Breitling - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SEVEN Hong Kong Monday, November 26, 2018 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Breitling
    Year: Circa 1972
    Reference No: 2114
    Case No: 1’311’196
    Model Name: Chrono-Matic
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 11, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel buckle
    Dimensions: 38 mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by International Certificate stamped in 1972, yellow Breitling fitted presentation box and product literature.

  • Catalogue Essay

    By the 1960s, self-winding wristwatches had become increasingly dominant in the watch market. To step up their game in the fiercely competitive industry, the next race was to develop an automatic chronograph movement. A top-secret partnership was formed between Breitling, Buren, Heuer, Hamilton, together with movement makers Dubois-Depraz to work on the automatic chronograph caliber under the codename “Project 99”.

    In 1969, their first automatic chronograph movement, caliber 11, was launched. It was an awe-inspiring mechanism in which the spring is wound by means of an off-centered oscillating weight. Unlike most self-winding movements, the winding rotor is not placed atop the movement. Instead, it is concealed under the first layer of the caliber. This invention enabled the development of a variety of chronograph wristwatches named CHRONO-MATIC, easily recognizable thanks to their left-placed crown - a unique feature due to the modular construction of the movement.

    Fitted with the historically intriguing caliber 11, this rare vintage Breitling impeccably melds form and function. Accompanied with box and paper, the present lot would be a great addition to any collection.

  • Artist Biography

    Breitling

    Swiss • 1884

    The firm started by Leon Breitling in 1884 is best known for its technical aviation and oceanic watches. Today, all models are outfitted with certified chronometer movements, used for accurate timing. Early aviation pioneers in specialized chronograph timepieces, Breitling introduced the circular slide rule to watches in the 1940s for use by pilots. The firm’s most iconic chronograph, the Navitimer, was introduced in 1954 and continues to be manufactured today. Another key model is the Duograph, a split-seconds chronograph that was Breitling's most prestigious wristwatch during the 1940s through '60s. Their watches are built on their reputation for precision and sturdiness.

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1011

Ref. 2114
A fine stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with date, International Certificate and box

Circa 1972
38 mm diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$15,000 - 32,000 
€1,700-3,500
$1,900-4,100

Sold for HK$25,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
thomasperazzi@phillips.com

Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
ziyongho@phillips.com

Jill Chen
Specialist
+852 2318 2033
jillchen@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SEVEN

Hong Kong Auction 27 November 2018