Breitling Single Button Chronograph Wristwatch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1930s
Maker / issuer
BreitlingThis Breitling gentleman's wristwatch, manufactured in the 1930s, is a single-button chronograph housed in a cushion-shaped, nickel-plated case. Measuring 32 x 32 mm with a 13 mm thickness, the case features a polished finish, a lapidated bezel, and triangular lugs.
The dial is white enamel with painted black Breguet numerals, an outer 1/5th seconds track, a red telemeter scale, and a central spiral tachometric scale. A subsidiary seconds dial is positioned at the bottom. Time and chronograph functions are indicated by blued steel "épée" hands. The watch is powered by a rhodium-plated, 17-jewel movement, identified as Calibre 12 1/4"", which includes a straight-line lever escapement, a monometallic balance, and a flat balance-spring.
Both the case and the movement are signed by Breitling. The auction description notes the presence of an original later bezel and states that the movement is slightly oxidized.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- 1930s
- Type
- Single button chronograph
- Maker
- Breitling, Genève
- Dimensions
- 32 x 32 mm, 13 mm thick
- Jewel count
- 17 jewels
- Case material
- Nickel-plated
- Dial features
- Telemeter, tachometer, subsidiary seconds
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Movement caliber
- Cal. 12 1/4""
- Maker / attribution
- Breitling
Design
- Case and Dial
- The watch features a cushion-shaped case constructed from nickel-plated metal. It is characterized by a polished finish and includes a lapidated bezel. The structural composition is described as a three-body design with distinct triangular lugs to attach the strap. The white enamel dial displays painted Breguet numerals. Chronographic data is presented through multiple scales: an outer 1/5th seconds track, a red telemeter graduation, and a central spiral tachometric scale. A subsidiary dial for seconds is located at the lower portion of the dial, while the hours and minutes are indicated by blued steel "épée" hands.
- Condition Report
- The auction house provides a grading assessment for the watch, assigning a general grade of 'A' and specifying conditions for the individual components. The case is evaluated as grade 3, indicating good condition. The movement is assigned a grade of 3-6*, noted as being slightly oxidized with a recommendation for an overhaul. The dial is classified under grades 3-43-57-01, described as good. It is also noted that the bezel is an original later component.
- Visible features
- • White enamel dial with central spiral tachymeter • Single olive-shaped chronograph pusher at the two o'clock position • Blued steel hour and minute hands • Triangular lugs integrated into the cushion case design
- Movement and Escapement
- The timepiece is driven by a rhodium-plated movement designated as Calibre 12 1/4"". It is constructed with 17 jewels to reduce friction in the gear train. The chronograph mechanism is operated via a single olive button. The movement employs a straight-line lever escapement paired with a monometallic balance and a flat balance-spring. The manufacturer has signed both the movement and the case. The auction description notes that the movement shows signs of oxidation and recommends an overhaul.
Identification
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The auction description reports the movement is slightly oxidized
- Research required: The auction description notes an original later bezel