One of the earliest automatic chronographs, this Breitling Chrono-Matic also has a surfboard dial. Model reference 2111.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
From the serial number on the case back we can accurately date this watch to being made in 1969, the first year the Caliber 11 movement was launched.
CONDITION
If you want an argument then ask the watch industry who launched the first automatic chronograph. Seiko will claim the 6139 (as fitted in the Pogue) was first, Zenith will claim the Caliber 3019 as fitted in the El Primero was first, and there is an equal claim from the jointly developed between Heuer, Breitling, Buren, Hamilton and Dépraz & Co for the caliber 11 found in this watch. Each movement is fundamentally different to others, but the caliber 11 uses a microrotor to keep the watch wound, and the most obvious difference is having the crown on the left and the pushers on the right.
This watch has what is known as a surfboard dial – in the late sixties these were influenced by the California scene, and it does make the watch stand out some more. The hands have some slight crazing to the tritium lume, and the centre chrono second hand may be a later replacement as it has not faded like the hour and minutes hands. The is also some tritium lume missing from the hour plots. But at first glance it looks excellent, The case has crisp edges. That complex movement is all working well, including the semi quick set date, and the chrono hands centre correctly. The leather strap is new, and could be swapped for a different colour if preferred.
This watch will be supplied with our branded presentation box and our Certificate of Authenticity.
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SIZE
Width with crown and pushers 42.7 mm
Width without crown 37.9 mm
Between lugs 21 mm
Lug to lug length 41.1 mm
Case Thickness 13.6 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.
From 1st September 2021 we will be planting a tree for every watch we sell, working with the International Tree Foundation (Est 1922) to make this business positive on carbon. By buying anything pre owned you are effectively reusing what already exists, but this takes it further and makes us feel good.
