Wristwatch · Single button chronograph

Breitling Single Button Chronograph Wristwatch

Partially verified

This 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.

Catalogue identity

Source: catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category: Wristwatch · Single button chronograph
Maker / attribution: Breitling
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: 116
Source-reported date: 1930s
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 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.

Evidence for this section

“cushion-shaped, nickel-plated gentle-man's wristwatch”
“C. Three-body, polished, lapidated bezel, triangular lugs.”
“D. White enamel with painted Breguet numerals”
“Blued steel "épée" hands.”

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.

Evidence for this section

“straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance, flat balance-spring.”
“Case and movement signed.”
“Slightly oxidized Overhaul recommended”

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.

Evidence for this section

“Grading System Grade: A”
“Movement: 3-6* Good Slightly oxidized Overhaul recommended”
“Original later bezel”

Open research questions

What is the specific manufacturer or origin of the movement caliber 12 1/4""?
At what point in the watch's history was the original bezel replaced?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Breitling Single Button Chronograph Wristwatch
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Maker	Breitling, Genève	“Breitling, Genève.”
Date	1930s	“Made in the 1930s.”
Dimensions	32 x 32 mm, 13 mm thick	“Dim. 32 x 32 mm. Thickness 13 mm.”
Case material	Nickel-plated	“nickel-plated”
Movement caliber	Cal. 12 1/4""	“Cal. 12 1/4”
Jewel count	17 jewels	“17 jewels”
Dial features	Telemeter, tachometer, subsidiary seconds	“outer 1/5th seconds scale and telemeter graduation in red, at the center, spiral tachometric scale, subsidiary seconds dial.”

Visible details

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

Research qualifications

The auction description reports the movement is slightly oxidized
The auction description notes an original later bezel

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

Consulted source

"Single Button Chronograph" Breitling, Genève. Made in the 1930s. Fine, cushion-shaped, nickel-plated gentle-man's wristwatch with single olive button chronograph, telemeter and tachometer.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 620f375402

Terms in this record

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