Breitling Chronomat ref 769 A stainless steel chronograph wristwatch, 1940s

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.

CONTACT INFORMATION +

Specialists
	Patricia Kontos Senior Specialist Jewels ; Melbourne ; T: 61 (0)3 9508 9900  E: Patricia Kontos		Emma Finn Administrator Jewels ; Sydney ; T: 61 (0)2 9302 2402  E: Emma Finn