Why This Watch Matters This rare black dial version of the Breitling Chronomat ref. 808 features an eye-catching bright orange chronograph seconds hand. The Full Story The Breitling Chronomat is one of Swiss company's longest-running watch collections, first introduced in the early 1940s. The origin of the name is a portmanteau of "chrono," for chronograph, and “mat” for mathematics, hence, the multi-purpose nature of the tool-watch design. The rotating bezel can function as a slide rule, which can also be found on the brand's even-more-famous Navitimer pilot's watch that was released a few years later. Once you figure out the basics, you can quickly calculate multiplication and division, as well as compute your speed and distance traveled. You can even convert temperature from Celsius to Fahrenheit. The ref. 808 was offered in several dial configurations, from all-white, black and white "reverse panda," to one of the lesser seen black-dial versions, just like the one we have here. This example has a soft black dial with just the right amount of patina; the red accents pop against the black dial. While the reverse panda version of the Chronomat had a red chronograph seconds hand, the all-black one has a bright orange hand instead. The lume on the hands and hour markers have aged to a matching soft, creamy beige color that complements the patina on the silvered, outer rotating bezel. The case size measures 37mm in diameter, which allows for a versatile wearing experience. We paired this Chronomat with our Reid Strap in Red to accentuate the red print on the dial and the bright orange chronograph seconds hand. It contrasts beautifully against the all-black dial. The Fine Print Maker: Breitling Model: ChronomatReference: 808Year: Circa 1970Case No: 1345237Material: Stainless steel Dimensions: 37mm diameter; 12mm thickness Crystal: Plexiglass Lume: Yes, tritium Caliber: Venus, manual-wound, caliber 175Bracelet/Strap: The Reid Watch Strap In RedLug Width: 18mm Box/Papers: A digital extract from the Breitling Archives will be sent to its new owner, stating the date of case manufacture (March 1970), the serial number, the reference number, and the case material. What we Love and What You Should Know The watch is overall in very good condition. The case is strong with some light scratches. The engraving on the caseback is completely legible. The beveled edges on the lugs are still visible. The pushers show some wear. The black dial is in good condition with some light wear and patina on the outer edge between two and three o'clock. The serrated bezel is still fairly tight and shows signs of patina around the sides. The lume plots have turned to an attractive creamy beige color and wear is visible in some areas. The red print on the dial and the bright orange chronograph seconds hand retains a vibrant color. The crystal shows some slight scratches. The case, dial, movement, and crown are all signed.
