A very rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with rotating slide rule bezel
Breguet No. 921 | Sold to Air Service Gabon on 25 July 1977 for Fr. 1,660
Auction Closed
November 9, 08:49 PM GMT
Estimate
35,000 - 70,000 CHF
Lot Details
Description
13’’’ Valjoux calibre 72 manually wound movement, lever escapement, 17 jewels, mono-metallic balance, Incabloc shock absorber, chronograph work visible to the backplate
black dial signed Breguet, applied baton hour indexes with luminescent accents above, luminescent baton hands, three subsidiary dials for constant seconds, 30-minute and 12-hour registers, outer scale for minutes/chronograph seconds calibrated to fifths
stainless steel tonneau-form case, satin finished upper body, rotating slide-rule calibrated bezel, two chronograph pushers to band, screw-down case back, numbered 921
Measurements
width 45 mm
depth including crystal 15.2 mm
Accompaniments
with a Breguet 250th anniversary certificate
A compelling expression of Breguet’s technical ingenuity and enduring design language, the present chronograph wristwatch, No. 921, stands apart within the brand’s storied production.
Crafted circa 1975, this rare stainless-steel model reflects a distinctly utilitarian spirit — one that aligns with the mechanical precision and mathematical heritage for which Abraham-Louis Breguet himself was renowned.
The black dial, punctuated by clean steel baton indexes, furthers the instrument-like clarity of the watch, while the waterproof chronograph case ensures resilience in the field. At once utilitarian and refined, the piece retains Breguet’s commitment to craftsmanship and legibility, even in its most understated forms.
According to archival records, this watch was sold on 25 July 1977 to the aviation company Air Service Gabon for the sum of 1,660 francs — a provenance that adds an additional layer of purpose and intrigue to its story. Its association with the aviation industry enhances the relevance of the calculation bezel, reinforcing its identity as a tool for professionals rather than a mere accessory.
Preserved in attractive overall condition, the present example speaks to a unique chapter in Breguet’s evolution during the 1970s — a time when the brand explored modern forms without abandoning its core identity.
Offered here as part of A Celebration of Breguet’s 250th Anniversary, it represents both a collector’s curiosity and a testament to the brand’s enduring spirit of invention.