Breitling Premier Chronograph

When it comes to vintage chronographs, Breitling can be somewhat polarizing. While best known for their Navitimer line of aviation computer watches, some collectors find their dials too busy and difficult to read for daily wear. As a result, these chronographs don’t always get the same appreciation as some of their contemporary counterparts.

We'd like to change that, and this watch, a Premier from the 1950s, is a great starting point.

Breitling first started manufacturing the Premier line of chronographs as early as the 1940s. With triple chronograph registers, blued-steel hands, and a lack of the clutter found on something like the Navitimer, they're an exercise in understated elegance. In fact, one could almost say they're dress watches.

This particular piece dated to circa 1950s and features a 35mm red gold case with 'holey lugs', an acrylic crystal, square pushers, and a satin silver Tritium dial with minimalist indices, radial finished sub registers, and a matching blued-steel handset.

Are you drooling yet?

Powered by a hand-cranking movement, this piece comes fitted to a brown suede strap with tone-on-tone stitching and a matching gold tone pin buckle.

While these are not exactly scarce, finding one in excellent overall condition such as this is always a treat.

Wether you're simply looking for a sharp, classic looking vintage chronograph, or are a seasoned Breitling collector, this piece makes for a great option!

Breitling, one of the most illustrious names in the annals of the “tool watch,” was founded by Léon Breitling in 1892. And though the firm is no longer operated by its namesake family, it still produces some of the world’s best pilot’s watches, many of which now feature in-house movements.

The company first started manufacturing wrist chronographs as early as the 1930s. In 1936 they became an official supplier to military forces of the United Kingdom and Canada. While perhaps best known for the Navitimer and Chronomat lines — which were used heavily by pilots of many nations — Breitling also produced scores of other chronograph models that merit consideration, such as the more affordable Top Time and Premier. Dive watches, such as the Super Ocean, are also part of the company’s offerings.

The late 1970s was a turbulent time for the Swiss watch industry, and many storied houses were swept away by the Quartz Crisis. By 1978, Breitling was in trouble due to the illness of its leader, Willy Breitling, and the steep decline in sales that had cut through the entire industry. Unable to keep operations going, the company was liquidated, and parts, toolings and naming rights were sold off.
Between 1979 and 2017, Breitling continued under the ownership of the Schneider family. In 2017 an 80% stake in the firm was sold to a British private equity firm, with the remaining 20% sold in 2018. In 2019, the company released the caliber B01, an in-house, automatic chronograph movement that’s since found its way into the Chronomat and Navitimer collections, bringing the tale of this famed manufacturer full circle.

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Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a two-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.