Breitling Chronomat-style Quartz (Suspected Counterfeit)
Chronograph / Tool Watch · Breitling (Visual imitation); Swiss-based luxury brand known for aviation watches.
Period: Modern Luxury (late 1980s or 1990s style)
Type
Chronograph / Tool Watch
Brand
Breitling (Visual imitation); Swiss-based luxury brand known for aviation watches.
Movement
Quartz Chronograph (likely a Miyota or generic quartz caliber)
Dimensions
39mm diameter, 12mm thickness, 45mm lug-to-lug, 20mm lug width
Description
This timepiece is modeled after the Breitling Chronomat, a flagship aviation chronograph. It features the signature 'rider tab' bezel and onion crown that defined Breitling's 1980s revival.
Key Features
Rider tabs on the bezel, onion crown, 'B' logo seconds hand, and the distinctive Rouleaux-style bracelet links.
Dial Description
Blue dial with three sub-dials at 3, 6, and 9; gold-toned baton hands, applied indices, and B-logo counterweight on the seconds hand.
Case Material
Base metal or 316L Stainless Steel with gold-toned plating / Two-tone
Crystal Type
Mineral glass or Sapphire with heavy surface scratches and chips.
Bezel Details
Uni-directional rotating bezel with four 'rider tabs' at 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes markings.
Crown & Pushers
Onion-style gold-toned crown with two cylindrical gold-toned pushers at 2 and 4 o'clock.
Bracelet or Strap
Two-tone 'Rouleaux' or 'Bullet' style inspired bracelet with folding clasp.
Caseback Details
Solid screw-down caseback, likely stainless steel.
Movement Type
Quartz Chronograph (likely a Miyota or generic quartz caliber)
Water Resistance
Stated as 'Water Resistant', but currently should be treated as 0m due to visible wear and age.
Origin & Provenance
Attributed to Switzerland; however, the visual quality and sub-dial layout suggest a non-Swiss imitation.
Age Estimate
Circa 1990-2005 based on the Chronomat 81950 design language.
Cultural Significance
The Chronomat is credited with leading the industry back toward mechanical chronographs during the peak of the Quartz Crisis.
Condition Notes
Fair. Significant plating wear on the crown, pushers, and bracelet. Deep scratches and chips on the crystal at 12 and 1 o'clock. Bezel shows heavy wear and dirt accumulation.
Value Estimate
$20 - $100 (Assessed as a replica or heavily damaged vintage quartz model; authentic equivalents are $1,500+).
Care & Maintenance
Requires battery replacement and gasket inspection; avoid all water contact due to age and apparent wear on seals.
Similar Watches
Authentic Breitling Chronomat Ref. 81950 or 13047; alternative chronographs include the Omega Speedmaster Reduced.
Interesting Facts
The Chronomat was originally designed for the Frecce Tricolori, the Italian Air Force's aerobatic team, in 1983.