Why This Watch Matters The Chronomat was the first chronograph to feature a slide-rule function. Today, a slide rule in your wristwatch might not be the most functional thing, but it looks pretty cool and has a rich history. The Full Story The word "Chronomat" comes from chronograph (Chrono-) and mathematics (-mat); this is a fitting name for the model because the slide rule coupled with the chronograph allows the wearer to perform complex calculations with relative ease. Breitling patented this integrated slide rule circa 1942, as evidenced by the “CHRONOMAT + 217012” engraving on the caseback; the plus means “brevet," which is French for patent, and 217012 is the patent number; earlier examples of the Chronomat have this written on the dial. The original Chronomat came out in the early 1940s and was the predecessor to the Navitimer, which featured the same general style in a bigger case. The present example is from circa 1967 and has a striking black and silvery-white dial with red accents. This color combination is handsome and sporty, giving this watch some serious character. To play up the accents, we paired it with the HODINKEE Reid Strap in Red, though this watch looks great with a wide range of strap pairings. This watch has “WOG” engraved on the movement, which is a United States import mark that stands for Wakmann Watch Co. Inc (Breitling's U.S. import company). The Fine Print Maker: Breitling Model: Chronomat Reference: 808Year: 1967Case No: 1142718Material: Stainless steel Dimensions: 37mm diameter; 12mm thickness Crystal: Plexiglass Lume: Tritium Caliber: Manually wound Venus 175 TJ Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Reid Watch Strap in Red Lug Width: 18mm Box/Papers: No What we Love and What You Should Know This Chronomat is in nice, honest condition. The case is in good condition with scratches. The black part of the dial shows some wear and has developed a light patina. The sub-dials and silver part of the dial have developed patina and show some signs of wear. The lume on the hands and dial has darkened. The crystal has some scratches. The bezel is a little lose, which is not uncommon.
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