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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Chronograph wristwatch

Breitling Chronomat 808 wristwatch

Partially verified

This Breitling Chronomat 808, reference 217012, is a vintage stainless steel chronograph wristwatch dating to late 1966. It features a manual-wind Venus caliber 175 movement with 17 jewels, operating at 18,000 A/h with a 45-hour power reserve. The dial is a "panda" design, characterized by a black central section and a white outer ring containing red and black Arabic numerals, including a telemeter scale. The hours are indicated by stainless steel batons and luminous dots. The timepiece includes two sub-dials for seconds at 9 o'clock and a 45-minute counter at 3 o'clock. The stainless steel case measures 37.50mm in diameter and is engraved on the outside with its reference and model details, and on the inside with its unique serial number. The watch is fitted with a leather band and features a crown bearing the Breitling logo.

Front view of the Breitling Chronomat 808 featuring a black and white 'panda' dial and a rotating slide rule bezel.
Front view of the Breitling Chronomat 808 featuring a black and white 'panda' dial and a rotating slide rule bezel. — Laurent Fine Watches. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.laurentfinewatches.com
Category
Wristwatch · Chronograph wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Breitling
Reference
217012
Catalogue / lot identifier
Breitling-Chronomat-V-04-03-2026
Source-reported date
late 1966
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
1075301

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

Dial and Hands

The watch features a panda-style dial with a black center and a contrasting white outer ring. This peripheral ring displays red and black Arabic numerals for telemetric calculations. The hour markers consist of stainless steel batons accompanied by luminous dots.

The chronograph sub-dials are positioned at 9 o'clock for running seconds and 3 o'clock for a 45-minute register. The main hour and minute hands are of a Dauphine design and constructed from stainless steel, while the center-mounted chronograph seconds hand is finished in red.

Evidence for this section
  • “The inner section of the dial is black with outer white ring with red and black Arabic numerals.”
  • “The hands are in stainless steel with “Dauphine” design and the chronograph hand is red.”

Case and Movement

The watch is housed in a stainless steel case measuring 37.50mm in diameter and 44mm in length including the lugs. The exterior of the case back is engraved with the model name, reference number, and material specifications. The internal case back bears the company name and serial number.

The movement is a manual-wind Venus 175 caliber containing 17 jewels. It operates at a frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour and provides a 45-hour power reserve. The movement includes a pillar wheel mechanism for the chronograph functions.

Evidence for this section
  • “It is a stainless steel case with engraved outside “ Breitling Chronomat – 217012 – Stainless Steel – 808” and engraved inside “Breitling Watch Ltd - Swiss – 1075301””
  • “Manual wind chronograph movement with caliber Venus 175 with seconds, 45 minutes, pillar wheel sub second with 17 jewels, 18,000 A/h and 45 hours of power reserve.”

Condition and Attribution

The auction description reports that the timepiece is in very good condition. It is noted that the watch has undergone a full service. The timepiece comes without its original box or associated papers.

The watch is attributed to the 1966 period based on the vendor's documentation. The crown of the watch is marked with the Breitling logo.

Evidence for this section
  • “CONDITION: VERY GOOD”
  • “The watch has just been fully serviced.”
  • “The crown comes with the Breitling logo.”

Open research questions

  • Does the 1075301 serial number confirm a specific production window within late 1966?
  • Is the current red strap considered a functional replacement for the original leather band mentioned in the description?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Breitling Chronomat 808 wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBreitling“BREITLING”
ModelChronomat 808“MODEL: CHRONOMAT 808”
Reference217012“REFERENCE 217012”
MovementVenus 175, manual-wind, 17 jewels“minute wind movement with Caliber Venus 175 and 17 jewels”
Case MaterialStainless steel“MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL”
Serial Number1075301“engraved inside “Breitling Watch Ltd - Swiss – 1075301””
Technical frequency18,000 A/h“18,000 A/h”

Visible details

  • The chronograph features a red central sweep seconds hand
  • The bezel has a rotating design with a tachymeter/telemeter scale
  • Dial features distinct 'Chronomat' branding at the 6 o'clock position
  • The watch is currently paired with a non-original red leather strap

Research qualifications

  • The exact month of manufacture is not specified beyond 'late 1966'
  • The luminous material on the hands and markers has not been verified for originality or age-related degradation

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

Consulted source

ساعت مچی Breitling Chronomat 808 رفرنس 217012

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record ad5f011682

Terms in this record

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

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