Breitling Chronomat Automatic 36 'South Sea'

Most vintage collectors would agree that when they hear the name 'Breitling', the model that springs to mind is the Navitimer, arguably the quintessential pilot’s chronograph and navigational tool.

But the Navitimer owes its success to the inroads made by its predecessor, the Chronomat. Where the later Navitimers were produced in 42mm, the original Chronomat was built around a sleek 37mm steel case, making it infinitely more comfortable and discreet on the wrist. 

This contemporary Chronomat, however, is anything but discreet.

It belongs to Breitling's South Sea Capsule, a collection created to look right at home amongst palm trees, crystal blue waters and fruity cocktails garnished with tiny umbrellas being served at a top-tier luxury resort in the Pacific. This example, a Reference A10380-611C1P1, features a 36mm stainless steel case with a signed crown, sapphire crystal and an eye-catching, gem-set bezel.

The luminous, lacquered blue dial features applied rose gold tone indices accompanied by diamond settings, a matching rose gold handset, a minute track printed along the rehaut and a date window at 6 o’clock. This piece has been upgraded from the stock model and comes paired with Breitlings 90s-cool bullet-style stainless steel bracelet deployant clasp - we dig!

Powered by the self-winding, COSC-certified Breilting Calibre 10, this example remains in outstanding condition throughout, offers a marvelous case and dial, and gives an otherwise steady midsize Breitling Chronomat an absolute vibe!

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

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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.