This Breitling Chronomat has the reverse panda dial and is in great condition. Model reference 808.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
From the serial number on the inside of the case back we can accurately date this watch to being made in 1967.
CONDITION
The Chronomat model was first introduced in 1942, and it was the first watch to incorporate a slide rule bezel and a chronograph. Breitling made the most of this and patented the design, hence the brevet number on the back 217012. On the earlier watches this appeared on the dial, but in the late fifties the 808 reference first came out and this Swiss patent number left the dial. The Chronomat ran until the late sixties, being replaced with an automatic version call the chronomatic. There is a good article on Fratello about this model range here.
This watch has the very desirable reverse panda layout, and that dial is in lovely condition. The slide rule bezel turns smoothly as it should, but while this would have been the equivalent of a pocket calculator in its day it serves no practical purpose in the modern world, although if you want to understand it there is a plain English description here. The movement is a Venus 175, stamped Breitling on a bridge, and this is a high quality column wheel chronograph manual wind calibre. It is running exactly as you would want, setting and resetting perfectly via the pump pushers. The red chrono second hand is also in great condition, and these often fade or the paint chips off. The leather strap the watch is shown on is good quality but used, as this watch will be worn by the owner of Birth Year Watches. You have the choice of a new strap if you prefer – just let us know when you check out.
This watch will be supplied with our branded presentation box 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 39.9 mm
Width without crown 37.4 mm
Between lugs 18 mm
Lug to lug length 44.2 mm
Case Thickness 12.2 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.
