Why This Watch Matters One of Breitling's most recognizable models in a funky "pizza" case. The Full Story Since its invention in the 17th century, the slide rule has been used to compute basic operations and more advanced rates and conversions, far before the computer came around. Using one was more or less common knowledge; if someone needed to do any applicable calculations, the slide rule was their best friend in doing so. When Breitling released the Chronomat in 1942, it was a really big deal to have a slide rule on a chronograph wristwatch. The utility of the Chronomat was immense. The Breitling ref. 1808 represents the perfect marriage between the iconic Chronomat and Navitimer design. The advent of the Chrono-Matic movement within the Chronomat happened during an interesting time in horological history, with companies around the world competing with one another to release the very first automatic chronograph movement. A joint effort between Breitling, Hamilton-Büren, Dubois-Depraz, and Heuer in the late 1960s called Project 99 helped develop one of the first automatic chronograph movements, caliber 11. The "pizza" case shape, more often associated with the Navitimer, and modern dial design are thoroughly 1970s inventions and the mix works so well. When looking at the case from the three o'clock side, the center has a black "plug." This would have been used for the crown on a manually-wound version, like this. This example is in great condition with a nice worn in feel – these watches were meant to be used, after all. We paired the Chronomat with our Bedford suede watch strap in beige to add some color and casual flair to the look. The Fine Print Maker: BreitlingModel: ChronomatReference: 1808Year: 1970sCase No: 1254920Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 48mm width x 46mm height; 12mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: Yes, tritiumCaliber: Breitling, self-winding, caliber 11Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE The Bedford Suede Watch Strap In SandLug Width: 22mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: Large "pizza" case shape Caliber 11 automatic chronograph movement inside Worn in, utilitarian feel Things To Know: Scratches on case Wear on bezel Patina on dial This Navitimer is in honest vintage condition. The case is strong and has some scratches overall. The case appears to have been lightly polished. The outer caseback is crisp and the engravings are clearly legible. The caseback has some scratches from opening. The black dial has developed patina and is in overall very nice condition. The dial shows some patina around certain luminous markers. The inner rotating bezel has some more noticeable patina. The luminous material has aged to a generally dark patina and shows signs of normal degradation on the dial. The orange painted hands show some slight patina but remain very vibrant. The lume on the hands has developed patina and matches the dial well. The edge of the bezel is well preserved with some light wear to the paint and it rotates freely at this time. The crystal has some light scratches. The dial, case, crown, and movement are signed by Breitilng. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
