The Breitling Watch Source Forums

. . . I'm starting to wonder whether we can use the published serial numbers to date Chronomatics in the big, 48mm cases. It just seems too many are dated to 1969 and have characteristics of later models. Forty-one percent of chronograph serials from 1969 to the company's close are 1969 dates. So, I wonder if we might conclude that most of these cases were done up and dated in 1969, and some even in 1968.

Hmm, that is interesting - and the huge drop off after 1969 really does suggest that.

We know that caliber 12 didn't replace caliber 11 until late 1969 (although I have seen 11-2 versions that look to be as late as 1971) so if we can also demonstrate that a majority of those 69s had 12s rather than 11s then I think it pretty much proves that these cases were being 'stockpiled'.

Perhaps that's right but I think it pertains to all the Chrono-matics not just the large case. I've had enough of them over to years to say that 1969 is the predominant date for any Chrono-matic.

Just caught this. Too add another thought, most of the Cal 15's I've seen which is a movement I believe only
existed from 1972 have case numbers that predate this.

Like this one from 1969.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... fe=sidebar

So they certainly had a stockpile of early dated cases they were using as late as 1972.