152 Breitling Large and Very Rare Duograph Chronograph Wirstwatch in Pink Gold, Reference 766, With Split Seconds, tachymetric and Telemetric Scales Dial

Estimate: €20,000 –⁠ 40,000

Model: Duograph
Material: Pink Gold
Reference N°: 766
Year: 1940s
Case N°: 655536
Caliber: Venus 185
Movement type: Manual
Bracelet: Leather Strap
Dimensions: 36 mm
Signed: Dial, case and movement

Breitling is a Swiss brand founded in Saint-Imier in 1884 by the engineer Leon Breitling. In the early years, the production was focused mainly on pocket chronographs and later on wristwatches. In the years Breitling deposited numerous patents including the first chronograph with 2 buttons, one at 2 o’clock to start and stop recording while the one on the crown reset it. The production increased, leading the brand to also explore the field of useful tools for air navigation with the renowned Navitimer, but numerous successes were obtained especially with chronographs. Among them absolutely deserves to be mentioned the Duograph, introduced in 1944, such as this lot. The name Duograph was that gave to Breitling’s family of split seconds chronographs produced in the 1940s and 1950s. Available in stainless steel or pink gold (such as the present specimen), is equipped with the caliber Venus 185. The split seconds chronograph mechanism operated through two rectangular buttons in the band and the crown. The big size case of 38mm wide is enchanting retaining superbly defined bevels, its downturned fluted lugs, snap on back with crisp case numbers and the oxidation which is slowly spreading at 6 o’clock. The silvered dial is extraordinarily well preserved with its multi colored scales on the outer perimeter, the applied indexes and the three subsidiary dials for constant second (at 9 o’clock), 30 minutes registration (at 3) and 12 hours registration. Such a beautiful watch hardly appeared on the market, even more rarely in such good and beautiful conditions.