?

Thank you TGV for posting this informative video. I have a vintage (late '40s) 18k Doxa tri-date chronograph ( ref. 811219) which will be going to Saltzmans. It was my Grandfathers watch and I want it in tip top shape for my kids and grandchildren. The Doxa files were destroyed in a fire so there are no records that I am aware of about my watch. If anyone has any information about this watch it would be greatly appreciated. I have only seen a few of these on line. One with a white dial and another with a black dial which my watch has. Just starting out collecting and getting my collection in order. Many thanks for your great encouragement and help!

Thank you TGV, and there is a corollary video that should be done for Japanese chronos. There is a big difference between vintage Seiko and Citizen chronos parts availability.

Good info just bought a seiko 7t62 and love it and talk about british cars My dad owned a 50's Hunter Green Morgan Roadster definitely a cool car

Thanks for amazing info please i need help to know about wakmann chronograph is it deserve i bought 2 watches founded never used but with separated box and i went to local watch maker so he merged and it working perfect whats you review thanks dear

On a complese aside, I'd like to give you some quick props for the Pusher DVD in your collection. One of my favourite trilogies.