Breitling Chronomat

Breitling Chronomat Ref. 769

Long before the Chronomat became associated with rider tabs and modern pilot's watches, it began life as one of the most sophisticated tool watches of its era. Introduced in the 1940s, the original Chronomat combined a chronograph with a rotating slide-rule bezel, allowing engineers, scientists and pilots to perform complex calculations directly on the wrist. It was one of the earliest watches to blur the line between precision instrument and luxury timepiece.

This Breitling Chronomat Ref. 769 is a wonderful survivor from that pioneering period. Housed in a stainless steel case, it features the iconic rotating logarithmic bezel that gave the Chronomat its name, together with a beautifully balanced two-register chronograph layout. Over the decades, the dial has developed a warm ivory patina, while the blued steel hands provide a striking contrast against the aged surface.

Perhaps the standout feature of this example is its exceptionally sharp coin-edge bezel. These bezels are often found heavily worn after decades of use, yet this watch retains remarkably crisp definition throughout, preserving one of the model's most distinctive design elements. Combined with the strong case proportions and clean dial layout, it gives the watch tremendous presence on the wrist despite its modest dimensions.

Powered by the legendary Venus 175 manual-wind chronograph movement, the Ref. 769 represents an era when Breitling was producing some of the finest chronographs in the world. The Venus 175 is widely regarded as one of the great Swiss chronograph calibres of the twentieth century, prized for its smooth operation, robust construction and historical significance.

Presented on a leather strap and running strongly for its age, this Chronomat has been serviced and is supplied with our mechanical warranty. An increasingly difficult reference to find in honest, untouched condition, particularly with such attractive ageing and a bezel this sharp.

Specifications

• Brand: Breitling

• Model: Chronomat

• Reference: 769

• Circa: 1940s

• Case Material: Stainless Steel

• Case Diameter: 36mm (excluding crown)

• Bezel: Rotating logarithmic slide-rule bezel

• Dial: Original silver dial with aged patina

• Crystal: Acrylic

• Movement: Venus 175 manual-wind chronograph

• Functions: Hours, minutes, running seconds, chronograph

• Chronograph Layout: Two-register

• Strap: Leather strap

The original Chronomat is one of the most historically important chronographs ever produced and laid the foundations for decades of Breitling tool watches that followed. This is a rare opportunity to acquire one of the earliest chapters in that story.

All watches purchased from us include a 12-month mechanical warranty and a lifetime authenticity guarantee. In the unlikely event of a mechanical fault, our in-house team will be on hand to help. Exclusions include accidental damage, water ingress and misuse.