No Reserve
865
Breitling
Ref. 7656
Top Time
A very rare, attractive and well-preserved stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with black dial, tachymeter scale and revolving bezel
- Estimate
- HK$40,000 - 60,000•€4,700 - 7,100$5,100 - 7,700
HK$40,640
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Breitling
- Year
- Circa 1976
- Reference No
- 7656
- Case No
- 1’440’078
- Model Name
- Top Time
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Manual, Valjoux cal. 7736, 17 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Leather
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel unsigned pin buckle
- Dimensions
- 42mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial and movement signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Breitling travelling pouch.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Breitling has long been recognized as an early pioneer in the development of innovative wristwatch chronographs. Their tool watches, such as the iconic 765 AVI, have supplied armed forces worldwide, as well as timepieces catered to racing, diving, and leisure activities.
In 1965, Breitling launched the reference 7650 Co-Pilot, featuring a large 42mm diameter case and a rotating bi-directional black aluminum bezel with 12-hour markers. This distinctive design inspired the subsequent launch of the reference 7656 Top Time.
During the fragile market conditions of the 1970s, with the rise of affordable Japanese quartz watches, Breitling decided to introduce a short-production manual chronograph reference, the 7656. The 7656 shared a similar case design to the Co-Pilot 7650, but sported a reverse panda tri-compax layout with an internal tachymeter scale. Powering this chronograph was the Valjoux calibre 7736, one of the best chronograph movements available at the time.
The fascinating fact about this Breitling 7656 Top Time is that it was never featured in a company catalog or advertisement. Its production span was extremely limited, from 1975 to 1978, making it an exceptionally rare piece within the Breitling chronograph family.
In 1965, Breitling launched the reference 7650 Co-Pilot, featuring a large 42mm diameter case and a rotating bi-directional black aluminum bezel with 12-hour markers. This distinctive design inspired the subsequent launch of the reference 7656 Top Time.
During the fragile market conditions of the 1970s, with the rise of affordable Japanese quartz watches, Breitling decided to introduce a short-production manual chronograph reference, the 7656. The 7656 shared a similar case design to the Co-Pilot 7650, but sported a reverse panda tri-compax layout with an internal tachymeter scale. Powering this chronograph was the Valjoux calibre 7736, one of the best chronograph movements available at the time.
The fascinating fact about this Breitling 7656 Top Time is that it was never featured in a company catalog or advertisement. Its production span was extremely limited, from 1975 to 1978, making it an exceptionally rare piece within the Breitling chronograph family.
Breitling
Swiss | 1884The firm started by Leon Breitling in 1884 is best known for its technical aviation and oceanic watches. Today, all models are outfitted with certified chronometer movements, used for accurate timing. Early aviation pioneers in specialized chronograph timepieces, Breitling introduced the circular slide rule to watches in the 1940s for use by pilots. The firm’s most iconic chronograph, the Navitimer, was introduced in 1954 and continues to be manufactured today. Another key model is the Duograph, a split-seconds chronograph that was Breitling's most prestigious wristwatch during the 1940s through '60s. Their watches are built on their reputation for precision and sturdiness.
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