Why This Watch Matters A classic example of a Breitling chronograph. The Full Story A few years ago, Breitling revived the Premier, a collection of chronographs originally released in the 1940s. Breitling has a rich archive, one that they continue to have success in reaching into for modern re-editions and heritage inspired product lines. The brand has emphasized its historic connection to chronographs meant for aviation for decades. However, unlike other long-running model lines like the Chronomat and Navitimer, the new Breitling Premier series tapped into a different part of the brand's history, one based on elegance and intended for dressed-up occasions. This is an original Breitling Premier chronograph ref. 790 and its mid-century charm comes across immediately. The example we have here has a number of fantastic attributes. The hour hands are syringe-shaped with pointed tips for accurate time telling. The beautiful silvered dial features stylized Arabic numerals. The twin sub-dials – elapsed 45-minutes at three o'clock; running seconds at nine o'clock – have a concentric engine-turned decoration and bring a sense of balance and proportion to the rest of the dial. The old-school Breitling logo is prominently placed in script under 12 o'clock with "PREMIER" branding below, and a crisply printed tachymeter scale finishes the dial layout on its periphery. Topping off the look is a blued steel handset that really sings in our example here. We paired this watch with our Bedford suede strap in light grey to play off of that silvered dial and stainless steel case. The Fine Print Maker: BreitlingModel: PremierReference: 790Year: 1940sCase No: 597054Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 35mm diameter; 11.8mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: Yes, radiumCaliber: Breitling signed Venus, manually-wound, caliber 150Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE The Bedford Suede Watch Strap In Light GreyLug Width: 18mmBox/Papers: No; A digital extract from the Breitling Archives will be sent to its new owner, stating the date of case manufacture (July 1945), the serial number, the reference number, the case material, and the movement. What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - Syringe hands- Crisp overall condition- Blued steel handset Things To Know: - Light scratches on case- Light patina on dial This Breitling Premier is in excellent and honest overall condition. The case is strong with light scratches and nice edges to the subtly twisted and faceted lugs. The case has some light nicks on the edges. The bezel edges have remained sharp. The engravings on the caseback are all strong and clearly visible. The dial has developed patina with a consistent light spotting throughout. The lume on the dial has developed patina and has aged to a rich vanilla color. The lume on the hands has also developed patina and is close to matching the color of the lume on the dial. The blued hands have developed patina. The crown is correctly unsigned. The dial, case, and movement are signed by Breitilng. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
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