1950s Breitling Premier Reference 788

Why This Watch Matters Though Breitling might be better known nowadays for its often racy marketing, or its high profile celebrity ambassadors, the company’s a true aviation supplier and they were the very first to create a two-button chronograph. This Premier ref. 788 is a wonderful example of Breitling’s real history, and strong competence, in chronograph design. The Full Story The front of this watch is pretty darned impressive – a very well preserved, finely done silver dial, with gorgeous, deep blue time and chronograph hands. The stepped bezel and elongated lugs add considerable elegance to what otherwise might be a slightly too-conventional design, and the lugs and long pushers give this vintage Breitling much more presence on the wrist than you might think from its dimensions alone (it’s 36mm in diameter). Turn it over, and you see on the back that it’s waterproof, shockproof, and antimagnetic – this isn’t just a great looking gent’s vintage chronograph, it’s also a great examp