Today's offering showcases this fabulously all-original ref. 810 Top Time Mark II chronograph with so-called "reverse panda" dial. Our photos couldn't begin to do it justice!
Its clean look and fantastically well-designed chronograph makes it in many ways the quintessential perfectly balanced chronograph. It has a timeless vintage look that is distinctive yet elegant.
The centerpiece of the watch is its beautiful "reverse panda" dial with black main section and easy to read dial contrasting silver registers. Besides a classic look and "reverse panda" silver registers the dial also features an outer tachometer ring to easily measure the speed of objects, done especially for aviation and auto racing uses. Its orange hand really brings out its racing look and heritage.
Earning the nickname in Breitling's marketing at the time as "Long Playing," this Breitling chronograph has an extra-long 52-hour power reserve and a sub-dial that measures up to 12 elapsed hours.
Built the year man landed it on the moon in 1969, we can't help but feel the space history in this watch with its chronograph and black and silver dial.
It is in as honest condition as they come with all of its original parts and presents very nicely. The case has never been polished.
Because these were "tool" watches they often show much wear and the complicated dials did not refinish well.
Its case presents in excellent no signs of previous polishing and only fairly light wear and one tiny pin prick mark in the back. A light polish could make it present close to mint.
Its untouched original matte black dial retains a strong black color with only light fading over the years. The luminous has darkly toned giving the markers a "ghosted" appearance. It is in excellent condition with only very light aging.
Its Breitling Venus 178 movement is very clean. Photos of the inside available upon request.
One of our Master Watchmakers has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive testing (a $795 value).
It is running extremely strong and true keeping time on par with a new Breitling in our testing recording position.
For the finishing touch it comes equipped it with a fine Hodinkee leather strap making it ready for immediate enjoyment. It could also be equipped with a brand new vintage style distressed leather straps if you would like.
Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function, a full-page custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.
Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.
A great article on the original 810 that also contains a strong plea for Breitling to re-issue the iconic chronograph can be found .
Manufacturer: Breitling
Country of origin: Switzerland
Serial no.: 1,277,257
Year built: 1969
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Chronograph Timing, Subsidiary Seconds
Model: Ref. 810, Mark II - it was not uncommon for Breitling to fit these watches with an engraved 824 case back from the factory
Designed for: Men
Case material: Stainless steel
Case markings (inside): Breitling Watch Ltd., Swiss
Case markings (outside): Breitling, stainless steel, 824, 1,277,257
Case condition: Presents in excellent no signs of previous polishing and only fairly light wear and one tiny pin prick mark in the back.
Dial: Black, signed Breitling Geneve and Top Time, tachometer scale, black with luminous baton indices, "reverse panda" silver subsidiary dials for the seconds, the 12-hour and 30-minute registers, original and untouched, excellent condition with only very light aging
Dimensions: 38mm wide (without crown), 48mm lugs tip-to-tip
Hands: Original, luminous batons with original orange seconds
Movement markings: Breitling Watch Co.
Movement type: Cal. 178, copper-colored, 17 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock absorber, self compensating flat balance spring
Jewels: 17 rubies
Band: Hodinkee leather strap with contrast stitching. It could also be equipped with a brand new vintage style distressed leather straps if you would like. We also stock lizard and a variety of other straps in various prints, skins, and colors. Please ask us if you're interested.
Width between lugs: 19mm
Crystal type: Acrylic, excellent condition
Service: One of our Master Watchmakers has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive testing (a $795 value).
Timing: Timed on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It is running extremely strong and true keeping time on par with a new Breitling in our testing recording position.
Warranty: 1-year C.O.T. international warranty. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.
Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee
