Manufacturer: Breitling Year: Circa 1972 Reference No: 2114 Case No: 1’311’196 Model Name: Chrono-Matic Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 11, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel buckle Dimensions: 38 mm diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by International Certificate stamped in 1972, yellow Breitling fitted presentation box and product literature.
Catalogue Essay
By the 1960s, self-winding wristwatches had become increasingly dominant in the watch market. To step up their game in the fiercely competitive industry, the next race was to develop an automatic chronograph movement. A top-secret partnership was formed between Breitling, Buren, Heuer, Hamilton, together with movement makers Dubois-Depraz to work on the automatic chronograph caliber under the codename “Project 99”.
In 1969, their first automatic chronograph movement, caliber 11, was launched. It was an awe-inspiring mechanism in which the spring is wound by means of an off-centered oscillating weight. Unlike most self-winding movements, the winding rotor is not placed atop the movement. Instead, it is concealed under the first layer of the caliber. This invention enabled the development of a variety of chronograph wristwatches named CHRONO-MATIC, easily recognizable thanks to their left-placed crown - a unique feature due to the modular construction of the movement.
Fitted with the historically intriguing caliber 11, this rare vintage Breitling impeccably melds form and function. Accompanied with box and paper, the present lot would be a great addition to any collection.
The 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.