1973 Breitling "Referee" Ref. 34-31

This Soccer Timer is the only watch outside of the famous SuperOcean ref 2005 to feature the Valjoux 7731 "slow seconds" modified movement (Rhodium-plated manually wound movement with cam actuated chronograph) where the large paddle hand only rotates once pre hour.

The 45-minute track in red has a definite purpose: tracking the halftime of a football match with the square-tipped hand. Unlike many chronographs, this watch registers the minutes with the long square-tipped hand which moves super slow. The seconds are being registered by the little sub-dial on the 9 o’clock. This reference 34-31 also has the “activity indicator” above the 6 o’clock marker.  The indicator shows black when the chronograph is not running, yellow when it is, and a mix of both colours when it is stopped but not reset.

Soccer timers pop up from a few different brands, Omega Seamaster examples being most common, and harks back to a society that relied on mechanical instruments (like a watch) for esoteric timing needs. 

The other special characteristic of this reference is it doubles as a pocket watch or, at least, a modular wristwatch. The entire inner unit with the dial, crystal, movement, and case is removable leaving the lugs and bezel behind.   This is the only “modular” watch ever produced by Breitling.  Breitling's Soccer Timer is a fairly uncommon watch, with few examples coming up for sale.

The cool and retro looks of this watch are complemented by the supple black tropic strap. The frosted steel bezel is like new and the glossy case is close to perfection with only a few very light surface scratches.  The dial and hands are blemish free and retain their lovely green lume from the factory.

These watches are rare and even rarer in such pristine condition.

A digital Breitling Extract from Archives will be sent to its new owner, stating the date of case manufacture (1973), the serial number, the reference number, the case material, and the movement.

IMPORTANT NOTES FOR BUYERS:
1. For shipping purpose: we will mark lower values at the Buyer’s request. We ship with discrete packaging.
2. We use DHL Express for international shipping. Shipping to most destinations is normally 2-3 days.
3. Preferred payment method is via bank transfer/wire or Payoneer.
4. For customers requiring an 'escrow' method, we also accept Paypal. However please note a fee of 4% applies.