Breitling 817 Italian Air Force

This impressive Breitling 817 chronograph was developed for the Italian Air Force in the 1970s and is one of the few known examples to have survived in virtually unworn condition.

The Breitling 817 is extremely rare, as no civilian version was commercially available. Around 500 examples were produced exclusively for the helicopter pilots of the Italian army. Most of the watches were actually used in the military, so that only a few pieces have survived to this day. Well-preserved examples are even rarer.

The offered watch is preserved in absolutely amazing, virtually unworn condition. Sharp lugs, full profile and the matching green luminous material in the hands and markers are an indication that the watch has been stored for almost its entire lifetime. This is because most examples of the Breitling 817 have been exposed to various environmental influences during wear and therefore exhibit a yellowish patina in the hands.

This example is also accompanied by the original box, which is labeled "Cronometro Da Polso MOD. I UNIF. Breitling 817". The military number on the case “E.I. 0526” matches the number on the box. EI stands for “Esercito Italiano”.

However, it is not only the rarity and condition of this Breitling 817 that makes it so interesting for collectors, but also its striking military look and ideal size. The chronograph has a robust 40 mm stainless steel case, a matt black dial with large luminous numerals and hands, wide black rotating bezel and is powered by the robust manually-wound Breitling caliber 817 movement, which is based on the Valjoux 236.

We especially love the original stretch bracelet that came with this watch.
We love the original stretch bracelet that originally came with this watch. It fits perfectly on the wrist and is light and comfortable to wear.

Condition report
Dial: perfect condition without stains, scratches or similar - original lume in the markers and hands - matching tritium color in markers and hands: rare for this model - signed with "SWISS MADE".

Case: screwed stainless steel case - slight signs of wear - sharp lines of the lugs - intact military engraving on the back: "E.I. 0526" - original winding crown without logo - smoothly rotatable bezel - case number engraved inside the back: 1434xxx.

Movement: manual-wind Breitling caliber 817, based on Valjoux 236 - values on the timegrapher: rate deviation: +10s/day, amplitude: 323, beat error: 0.0.

Bracelet: original stainless steel stretch bracelet.

Serial number: 1434xxx

Int.Exe.: 1153030