Breitling Chronomat ref 769 A stainless steel chronograph wristwatch, 1940s
Estimate $3,000 – $5,000
PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE FRENCH COLLECTOR
Dial: silvered, black sliding rule scale
Calibre: manual winding, 17 jewels
Case: stainless steel round, milled bezel, snap-on back
Case number: 556573
Closure: grey leather strap
Dimensions: 35mm diameter
Signed: dial and movement
Accessories: none
The dial of the Chronomat tells a lot about its brilliant history. The integrated sliding rule you see here was patented (patent no. 217012, as seen on the dial) in 1942. This innovation not only performed as a tachometer and pulsometer, but also allowed the wearer to compute elementary operations such as multiplication and division. The Chronomat was obviously a very meaningful watch for Breitling, but its historical significance extends far beyond the context of the brand; it can be considered the smartwatch of its time. This watch is also an ancestor of the Navitimer, which would extend the same principles to the world of aviation a decade later.
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Patricia KontosSenior Specialist Jewels ; |
Emma FinnAdministrator Jewels ; |
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