Breitling Chronomat Ref. B13050.1 "Grey Dial / First Owner Full-Set " (1999)

Here before us is a watch that you wouldn't expect at 10 over 10. We acquired this watch through a trade-in from a valued regular customer and thought: why not showcase this iconic vintage Breitling Chronomat watch, which we traded in from the first owner, on our website? Let's first take a look back at the history of the Breitling Chronomat.

The Breitling Chronomat was first introduced in 1942 and was one of the first watches with a slide rule bezel, allowing for technical calculations to be performed. The name “Chronomat” is a contraction of chronograph and mathematics, and the watch was primarily aimed at engineers, scientists, and pilots.

After a period of silence, the Chronomat was relaunched in 1984, on the occasion of Breitling's 100th anniversary. This relaunch stemmed from a collaboration with the Italian aerobatic team Frecce Tricolori. The new Chronomat had a sportier design, with the well-known four rider tabs on the bezel and a robust case. The watch marked Breitling's return to mechanical watches at a time when quartz watches dominated the market. Since then, the Chronomat has grown into one of Breitling's most iconic models, a mix of technology, style, and aviation history.

Before us is the Breitling Chronomat B13050.1, a Chronomat variant from the 1990s and one of the most recognizable models from that period. It was produced around 1995–2000 and has a case diameter of 39 mm, with a distinctive combination of stainless steel and 18k gold. The case is still in perfect condition, with only a few light signs of use that are certainly not considered bothersome. We have consciously kept the watch in its original state.

The watch is powered by the automatic Breitling Caliber B13, based on the reliable Valjoux 7750 movement. The first owner always had the watch serviced properly at Breitling. Before we listed it online, we had the movement fully checked by our watchmaker. The movement keeps time perfectly; all lubrications are still sufficient, and there are no parts with wear, so a service is currently not needed. We did have the watch fully ultrasonic cleaned, so it is fresh again for the new owner.

Typical features of this model include the sapphire crystal, the screw-down crown, the rider tabs on the bezel, and the chronograph function with date. The B13050.1 combines the robust, technical appearance of the Chronomat from the 1980s with the refinement and finishing of the 1990s, making it a beloved collector's item among vintage Breitling watch enthusiasts.

The watch is fitted with an original blue leather Breitling strap, which is still in good condition and perfectly matches the grey/blue dial. This gives the watch a slightly more elegant appearance than the steel variant. What makes it extra special is that the previous owner has carefully kept all accessories since he bought the watch in 1999 in Switzerland. This sporty Breitling Chronomat B13050.1 from the year 1999 comes with its original box, black high-gloss Breitling box, papers, booklets, and 1 year mechanical warranty of 10 over 10.

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What you need to know:
- Breitling Chronomat ref. B13050.1
- Grey-blue dial
- Traded in from the first owner
- Purchased in Switzerland in 1999
- 39 mm case in good condition
- Delivered with a blue Breitling leather strap
- Delivered as a complete set
- 1 year mechanical warranty on the movement
- Free insured shipping within the EU

Breitling

The Swiss watch brand Breitling was founded in 1884 by Léon Breitling in Saint-Imier. From the beginning, the brand focused on precision chronographs for professional use, particularly in aviation. Breitling earned its reputation through innovative designs, such as the introduction of the first separate chronograph push button in 1915 and the iconic Navitimer with slide rule in 1952.

Over the decades, Breitling has remained true to its technical heritage, with robust, reliable, and functional watches that appeal to both pilots and enthusiasts. Today, Breitling is known as one of the most respected names in the watch world, a symbol of Swiss craftsmanship, precision, and adventurous spirit.