Today's offering features a beautiful and highly collectable early Breitling ref. 769 Chronomat.

The Breitling Chronomat Reference 769 was introduced in 1941-42, as the first chronograph designed for scientists, engineers, mathematicians for timing and financial calculations. After the War it was advertised for men of achievement.

The commercial release of the Chronomat was a noteworthy event for Breitling, and for watchmaking history as a whole. While note the first watch to feature a slide rule, it was the first chronograph to feature such a useful complication. It was, in a sense, the first mechanical "smartwatch."

For nearly four hundred years before the invention of the computer, the slide rule allowed wearers to compute basic operations and more advanced rates and conversions.

The Chronomat's smart functions were explained in depth in a user manual that accompanied it that described how one could calculate exchange rates or compound interest by turning the bezel counter-clockwise. When used in conjunction with the chronograph, it could measure an average speed or a heartbeat. The idea of combining a chronograph and a slide rule on the wrist was novel, and patent protected by Breitling, hence the 217012 number displayed on the dial.

It quickly sell well for Breitling. Its design evolved over time but its functioning principle remained the same. Later Breitling would take that technology and apply it to the creation of renowned Navitimer, which applied the chronograph and the slide rule to the aviation world.

Most Chronomats were made in stainless steel - this example is distinguished by being one of the far fewer solid gold models, and those were usually made with silver dials. This rose gold example with black dial offers a beautiful and quite uncommon color combination.

It is in original condition - the only replacement part is the winding crown, which is often the case.

Its 18K rose gold case presents nicely on the wrist. It shows previous polishing to the back and lugs and retains nice fluting of the bezel. All of the markings on the case back though previously polished are still intact.

Its complicated dial is original and untouched, in very pleasing condition. It shows only light aging. The original luminous has toned so dark, it appears nearly black and ghosted against the dial. Its dial really has a charming and historical presence.

Its movement is running amazingly strong and true. One of our Master Watchmakers has just fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components, repairing the case tube, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $995 value). It is keeping time on par with a brand new Breitling in our timing recording position.

For the finishing touch we have equipped it with a brand new vintage distressed style strap with matching rose gold tone buckle making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

Included with the purchase is a full one-year international warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.

• Manufacturer: Breitling
• Country of origin: Switzerland
• Serial no.: 648,247
• Year built: 1946
• Model: Ref. 769 Chronomat, early generation
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Chronograph, Slide Rule, Subsidiary Seconds
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: 18K rose gold
• Case markings (inside): 18K rose gold
• Case markings (outside): 648,247, 769
• Case condition: Presents nicely on the wrist. It shows previous polishing to the case body and back so the hallmark is light and retains nice fluting the bezel. All of the markings on the case back though previously polished are still intact.
• Dimensions: 35mm wide (without crown), 41mm long lug tip-to-tip
• Dial: Signed Breitling Chronomat, two-tone black outer silver bezels, gold applique baton indices, subsidiary dials for the seconds and 45-minute registers, outer slide-rule graduations, 100% original, better than near mint with only light aging
• Hands: Original, whitened luminous batons
• Movement markings: Breitling
• Movement type: Signed Breitling, Venus caliber 150
• Jewels: 17 rubies
• Band:  Vintage style distressed leather, stitched, brand new and unworn with rose gold tone buckle. We also stock lizard and a variety of others straps in various prints, skins, and colors. Please ask us if you're interested.
• Width between lugs: 18mm
• Crystal: Acrylic, excellent condition
• Serviced: One of our Master Watchmakers has just fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components, repairing the case tube, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $995 value).
• Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It is running amazingly strong and true, keeping time on par with a brand new Breitling in our timing recording position.
• Warranty: 1-year C.O.T. international warranty. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center and has done worked for the Cartier Service Center.
• Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
• Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our client's expectations throughout the buying experience.

All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail, and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier. International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.

The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof.

To get an idea of how this watch will look on the wrist, please use the Watch Sizing Guide