£3,500.00
This Breitling Cadette chronograph of the 1960s represents a lesser-seen but historically important facet of the brand’s output during the golden age of mechanical chronographs. While Breitling was internationally recognised for its professional aviation instruments, the Cadette line offered a more restrained, classically proportioned alternative aimed at clients who valued technical credibility wrapped in elegant design. These watches were produced in comparatively small numbers and often retailed through traditional jewellers rather than specialist aviation outlets, which has contributed to their relative scarcity today.
This example is housed in a solid 18-carat gold case signed by Breitling, notable for its sharp, well-defined edges and crisp lugs—an increasingly rare trait after decades of polishing. The case proportions remain neat and balanced, perfectly suited to the era. Dauphine hands sweep across a superb cream dial that retains excellent legibility and period charm. The dial layout is clean and harmonious, with well-judged sub-registers and restrained typography that reflects the understated elegance of early 1960s chronograph design, standing apart from Breitling’s later, more overtly technical aesthetic.
Exceptionally, the watch is accompanied by an incredibly rare original Breitling presentation box, a survivor that powerfully reinforces its provenance. Decorated with aviation-themed imagery, the box showcases Breitling’s deep connection to flight and navigation at mid-century, when the brand was firmly embedded in the culture of professional aviation. Such boxes were typically discarded and are now seldom seen, particularly in presentable condition. Its survival not only enhances collectability but also provides a tangible link to how Breitling positioned its chronographs at the time—precision instruments imbued with the romance and prestige of the jet age.
| Case Size | 37mm |
|---|---|
| Complications | Chronograph |
| Delivery | Watch in original box |
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5 North Street, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2PA
01273 473123
royce@comberoflewes.co.uk
In association with:
1981 Rolex Day-Date 18ct Yellow Gold – Champagne Dial 18038
