Breguet

Dear connoisseurs-I am looking to add an early 3800 Aeronovale to my small collection. My question to collectors is given these date from around 1996/7, how much importance do you attach to the box/papers and original accessories? Or, put another way, if ...  

… with original (and correct) box and papers. The watch itself should be first priority, though. When it comes to an early 3800 it is vital that all parts are fitting and haven’t been changed over time. There are specimen with new hands or later bezels. M... 

The thought of finding the perfect dial, hands and crown only for them to be replaced at service fills me with horror!

Much food for thought 🙂

I don't think it detracts from the over all looks of the watch as the beautiful patina on the earlier tritium dials is the main outstanding feature. All wondeful but the earlier the better IMO - The bezels will be a little thinner with thinner writing, th...  

Yours looks very crisp! I have found the DonIndiano link previously and it is fantastic. I think the search will inevitably involve some compromises, and hopefully some travel to find the right example. The UK may not have what I'm looking for but I will ... 

I remember seeing them in Geneva for the first time around 1996. GEO

Or in other words, always get the best condition you can find and not the “set” but in lesser con condition. As much as it’s nice for a collector to get a set, they are over rated mainly in recent years with many chiming into the hobby and looking for it ... 

I once had a trip to Paris over a Panerai that didn't work out. Nice lunch though.

That is, I, exactly as you wonder, found one that was just how I wanted (with lovely yellowing dial, uncrossed 't', gold-capped crown, 200m water resistance), but without box or papers. The price was VERY right, so I jumped on it and have not looked back!...  

If you do waver....