BREITLING Chrono‑Matic Ref. 2112 – Black Reverse Panda – Calibre 12

Year: ca. 1969
Serial number: 1,3XX,XXX
Diameter: 39 mm without crown
Lug width: 19 mm
Movement: Breitling Calibre 12 / 112, automatic chronograph

The crown is on the wrong side. And that is exactly right.

The Breitling Chrono‑Matic ref. 2112 was introduced during one of the most important periods in chronograph history. Its automatic movement was developed as part of “Project 99,” the collaboration between Breitling, Heuer-Leonidas, Hamilton-Buren and Dubois-Dépraz that produced one of the first automatic chronographs in 1969.

This example is powered by the improved Breitling Calibre 12, also designated Calibre 112. Its modular construction explains the unusual arrangement of the crown on the left and chronograph pushers on the right—a technical solution that became the signature of the Chrono‑Matic family.

The two-register layout consists of a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock and a 12-hour counter at 9 o’clock, with the date positioned at 6. There is no running-seconds display, which is correct for this movement.

The 39 mm stainless-steel tonneau case, rotating black bezel and tachymeter scale give the watch plenty of presence without making it oversized.

The real highlight is the beautifully preserved black reverse-panda dial. Its original tritium has aged to a dark patina, while the orange hands retain their original luminous material. Black, white and orange—it is a simple combination, but very difficult to beat.

What we need to know

The case has been polished in the past and shows normal signs of wear. It remains sharp and is in good overall vintage condition.

The black dial is beautifully preserved. Dial and hands retain their original tritium luminous material. The watch also has its signed Breitling crown.

It is fitted with a new Watchurbia “The Desert Drift” suede leather strap, handmade in Germany.

The movement has been checked and is covered by our 12-month warranty.

An important early automatic chronograph with one of Breitling’s best dial designs