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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Chronograph

Breitling Chronograph Reference 799 Wristwatch

Partially verified

This vintage Swiss-made Breitling chronograph wristwatch, dated by the seller to the 1950s, features a round 35mm stainless steel case with a snap-on back and smooth fixed bezel. The seller reports it is powered by a manual-winding 17-jewel movement with a central chronograph seconds hand, 30-minute register at 3 o'clock, 12-hour register at 6 o'clock, running seconds at 9 o'clock, and a date subdial at 12 o'clock. Its silvered dial exhibits Arabic numerals, blued steel hands, and an outer tachymeter scale. Sourced case back markings note reference 799, serial number 702131, and an engraved inscription reading 'A.C. 1950'.

Frontal view of Breitling chronograph wristwatch on display stand
Frontal view of Breitling chronograph wristwatch on display stand — Second Hand Horology. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
secondhandhorology.com
Category
Wristwatch · Chronograph
Maker / attribution
Breitling
Reference
799
Catalogue / lot identifier
WA-7362
Source-reported date
1950s
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
702131

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

Identity and Provenance

This Breitling chronograph is identified in the source as reference 799. The source lists the serial number as 702131 and notes an engraving on the case back reading 'A.C. 1950'.

The source describes the watch as a vintage, Swiss-made timepiece dating to the 1950s. The watch is reported to be in good vintage condition, with the seller noting that it has been inspected by their in-house watchmaker.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case Back Markings: Stainless steel - 702131 - 799 - Engraved “A.C. 1950””
  • “dating to the 1950s”

Case and Dial Description

The timepiece features a 35mm round stainless steel case with a snap-on back and a smooth, fixed bezel. It is paired with a blue leather two-piece strap with an 18mm lug width.

The silvered dial displays signs of age and patina. It features applied Arabic numerals, blued steel hands, and an outer tachymeter scale.

Evidence for this section
  • “Housed in a 35mm stainless steel case”
  • “beautifully aged silvered dial with applied Arabic numerals and matching blued steel hands”
  • “tachymeter scale along the outer track”

Mechanical Configuration

The watch is powered by a 17-jewel manual-winding movement. The dial layout includes a central chronograph seconds hand, a 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock, a 12-hour counter at 6 o'clock, and a running seconds sub-dial at 9 o'clock.

The watch also features a date indicator positioned at 12 o'clock.

Evidence for this section
  • “powered by a manual-winding chronograph movement, featuring 17 jewels, a central chronograph seconds, a 30-minute counter at 3, a 12-hour counter at 6, a running seconds at 9, and a date indicator at 12 o'clock”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement caliber used in Breitling reference 799?
  • Are there factory records confirming the existence of a 12 o'clock date complication for the reference 799?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Breitling Chronograph Reference 799 Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Back MarkingsStainless steel - 702131 - 799 - Engraved “A.C. 1950”“Case Back Markings: Stainless steel - 702131 - 799 - Engraved “A.C. 1950””
Case Size35 mm“Case Size: 35”
Movement Jewels17“Jewels: 17”
Movement TypeManual-winding“Movement Type: Manual-winding”
MaterialStainless Steel“Material: Stainless Steel”
Case Diameter with Crown37 mm“Case Diameter w/Crown: 37”
Lug to Lug Distance42.7 mm“Case Lug to Lug: 42.7”
Case Thickness12.6 mm“Case Thickness: 12.6”

Visible details

  • Four subsidiary dials arranged symmetrically, including a date register at 12 o'clock
  • Blued steel central hands, blued subsidiary register hands, and two rectangular pushers flanking the winding crown
  • Outer tachymeter scale printed along the perimeter of the patinated silvered dial
  • Dark blue textured leather two-piece strap attached to straight lugs

Research qualifications

  • Movement caliber is unspecified by the seller
  • Case back engraving and inner movement are not visible in the provided image; details rely on seller description

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

Consulted source

1950s Breitling Chronograph Watch 17 Jewels Date 35mm Swiss Made S.S. – SECOND HAND HOROLOGY

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record d40c34dd90

Terms in this record

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

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