THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: BREITLING
MODEL: 810
YEAR: 1972
BOX/PAPERS: NO/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 38MM
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: LEATHER
MOVEMENT: MANUAL WIND

The 1960s and ’70s were a golden era for sports chronographs, giving rise to some of the most iconic models—Rolex Daytona, Omega Speedmaster, Heuer Carrera, and Universal Genève Compax among them. Amidst these legendary names, chronographs from another top manufacturer, Breitling, often fly under the radar and still represent excellent value in today’s market.

Breitling introduced the “Top Time” line in 1964, aimed at a younger, more active audience. It marked a departure from the brand’s more technical offerings such as the Navitimer and Chronomat, instead embracing a cleaner and more classic design language. In 1972, the Top Time line was updated with the introduction of the Valjoux 7737 movement. The new reference 815 offered an impressive 52-hour power reserve, earning it the nickname “Long Playing.”

The present example comes from the final stretch of the original ref. 810’s production. As with many vintage chronographs, beauty can be subjective—but this is one of those watches that’s almost impossible to dislike, much like the Heuer Carrera 2447 or early four-digit Daytonas.

Condition-wise, it’s about as good as it gets. In hand, you’d be forgiven for thinking it was made only a few years ago. The “panda” dial is pristine, with a sunburst silver base, black subdials, and a striking red central chronograph hand. All tritium lume plots are intact and have aged to a soft creamy hue. The case appears untouched, with the caseback engraving as sharp as the day it left the factory.

The movement arrived in excellent health, running at +3 seconds per day with 265 amplitude and a 0.3 ms beat error. A truly beautiful watch on the wrist.