About This Watch:

A single-owner timepiece purchased new in 1969 with the original box and paperwork, this Breitling Chronomat Ref 808 is a rare find. After its debut in 1942, the Breitling Chronomat received multiple updates with the release of the Reference 808, including a change from the large rectangular pushers on the case round pump-style pushers, updated dagger hands, and a change from Arabic numerals to applied baton markers, and a signed crown with the Breitling logo.

The History: Breitling was established in 1884, by watchmaker Léon Breitling. His patented chronograph designs quickly gained popularity amongst industrial, military, and scientific markets. Their innovative designs and technology, along with their reputation for reliability and functionality continue to make Breitling a mainstay in the watchmaking world today.

The Watch: The Chronomat Ref 808 has a stainless steel, gold-plated 37mm case, with a stainless steel case back and an acrylic crystal. Powered by a manual wind Venus Calibre 175 movement, the Ref 808 dial features a circular slide rule around the inner bezel, a black inner dial with two white registers and gold-plated applied hour markers, and hour and minute hands filled with tritium lume.

The Details: This Breitling Chronomat Ref 808 is a one-owner timepiece that dates to the production year of 1967, with the original purchase made in 1969. This timepiece comes with the original box, dated warranty card, and instruction booklet. The watch has sharp case lines present with patina developing on the sub-registers, hands, and hour markers on the dial.