Breitling Manual Wind Chronograph Wristwatch
Breitling Manual Wind Chronograph Wristwatch
Breitling Manual-Wind Chronograph Wristwatch.
A fine and remarkably well-preserved Breitling wristwatch, Ref. 178, dating to the mid-1940s. This manual-wind chronograph, often referred to as an "Up/Down" bicompax layout, represents an important period of Breitling's mid-century technical development and its strong association with aviation and precision timing instruments.
Housed in a sought-after 36mm chrome case with stainless steel case back, the watch is fitted with a leather strap. The case size is notably large for the period, reflecting its functional, pilot-centric design. The case back appears to have been replaced. Inside is the venerated Venus Calibre 170 manual-winding chronograph movement, which is in full working order, with the chronograph function operating correctly.
The silvered dial features vertically aligned subsidiary registers at 12 and 6 o'clock, crisp Arabic numerals, and finely detailed outer telemeter and tachymeter scales in contrasting blue and red. The layout is both highly legible and aesthetically balanced, reinforcing its practical aviation purpose.
Stamped details include "Breitling," "Swiss Made," and reference markings (including 2230/1).
A classic example of a mid-century Breitling chronograph, combining robust utility, rarity, and timeless vintage design appeal.
1900-1949
Circa 1945
Switzerland
Breitling
Very good, has been cleaned and oiled.
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![](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://sportantiques.co.uk/accessories/general/breitling-manual-wind-chronograph-wristwatch&media=https://seek-unique-co.s3.amazonaws.com/sportantiques-64hFGwj3-uEHU73t22/stock/69fb342539f91_3_31923.jpg&description=Breitling Manual-Wind Chronograph Wristwatch.A fine and remarkably well-preserved Breitling wristwatch, Ref. 178, dating to the mid-1940s. This manual-wind chronograph, often referred to as an "Up/Down" bicompax layout, represents an important period of Breitling's mid-century technical development and its strong association with aviation and precision timing instruments.Housed in a sought-after 36mm chrome case with stainless steel case back, the watch is fitted with a leather strap. The case size is notably large for the period, reflecting its functional, pilot-centric design. The case back appears to have been replaced. Inside is the venerated Venus Calibre 170 manual-winding chronograph movement, which is in full working order, with the chronograph function operating correctly.The silvered dial features vertically aligned subsidiary registers at 12 and 6 o'clock, crisp Arabic numerals, and finely detailed outer telemeter and tachymeter scales in contrasting blue and red. The layout is both highly legible and aesthetically balanced, reinforcing its practical aviation purpose.Stamped details include "Breitling," "Swiss Made," and reference markings (including 2230/1).A classic example of a mid-century Breitling chronograph, combining robust utility, rarity, and timeless vintage design appeal.){kind=link}