Breitling Chronomat Reference 808 - 1965
Breitling Chronomat Reference 808
Released in the very late 50's, the 808 is one of the most historically significant Breitling Chronographs, and one of the prettiest, too. Compared with its predecessor, the 769, it now featured round pump pushers, a signed Breitling crown, dagger-style hands, and applied baton markers. It was also one of the first watches to combine a slide rule with chronograph complication, if not the first, and was designed as a tool to use on land rather than the Navitimer which was a specific Pilot's watch, and thus features a less-busy dial in a classic two register layout.
The case is gold-plated, and measures in at a contemporary 37mm across the bezel and is very slim at around 11.5mm. It tends to wear a little larger than the size would suggest, perhaps by a 1mm or so, as the bezel is so thin. The case is in stunning condition, and has had little use in the last 20 years by the previous owner as can be seen by the tarnish across all surfaces. The steel case back has very crisp engravings, and all are clearly visible.
The tritium dial is in lovely condition, with an even patina across the centre section, with some heavier patina right on the outer edges as is typical of these. Applied markers are in excellent condition, and all tritium plots are in place except at 11.
Hands are tritium, and in excellent condition and appear original. Bezel rotates very easily.
Movement is a manually wound Venus 185. Has not been serviced for the past 20 years. Chrono starts, stops and resets as it should. Winds smoothly and keeps time at around +33 seconds a day at 260 degrees of amplitude.
Currently mounted to a lovely handcrafted HANDDN Epsom leather strap in navy blue on HANDDN gold tone buckle that compliments it beautifully.
No box or papers. Comes with Watch Vault cleaning cloth and Watch Vault Travel Pod.
Highly desirable and rare in to find in condition such as this.
Brand: Breitling
Model #: 808
Circa: 1965
Case Material: Stainless Steel - Gold Plated
Case details: 37mm
Bracelet/Strap: HANDDN Epsom Leather on HANDDN Gold Tone Buckle
Movement: Venus 185
Dial: Tritium
Paraphernalia: Watch Vault cleaning cloth and Watch Vault Travel Pod
Grading: Excellent vintage condition
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BONUS Watch Vault travel single watch pod with each watch purchased directly from our website.
Watch travel pod is shock and water resistant with a moulded foam interior to keep your watch protected.
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