Breitling Chronomatic Ref.2111

One of three automatic chronographs that first appeared in 1969, the Chrono-Matics (as they are known), are today the stuff of watchmaking lore. While Seiko and Zenith had their own automatic chronos, Chrono-Matics, like this watch, are beloved for their funky late 60s designs, their left-hand crown position, and their use of a micro-rotor.

The Breitling Chrono-Matic Chronograph's crown location on the left-hand side lets us know it’s special, and it doesn't need to be hand-wound. This is one of the early Swiss-made chronographs to use an automatic movement developed in the late '60s as part of Project 99. Heuer-Léonidas, Hamilton-Büren, Dubois-Depraz, and Breitling joined forces to develop the first automatic chronograph movement that would have major consequences for the history of Swiss watchmaking.

Within this funky case is the caliber 11, the original movement made by the Swiss consortium. In addition to its fantastic late '60s / early '70s looks – check out that "surfboard" sub-dial layout and the killer orange accents. This is a funky design that instantly recalls the period when it was made. According to Breitling, the case was produced in 1969. Note the pulsometer scale in red, used by doctors and medical personnel to quickly take a patient’s pulse. This matches the red text on the date wheel - a nice little detail. We paired this watch with a beads of rice nos bracelet that make everything more "racing". The crown at 9 o'clock is unmarked.