What We Fancy

Breitling was a true leader in wristwatch development, they were one of the first to produce wrist chronographs and also the first dual-button chronograph. Amongst Breitling’s collections, the term ‘Premier’ was reserved for the higher-end chronographs, and this Ref. 788 was among them. This example we have here dates to the 1940s and is in excellent original condition with an early/ rare ‘script’ font dial. It is also powered by the famous column wheel Venus caliber 152.

Brand: Breitling

Model: Premier Chronograph ref. 788

Case: 36mm wide (excluding crown), 43mm tall, 11mm thick, all stainless steel, screw-down case back, original unsigned crown, original pump pushers, domed acrylic crystal, drilled lugs, serial 584xxx

Movement: Venus caliber 152, manual winding, recently serviced

Bracelet/ Strap: Sand Beige Pebbled Calfskin, 18mm lug width

Features: Early style dial w/ script ‘Breitling’, blued syringe handset, Arabic numerals, 12-hour counting chronograph w/ 30-minute intervals, legendary column wheel movement, pump pushers, domed crystal, screw-down case back, outer tachymeter scale, circa the 1940s

Box & Papers: No

Condition: In overall excellent original condition. The dial is very clean with no defects or blemishes. It is developing a nice light warm patina. The case is unpolished and retains its original finish on both the lugs and case back. Bevels on lugs remain thick while the engravings on the case back remain deep. The movement has been serviced and keeps excellent time when tested. The chronograph operates smoothly as it should.

Backed by our one-year repair warranty.