Breitling Chronomat

The pantheon of great watches is filled with names we all recognize. 

The Omega Speedmaster, the Rolex Daytona, the Heuer Carrera, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, the Patek Philippe Nautilus all have earned a spot in horological Valhalla. For Breitling, the most revered model is easily the Navitimer, the pilot’s chronograph that has become synonymous with aviation and has enjoyed an impressively long production run, despite numerous aesthetic and mechanical changes.

But the Navitimer owes its success to the inroads made by its predecessor, the Chronomat. Where the first Navitimers were produced in 42mm, the Chronomat was built around a sleek 36mm steel case, making it far more comfortable on the wrist. Further, with its white dial with red accents, the watch is as fetching as it is a joy to wear. 

But despite its good looks and a very interesting history, the Chronomat hasn’t climbed into the clouds just yet. And while fans of this handsome chrono might bemoan its lack of fame, this has kept it off the radar of collectors, making it a compelling option for any fan of Breitling’s distinct aviator watches.

This particular Chronomat from the 1950s features a 36mm rose gold case, a domed acrylic crystal, an unsigned service crown, square pushers, a silver and black multi-one dial with recessed sub-registers, a red central decimal scale, and a matching pencil handset. Powered by the classic Venus 175 manually wound chronograph movement with column wheel, it comes fitted to a mustard-colored, suede leather strap with a plated pin buckle.

In excellent condition throughout and featuring a compelling dial design, this Chronomat is one of the finest examples of mid-century chronographs we’ve come across. 

 

Try this one on for size!

Breitling, one of the most illustrious names in the annals of the “tool watch,” was founded by Léon Breitling in 1892. And though the firm is no longer operated by its namesake family, it still produces some of the world’s best pilot’s watches, many of which now feature in-house movements.

The company first started manufacturing wrist chronographs as early as the 1930s. In 1936 they became an official supplier to military forces of the United Kingdom and Canada. While perhaps best known for the Navitimer and Chronomat lines — which were used heavily by pilots of many nations — Breitling also produced scores of other chronograph models that merit consideration, such as the more affordable Top Time and Premier. Dive watches, such as the Super Ocean, are also part of the company’s offerings.

The late 1970s was a turbulent time for the Swiss watch industry, and many storied houses were swept away by the Quartz Crisis. By 1978, Breitling was in trouble due to the illness of its leader, Willy Breitling, and the steep decline in sales that had cut through the entire industry. Unable to keep operations going, the company was liquidated, and parts, toolings and naming rights were sold off.
Between 1979 and 2017, Breitling continued under the ownership of the Schneider family. In 2017 an 80% stake in the firm was sold to a British private equity firm, with the remaining 20% sold in 2018. In 2019, the company released the caliber B01, an in-house, automatic chronograph movement that’s since found its way into the Chronomat and Navitimer collections, bringing the tale of this famed manufacturer full circle.

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Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.