Why This Watch Matters

An early, if somewhat lesser known, example with an automatic chronograph movement that made history.

The Full Story

One of three automatic chronographs that first appeared in 1969, the Chrono-Matics (as they are known), are today the stuff of watchmaking lore. While Seiko and Zenith had their own automatic chronos, Chrono-Matics, like this watch, are beloved for their funky late 60s designs, their left-hand crown position, and their use of a micro-rotor.

The Breitling Chrono-Matic Chronograph's crown location on the left-hand side lets us know it’s special, and it doesn't need to be hand-wound. This is one of the early Swiss-made chronographs to use an automatic movement developed in the late '60s as part of Project 99. Heuer-Léonidas, Hamilton-Büren, Dubois-Depraz, and Breitling joined forces to develop the first automatic chronograph movement that would have major consequences for the history of Swiss watchmaking. To learn more about this coalition go .

Within this funky case is the caliber 112, an updated version of the original movement made by the Swiss consortium, the caliber 11. In addition to its fantastic late '60s / early '70s looks – check out that "surfboard" sub-dial layout and the killer orange accents. This is a funky design that instantly recalls the period when it was made. According to Breitling, the case was produced in February of 1969. Note the pulsometer scale in red, used by doctors and medical personnel to quickly take a patient’s pulse. This matches the red text on the date wheel - a nice little detail. We paired this watch with the HODINKEE Sedona Strap in Mustard in order to bring out the nicely aged lume on this Chrono-Matic’s hands and markers.

The Fine Print

Maker: Breitling
Model: CHRONO-MATIC
Reference: 2111
Year: Circa 1969
Case No: 1326839
Material: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 37.5mm x 37.5mm (Height x Width); 14mm thickness
Crystal: Plexiglass
Lume: Yes, tritium
Caliber: Breitling, self-winding, caliber 112
Bracelet/Strap: with modern stainless steel Breitling buckle
Lug Width: 22mm
Box/Papers: No; a digital Extract from the Archives of Breitling will be sent to the new owner stating the date of case manufacture (February 1969), serial number, reference number, case material, and movement.

What we Love and What You Should Know

This Chronograph is in overall very nice condition. The case is strong with scratches, and the finish is still present on the top of the case. The caseback writing is all visible, including the case and reference numbers. The dial is in good condition with light patina and some wear around the edge. The lume on the dial and on the hands have developed patina and have aged to the same yellow color. The lume on both the hands shows signs of degradation in the center. The dial, case, movement, and crown are signed by Breitling. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.