£4,450.00
Introduced in 1969, the Breitling Navitimer Chrono-Matic represents a significant milestone in the development of the automatic chronograph. Housing the pioneering Calibre 11, developed through a collaboration between Breitling, Heuer, Hamilton-Büren and Dubois Dépraz, it was among the first commercially available automatic chronographs. The movement combined a micro-rotor automatic winding system with a modular chronograph mechanism, an innovative approach that helped establish a new generation of self-winding chronograph watches. One of its most distinctive features is the crown positioned on the left-hand side of the case at 9 o’clock, with the chronograph pushers remaining on the right. This unusual arrangement became a defining characteristic of the early Chrono-Matic models.
The reference 1808 is particularly recognisable for its substantial 48mm stainless steel case, reflecting the increasingly bold watch designs of the late 1960s. Its striking original reverse-panda dial features contrasting white chronograph registers against a black background, complemented by the Navitimer’s characteristic circular slide-rule bezel. Originally developed for aviation, this ingenious instrument allowed pilots to perform calculations involving speed, distance, fuel consumption and flight time directly from the wrist. The combination of its oversized proportions, distinctive dial and unconventional crown placement makes the reference 1808 one of the most recognisable early automatic Navitimers.
This circa 1969 example retains its stunning original reverse-panda dial and presents in honest vintage condition, displaying the natural signs of age and use expected of a watch approaching sixty years old. Its substantial case and unmistakable period styling give it considerable presence on the wrist, while the historically important Calibre 11 provides a direct connection to one of the most significant developments in twentieth-century watchmaking. An attractive example of Breitling’s early automatic chronograph production, retaining the character that makes these first-generation Chrono-Matic models so appealing.
| Case Size | 48mm (excluding crown) |
|---|---|
| Complications | Chronograph and date |
| Delivery | Watch only |
| Calibre | Heuer Cal. 11 Automatic Micro-rotor |
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