BREITLING | REF 817STAINLESS STEEL CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH MADE FOR THE ITALIAN ARMYCIRCA 1975

Dial: blackCalibre: cal. 236 manual winding, 17 jewelsCase: stainless steel, screw-down backCase number: E.I.0365/1'434'052Dimensions: 39.5 mmSigned: dial and movementAccessories: certificate listing military classification

MVT: running at the time of cataloguing. Chronograph functioning. CASE: in very good condition. Some minor wear, but edges sharp and with little to no signs of polishing. DIAL: in very good condition. The lumes reacting well under UV. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

When the Bretiling reference 817 began production in 1975 it was clear that it was intended for one purpose and one purpose alone, military use.  The production run was short and a very limited number were ever produced, and given their function existing pieces prove incredibly scarce commodities.   Adopted by the Italian Ministry of Defence, they were individually numbered to the case back and issued to helicopter pilots on a Japanese-made expandable bracelet, as accompanies the present lot. The watch is in very original condition, the edges are sharp and the case shows no sign of polishing. The dial is in wonderful condition, and while the different colouration could be mistaken for a discrepancy this is a phenomena realised in all known original models.