Breitling has always had a strong visual identity that’s been centered around chronographs. In fact, perfecting the chronograph has always been this brand’s true calling. However, while the most iconic Breitling chronos have long been the aviation-focused Navitimer references, with their busy, business-minded dials, the watches the brand made in the 1940s had an elegance and unique style that packaged the functionality of a chrono in pieces that had a more sophisticated feel.
This ref. 777 Premier model from the ‘40s is one such example of Breitling’s beautiful pre-MCM chronos. Featuring a rose gold case that has a delicate glow to it in-the-metal that differs from the pinkish reds of modern rose gold. The watch features two registers which enable the user to count minutes and hours, and the overall package is simultaneously luxurious and understated.
This Breitling Premier is in excellent condition, with an unpolished and untouched case and a dial that’s in mint condition. The watch has a light patina throughout and the original radium lume is still present in both dial and hands, and has aged to a lovely orange-yellow color. This is a watch that wears its years proudly, but shows no signs of abuse – perfect for the vintage watch enthusiast that prefers an example that shows its age rather than one that’s been hidden away in a sock drawer for decades.