Breitling Chronomat 18ct pink gold chronograph - c1946

This is a very fine example of a Breitling Chronomat chronograph (+217012) in solid 18ct pink gold (the case really gleams and is far better in reality than photographed) - just stunning. 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 gleaming all original condition - a collectors dream. Any tiny marks have been magnified by the camera lens and are far less obvious to the naked eye.

The watch features a gorgeous gleaming solid 18ct pink gold case, original winding crown and pushers, a fantastic original, unrestored dial, original hands, original lens and a clean, freshly serviced hand-wound Breitling/Venus (Cal 175) 17 jewel movement. It comes complete with a new high quality Hirsch crocodile dark brown 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.

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 the assess working order) and a professional insurance valuation (we are approved to provide insurance valuations for 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 gleaming condition, with no significant visible wear. It measures 36mm wide, excluding the original pushers and original unsigned winding crown x 11.5mm thick x 41mm long, including the lugs. The lugs, pushers, side of case etc all gleam too. 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 '635220 769' reference numbers. The case does not carry a personal inscription.

The original, unrestored dial is in superb, clean condition - as near to mint as you will find for this era. It features luminous Arabic numerals is signed 'Breitling Chronomat', ‘+ 217012’ and 'Swiss Made'. The original hands and red centre seconds hand are in excellent unbent condition and the original glass lens is very clear.

The hand-wound Breitling/Venus 17 jewel movement (Cal 175) is in good condition for its age and is signed 'Seventeen 17 Jewels' 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 Hirsch crocodile dark brown strap, which suits it perfectly. The watch comes complete with new quality watch box.

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