1969 Breitling Datora 2031 “Surfboard” Driver’s Chronograph

The Breitling Datora has all the key elements that we so endearingly love about vintage Breitling chronographs of the 1960's and the 1970's.  The Datora gets the nickname the "Surfboard" as a result of the black center portion of the dial which gives this a super cool and unique look to the sub dial section of the dial.  This design also recalls the dashboard style of cars from 1960s.  It is described in a period sales advertisement as the “deluxe version of the Top Time series”. Unlike most chronographs, the Datora features a 45-minute register, instead of the more common 30-minute register.  The dial has a spectacular silver sunburst finish.

The other key features include an outer rotating bezel similar to a dive watch for tracking elapsed time. A date complication located at the 6 o'clock position and the high visibility orange minute and hour luminous filled "cigarette style" hands, as well as the striking high visibility orange sweeping Chrono hand and 45-minute register hand that is located within the right subdial.

The Datora is not often seen as it is a watch collectors tend to hold onto and finding an example such as the one offered here is difficult. This specific piece would make a great addition to the collector of vintage chronographs and would prove to be a functional yet unique piece as a daily driver.   The manual Valjuoux 7732 movement is a tried and true movement.  

This particular example comes with a “full set”: original strap, box, purchase receipt and instruction booklet.

Strap/Bracelet: Original black calf skin. 

Size: 39mm

Condition:

The watch is near perfect with only minor signs of wear / use most notably on one of the lugs with a few light surface scratches.  The engraving on the case back is strong and clear.   The movement is running at a high amplitude of 3400 and indicated to be losing only 6 seconds per day, amazing for a watch of this age.