We provide service and repair of the Breitling Chrono-matic,, Navitimer, Cosmonaute and other Breitling Chronographs that use the Calibre 11/12 movement, as well as the earlier Venus and Valjoux powered models. The service includes complete disassembly of the movement, inspection, cleaning, oiling and timing and adjustment. The case is completely disassembled including the pushers and cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner, and the crystal is polished or replaced. Contact me if you have any questions, or would like to initiate repair of your vintage watch. See my FAQ for additional information.
Photo journals of Breitling Chronographs we’ve repaired:
- Breitling Cosmonaute Chrono-matic Caliber 11 SERVICE and REPAIR
- Breitling Navitimer 806 Chronograph Venus 178 Service & Repair
- Breitling Navitimer Chrono-matic Chronograph Service & Repair
- Breitling Top Time Chronograph with Venus 188 movement repair
Breitling Chronograph Calibre 12 History
Since its founding in 1884 by Léon Breitling, the Breitling brand has produced precision chronographs and aviation timepieces. Early Breitling chronographs from the 1910s and 1920s featured pocket-watch-style cases and simple monopusher mechanisms. By the 1930s, Breitling was producing dual-pusher wrist chronographs that set the standard for modern chronograph design, including early calibers supplied by Venus and Valjoux.
During the 1940s and 1950s, Breitling introduced additional models like the Chronomat and Navitimer, both powered by high-grade manual-wind movements such as the Venus 175, Venus 178, and Valjoux 72. These column-wheel chronographs were renowned for their reliability and precision.
In 1969, Breitling helped pioneer the world’s first automatic chronograph with the introduction of the Caliber 11, developed in collaboration with Heuer, Büren, and Dubois Dépraz. This innovation evolved into the Caliber 12, powering models like the Chrono-Matic, Navitimer, and Pult (Bullhead) chronographs, easily recognized by their left-hand crowns.
