For a cross-section of Breitling’s 1970s watchmaking, five references stand out: the modular Long Playing Chronograph 7104, the rare automatic Chrono-matic 2130, the more accessible Chrono-matic 2110, the Top Time 815, and the Navitimer Date 7806. They are an editorial selection, not a scored ranking or the result of comparative testing. The right choice depends on the movement and design you want—and, for any vintage example, its condition and originality.
Five standout Breitling references from the 1970s
These watches show how varied Breitling’s lineup could be during the decade, from a chronograph with a removable inner case to familiar pilot-watch styling and colorful dial designs. The specifications and 2021 price estimates below are reported by Fratello’s June 5, 2021 buying guide; they are not current market valuations or findings from an inspection of individual watches.
Long Playing Chronograph ref. 7104
The 7104 is the unusual option in this group. Fratello describes its 40 mm case as modular: the inner case can be removed from the outer case and used as a handheld stopwatch. It is manually wound by a Valjoux 7740, with a date window between 4 and 5 o’clock. Reported dial versions include black and panda layouts, with orange hands adding a vivid period accent. Fratello says the 7740 beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour and has a 45-hour power reserve.
The guide’s June 2021 estimate was approximately €3,000–€5,000, depending on condition. That historical range should not be treated as a current asking price or valuation.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
Chrono-matic ref. 2130
Introduced in 1977 and reportedly produced for one year, the 2130 is the automatic choice. Fratello describes a 39 mm stainless-steel case with lyre-shaped lugs and panda or reverse-panda dial variants. Its Calibre 12 layout places the crown on the left and the chronograph pushers on the right; the guide describes the caliber as an updated Calibre 11 with a higher frequency.
The 2130 is the guide author’s personal favorite, but it is also described as difficult to find. The June 2021 estimate was at least €4,000, with the author noting that few recent sales made the figure uncertain. Treat that as a dated, rough estimate—not a dependable current market floor.
Rank #2
- Polished Stainless Steel Case and Bracelet, Case Diameter: 44mm
- Blue Dial with Index Hour Markers
- Breitling Caliber B20
- Self-winding Automatic Movement, COSC Chronometer Certified
- 200 Meters / 660 Feet Water-Resistant
Chrono-matic ref. 2110
The 2110 shares some of the 2130’s visual character but is described as easier to find. Its bezel combines a 60-minute scale with a 12-hour scale, and the numeral design is one of the reference’s distinguishing details. For a buyer drawn to the Chrono-matic look, that bezel gives the 2110 a clear identity of its own.
Top Time ref. 815
The 815 continues the Top Time line associated with the earlier ref. 810, retaining a similar overall aesthetic while adopting an updated case design. It appeared in a 1970 Breitling catalog. Fratello says gold-plated examples were common among those encountered by the author, while stainless-steel versions were rarer; this is a reported observation, not a census of surviving watches.
Rank #3
- Breitling Avenger Chronograph Automatic Blue Dial Men's Watch A13317101C1X1
Navitimer Date ref. 7806
The 7806 brings the Navitimer’s pilot-oriented slide-rule styling into a 41 mm, hand-wound date model. Fratello identifies the movement as the Valjoux 7740 and notes changes to the subdial arrangement and dial wording compared with earlier versions, alongside period color accents. A folded Jubilee bracelet was available on the watch pictured in the guide, but that does not establish that every example originally came with one.
Breitling’s official Navitimer history identifies the 7806 as the hand-wound date version, alongside the automatic ref. 8806. Fratello’s June 2021 estimate for the 7806 was approximately €4,000–€8,000, with condition and special military-issued examples affecting collectibility and price. The range is historical, not a current valuation.
Rank #4
How the references differ
The most useful distinctions are movement, wearing dimensions, and what draws the eye on the dial or bezel. The table summarizes details reported in the 2021 Fratello guide; it does not imply that the watches have been examined side by side.
| Reference | Movement or winding | Reported case size | Standout design detail | Availability and dated estimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long Playing Chronograph 7104 | Manual Valjoux 7740 | 40 mm | Removable modular inner case; black or panda dial with orange hands | Fratello’s June 2021 estimate: roughly €3,000–€5,000, depending on condition |
| Chrono-matic 2130 | Automatic Calibre 12 | 39 mm | Left-side crown, right-side pushers; panda and reverse-panda variants | Described as difficult to find; Fratello’s rough June 2021 estimate was at least €4,000 |
| Chrono-matic 2110 | not stated in the cited Fratello guide | not stated in the cited Fratello guide | Bezel with both 60-minute and 12-hour scales | Described as easier to find than the 2130; no price estimate stated |
| Top Time 815 | not stated in the cited Fratello guide | not stated in the cited Fratello guide | Updated case design; gold-plated examples were common among those encountered by the author, stainless-steel ones rarer | No price estimate stated |
| Navitimer Date 7806 | Hand-wound Valjoux 7740 | 41 mm | Navitimer slide-rule bezel, date, and revised subdial arrangement | Fratello’s June 2021 estimate: roughly €4,000–€8,000, affected by condition and special military-issued models |
Why these watches fit the decade
Breitling’s 1970s range was not limited to one chronograph formula. A brand history of the Navitimer dates the Chrono-matic launch to March 3, 1969, describing it as the outcome of collaboration among Heuer-Leonidas, Hamilton-Büren, and Dubois-Depraz and an early automatic mechanical chronograph milestone. In addition to the date-equipped 7806 and automatic 8806, Breitling offered the large 48 mm automatic Navitimer ref. 1806 and the hand-wound ref. 816.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Best Value
- Timeless Elegance: Miykon Vintage Men's Wrist watches blends classic square tank styling with contemporary elegance. Featuring a gold-tone case finish and brown genuine leather strap, this mens watch is perfect for formal events, or daily wear.
- Multiple Dial Options: Available in three refined dial choices—classic Roman numerals, modern Arabic numerals, or sleek index markers. Customize your look effortlessly with this versatile men's watch, making it suitable for any occasion or attire.
- Reliable Japanese Quartz Movement: Equipped with precision Japanese Quartz Movement, this black dress watches for men guarantees exceptional accuracy and reliability. Enjoy effortless timekeeping with minimal maintenance, ideal for daily wear.
- Comfort & Durability: Crafted with a lightweight, high-quality brown genuine leather strap, these tank watches for men provide unmatched comfort and durability. Its compact square design ensures a comfortable fit, perfect for extended wear.
- Everyday Water Resistance: With a 100ft waterproof rating, these Miykon Vintage Mens Watches withstand splashes, rain and daily handwashing. A reliable companion for your active lifestyle, delivers functionality without sacrificing style.
A broader account of the period by Fratello, published July 9, 2021, describes colorful and unconventional watches across the SuperOcean, Top Time, Transocean, Datora, and Navitimer families. It also recounts the pressure of the quartz era, the 1979 sale and transition under Willy Breitling, and the company’s return under Ernst Schneider in 1982. These events provide context for the decade; they do not mean that every watch in this selection was produced throughout all of the 1970s.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which one should you look for?
- For an unconventional case and manual chronograph: consider the 7104’s modular construction and orange-accented dial options.
- For an automatic chronograph with a distinctive layout: the 2130 combines a left-side crown, right-side pushers, and panda-style variants, but the guide describes it as rare.
- For Chrono-matic character with a different bezel: the 2110’s dual scales are its clearest distinguishing feature, and it is described as easier to find than the 2130.
- For Top Time design: the 815 offers a continuation of the earlier 810’s aesthetic in an updated case; material matters, since the source reports stainless-steel examples as rarer than gold-plated ones it encountered.
- For classic Navitimer identity with a date: the 7806 pairs a slide-rule bezel with a hand-wound movement and a 41 mm case, as reported by Fratello.
What to check before buying a vintage example
A reference name alone cannot establish that a particular watch is authentic or original. Fratello’s guide warns that references may have multiple dial executions and logos, and that servicing over decades can result in replaced parts. It also notes the existence of fake and “Franken” watches—pieces assembled with components that may not belong together.
- Learn the reference’s documented variations before deciding whether a dial, logo, bezel, or other detail looks appropriate.
- Ask what parts have been replaced during service and whether any documentation is available.
- Assess the specific watch’s condition and originality rather than relying on the reference’s reputation or a seller’s description.
- Consult a vintage-watch specialist when a detail or component is uncertain. The cited sources do not provide a complete authentication checklist, so photos and a model name alone are not enough to verify a listing.
The 2021 guide does not report independent wear, timing, or side-by-side tests. Its “best” selections are the author’s editorial choices; buyers still need to judge an individual watch on its own merits.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
