Breitling Chrono-Matic Ref. 2111

The Breitling Chrono-Matic Ref. 2111 is more than just a timepiece—it is a landmark in the history of automatic chronographs. Released in 1969, it was part of a revolutionary shift alongside Seiko and Zenith, as one of the first three automatic chronographs ever made. The Chrono-Matic series quickly became legendary, cherished by collectors for its bold late-60s design, distinctive left-hand crown placement, and innovative micro-rotor movement.

One of the most defining features of the Breitling Chrono-Matic is its left-side crown, signaling that this watch does not require manual winding. This model was part of Project 99, a historic collaboration between Heuer-Léonidas, Hamilton-Büren, Dubois-Depraz, and Breitling to develop the world’s first Swiss automatic chronograph movement—an achievement that would leave a lasting impact on Swiss watchmaking.

Inside its 38mm stainless steel case beats the Breitling Caliber 12, an enhanced version of the groundbreaking Caliber 11—one of the first automatic chronograph movements ever created. Beyond its technical innovation, the Ref. 2111 perfectly embodies the aesthetic spirit of the late 1960s and early 1970s, featuring a distinctive “surfboard” dial layout, symmetrical sub-dials, and vibrant orange accents. According to Breitling, its case was produced in February 1969. Adding to its functionality, the watch includes a red pulsometer scale, designed for doctors and medical professionals to measure a patient’s pulse—perfectly matching the red numerals on the date wheel, a subtle yet refined detail.