Up for sale is a very rare and special Breitling Premier ref. 790 from October 1945. This watch was purchased from Hodinkee and includes a very nice Hodinkee strap. Watch is all original, shows very beautiful patina and winds, runs fantastically. This is likely the only 1945 all original premier 790 for sale anywhere.
With a perfectly balanced 36mm stainless-steel case, it actually appears larger in person, perhaps due to the slim bezel and the two registers placed on the outer side of the dial. The silver of the dial has gained a soft champagne sheen and the lume on the numerals and hands has gained a beautiful patina in a creamy vanilla color. And one cannot forget the reliable caliber Venus 150 movement. Chrono starts, stops and resets to "0" at it should.
It's hard for photos to do this watch justice but i have included some of my attempts as well as a link to the actual Hodinkee listing. I am happy to take videos and additional photos for those interested. I also reached out to Hodinkee to get an exact date on the watch and have attached their communication with Breitling's Heritage Department in Switzerland.
Maker: Breitling
Model: Premier Chronograph
Reference: 790
Year: Circa 1940s (October 1945)
Case No: 609888
Material: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 36mm diameter; 12.5mm thickness
Crystal: Plexiglass
Lume: Yes, radium
Caliber: Venus, manual-winding movement, caliber 150
Bracelet/Strap: The HODINKEE Davenport Strap in Tan
Lug Width: 18mm
Box/Papers: N/A
This is truly a special watch and a grab at $4,600. No trades please.
Hodinkee listing - https://shop.hodinkee.com/products/...onograph-reference-790?variant=12147831701579
With a perfectly balanced 36mm stainless-steel case, it actually appears larger in person, perhaps due to the slim bezel and the two registers placed on the outer side of the dial. The silver of the dial has gained a soft champagne sheen and the lume on the numerals and hands has gained a beautiful patina in a creamy vanilla color. And one cannot forget the reliable caliber Venus 150 movement. Chrono starts, stops and resets to "0" at it should.
It's hard for photos to do this watch justice but i have included some of my attempts as well as a link to the actual Hodinkee listing. I am happy to take videos and additional photos for those interested. I also reached out to Hodinkee to get an exact date on the watch and have attached their communication with Breitling's Heritage Department in Switzerland.
Maker: Breitling
Model: Premier Chronograph
Reference: 790
Year: Circa 1940s (October 1945)
Case No: 609888
Material: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 36mm diameter; 12.5mm thickness
Crystal: Plexiglass
Lume: Yes, radium
Caliber: Venus, manual-winding movement, caliber 150
Bracelet/Strap: The HODINKEE Davenport Strap in Tan
Lug Width: 18mm
Box/Papers: N/A
This is truly a special watch and a grab at $4,600. No trades please.
Hodinkee listing - https://shop.hodinkee.com/products/...onograph-reference-790?variant=12147831701579
