Breitling Chronomat 18ct pink gold chronograph - c1946

This is a stunning example of a Breitling Chronomat chronograph (+217012) in solid 18ct pink gold. It is the rarest of all early Breitling Chronomats and one of the rarest of all vintage Breitling watches - a gorgeous watch and one of the finest we have ever offered for sale. Don’t hesitate if you are interested as it might take you ten years to find another. Dating from 1946, the watch is in superb all original condition - a collectors dream - and comes complete with its original Breitling watch box, which adds significantly to the value.

The watch features a gorgeous solid 18ct pink gold case (can be polished further to taste), original winding crown and pushers, lovely original, unrestored two-tone silvered dial, original hands, original lens and a clean, freshly serviced hand-wound Breitling Premier 17 jewel movement. It comes complete with a new leather strap and a new, quality non-Breitling presentation case. The watch makes a very impressive statement on the wrist, something a bit different with a history, and will only rise in value. The watch is even better in reality than photographed so we know someone is going to be very pleased to receive it.

You can feel confident buying from us - We offer a full refund if you are not entirely happy with your purchase. We also provide a full receipt, six months guarantee (long enough for you to assess the working order) and a professional insurance valuation (we are approved to provide insurance valuations for high wrist and pocket watches). We also welcome you to come and view the watch at our central London address - by appointment only. We offer our customers online prices - below value - with offline availability and service.

The solid 18ct pink gold case is in excellent bright condition, with minor wear. It can be polished further to taste. It measures 36mm wide, excluding the original pushers and original unsigned winding crown x 11.5mm thick x 41mm long, including the lugs. The inside back of the case carries the appropriate hallmarks for Swiss solid 18ct gold. The outside back of the case is signed with the ‘666280 769’ reference numbers. The case does not carry a personal inscription.

The original, unrestored two-tone silvered dial is in excellent condition, and features luminous Arabic numerals is signed 'Breitling Chronomat’, ‘+ 217012’ and ‘Swiss Made’. The original spade hands and red centre seconds hand are in excellent unbent condition and the original lens is very clear.

The hand-wound Breitling Premier 17 jewel movement is in excellent, clean, crisp condition - it is clear from the condition that the movement has rarely been worked on and very carefully. It is signed ‘Breitling Premier’, ‘Seventeen 17 Jewels’, ‘Unadjusted’ and ‘Swiss’. The movement has just been serviced by a master watchmaker and is in very good working order, with no issues. All functions work correctly.

We have put this lovely watch on a new leather strap, which can be changed for the colour/grain of your choice. The watch comes complete with its original Breitling watch case, which is in good condition and adds significantly to the value.

A very rare, highly collectible vintage watch from a top maker; will provide an excellent financial investment as well as a possession to enjoy.