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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Chronograph

Breitling Chronograph Mid Size

Partially verified

This Breitling wristwatch is a manual-wind chronograph dating to the 1940s. The watch features a 32mm diameter case equipped with square pushers and a snapback caseback, accompanied by a high-polished stepped bezel. The timepiece is powered by a Venus calibre movement, operated by a crown that exhibits signs of brassing from use. The dial is finished in a glossy black with a stacked register layout and printed scales. Applied luminous Arabic numeral indices display a largely uniform patina, paired with a kite-shaped handset. The case shows light signs of wear with defined finishing. The watch is currently fitted with a tan leather strap. According to the seller, this example is from the personal collection of the Oliver & Clarke founder and is noted as being unpolished.

Front view of the 1940s Breitling chronograph with glossy black dial.
Front view of the 1940s Breitling chronograph with glossy black dial. — Oliver & Clarke. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.oliverandclarke.com
Category
Wristwatch · Chronograph
Maker / attribution
Breitling
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1940s
Source-reported place
Switzerland

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial

The watch features a 32mm steel case characterized by square chronograph pushers and a high-polished stepped bezel. The case construction includes a snapback caseback. The seller reports that the case remains unpolished, showing light signs of wear with defined finishing.

The dial is a glossy black surface featuring a stacked register layout. It includes printed scales and luminous indices that exhibit a light and uniform patina. The time is indicated by a kite-shaped handset, which matches the style of the indices.

Evidence for this section
  • “The case measures in at 32mm in diameter and features fantastic and attractive lugs, 'square' pushers, a snapback caseback, and a high-polished 'stepped' bezel.”
  • “The dial is wonderfully preserved, with a rich glossy black surface, clear scales and printing, and a 'stacked' register layout.”

Movement and Operation

The watch is powered by a manual-wind Venus calibre chronograph movement. The winding crown shows visible signs of brassing resulting from previous use. The crown functions to operate the internal movement.

The internal mechanical state is not detailed beyond the identification of the movement manufacturer and the functional state of the crown and pushers.

Evidence for this section
  • “The crown shows some 'brassing' from use and operates the Venus calibre within.”

Provenance and Collection

This chronograph is attributed to the 1940s period. It is identified by the vendor as being sourced from the personal collection of the founder of Oliver & Clarke.

The piece is described as a mid-size example of vintage Breitling production, representing a design distinct from the company's more widely known Navitimer and SuperOcean model lines.

Evidence for this section
  • “A chronograph dating to circa the 1940s.”
  • “This piece comes from the personal collection of our founder”

Open research questions

  • What specific Venus calibre is housed within this case?
  • Does the serial number on the caseback confirm a 1940s production date?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Breitling Chronograph Mid Size
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBreitling“Breitling has a long and rich history in chronographs”
Datecirca 1940s“A chronograph dating to circa the 1940s”
Case Diameter32mm“The case measures in at 32mm in diameter”
MovementVenus calibre“operates the Venus calibre within”
Case FeaturesSquare pushers, snapback caseback, stepped bezel“features fantastic and attractive lugs, 'square' pushers, a snapback caseback, and a high-polished 'stepped' bezel.”
Dial DescriptionGlossy black with stacked registers“dial is wonderfully preserved, with a rich glossy black surface, clear scales and printing, and a 'stacked' register layout.”
ProvenancePersonal collection of founder“This piece comes from the personal collection of our founder”

Visible details

  • Glossy black dial with multi-scale markings
  • Square chronograph pushers
  • Crown displays brassing
  • Applied luminous Arabic numerals

Research qualifications

  • Exact production date is estimated as circa 1940s
  • Specific Venus calibre model is not identified in source

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت مچی Breitling Chronograph 'Mid Size'

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record a533dc091c

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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