Breitling Duograph Ref. 766 'Rattrapante' - Silver Patina Dial
Breitling has a long and rich history in chronographs — with an emphasis on aviation chronographs. And like so many other brands who have a watch model, or family that has become synonymous with the brand name itself, the Navitimer is just that for Breitling.
As a result, the Navitimer casts a substantial shadow over all of its siblings.... even over firmly planted models like the SuperOcean, Top Time, and lesser-known pieces that pre-date model ranges all together.
The piece that we have here is one of the latter.
The 1940s was a time when Breitling was rapidly expanding their chronograph offerings, and the Duograph represented a significant step forward for the manufacture, combining the elegant proportions of the period with one of the most sophisticated complications available at the time: the split-seconds, or 'rattrapante,' chronograph.
Like many of Breitling’s chronographs from this period, the Duograph was offered in both steel and precious metals, with variations in case design, pushers, and dial configurations adding further character to an already elusive model.
The example that we have here Ref. 766 dating to circa 1951 and is offered in strong overall condition. The case comes in at 35mm and features gorgeous, prominent 'stepped' lugs, square pushers, a snapback caseback, and a crown at 3 o'clock that functions as the split-seconds activation in addition to winding and setting the movement. Inside, the silver dial has aged to show an attractive and largely uniform patina, while retaining clear printing throughout with patinated indices and a nicely matching blued-steel handset. Powering this piece is the highly-complex Venus Caliber 185, which incorporate both the split-seconds function and a three-register design, all in a form that is no larger than that of a typical chronograph from the era. Even today, a remarkable achievement.
As it pertains to vintage collecting, it is precisely this combination of rarity, mechanical complexity, and unmistakable 1940s design language that makes a Duograph such a compelling timepiece, full stop.
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