Breitling - Chronograph - 178 - Unisex - 1947

05
days
07
hours
38
minutes
31
seconds
Current bid
€ 700
Reserve price not met
Joaquín Fernández Cebrián
Expert
Selected by Joaquín Fernández Cebrián

Over 25 years' watch expertise and nearly 20 years as a goldsmith business owner.

Estimate  € 1,600 - € 1,800
8 other people are watching this object
IT
€700
FR
€50

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Trustpilot 4.4 | 133802 reviews

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.

Breitling Chronograph Ref. 178 from 1947 with manual Venus 170 movement, a 32 mm chrome-plated steel case, white dial, leather strap, original Breitling box, and good vintage condition.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

Basic Info
Brand: Breitling
Model: Chronograph
Reference Number: 178
Year: 1947
Movement: Manual winding, Venus 170
Timegrapher: +6 S/D, 271 Amplitude
Case: Chrome-plated steel case with stainless steel caseback
Size: 32 x 36.8 mm
Bracelet: New Old Stock Breitling leather strap from 1990's
For Wrist: Up to 19 cm
Service: 13.10.2025 Full Overhaul by in-house certified watchmaker
Scope of delivery: Original Breitling card paper box, PW Certificate of Authenticity, and Service Certificate card

Condition
Sapphire crystal: Good Vintage (Small signs of wear or scratches)
Dial: Good Vintage (Small signs of wear or scratches)
Hands: Good Vintage (Small signs of wear or scratches)
Case: Good Vintage (Small signs of wear or scratches)
Bezel: Good Vintage (Small signs of wear or scratches)
Bracelet: New (No sign of wear)
Accuracy: Excellent (Serviced and Checked)
Overall Condition: Very Good Vintage 8/10

An exceptional example of Breitling’s early post-war chronographs, this Breitling Ref. 178 from 1947 represents the golden age of hand-wound Swiss precision. Powered by the legendary Venus 170 movement, it embodies the brand’s pre-Navitimer heritage when compact, purpose-built chronographs defined functional elegance.

This watch is in very good condition and was fully serviced on 13 October 2025 by our in-house Omega-certified watchmaker. It comes with its original Breitling card paper box, PW Certificate of Authenticity, and Service Certificate card. All parts are 100% original, including the Breitling leather strap and buckle from the 1990s.

The chrome-plated steel case with stainless steel caseback reflects the historical post-WWII material shortages, when stainless steel was scarce and reserved for critical components. Measuring 32 mm, this reference is particularly rare, as most examples were produced in larger sizes.

Its original dial, untouched and never repainted, has aged beautifully with a soft, even patina that complements its vintage character.

A fine collector’s piece that bridges Breitling’s pre-aviation chronograph era — combining authenticity, rarity, and mechanical integrity in a watch that defined 1940s Swiss craftsmanship.

All our watches are 100% guaranteed to be authentic.

Before shipping any timepiece you order, we inspect every watch to ensure that all parts are original and that it functions correctly. All listed pictures are taken in-house, showcasing the watches we have in our possession.

SHIPPING

All watches will be shipped via DHL, UPS, FedEx, or DPD with insured shipping. Watches are typically shipped 0-1 business days after receiving payment confirmation from Catawiki.
All shipments must be sent to the person whose name is on the order. You will need your ID and the tracking number (which will be provided before shipping) to receive the package.

INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING

The watch is located in the European Union (EU). Buyers are responsible for any duties and taxes for watches shipped internationally (outside the EU).

PAYMENT

Catawiki handles payments for all transactions. We cannot proceed with any transaction until Catawiki confirms receipt of payment, and we are unable to hold any watches until payment is confirmed.
If you have any issues with payment or other questions about payment processing, please contact Catawiki directly.

VISITING

If you are located in or traveling to Tallinn, Estonia, you are welcome to make an appointment to view or pick up your watch in person. Please contact us at least 24 hours prior to your visit.

RETURNS/REFUNDS:

Item(s) are eligible for return/refund within 14 days from the date the package is delivered. All returned merchandise will be thoroughly inspected for any signs of wear and tear or damages. Any such signs may negatively impact the customer’s refund. Refunds are issued to the original payment method used at the time of purchase.
In the unlikely event that a return package goes missing during transit, insurance claims will be processed, and a refund will be issued only upon the completion of the insurance claim.

WARRANTY

Every timepiece from PASHA WATCHES is backed by our commitment to quality and authenticity. We provide a one-year limited warranty on all pre-owned watches and a six-month limited warranty on vintage timepieces (over 25 years old).

Our warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. It does not cover water or moisture damage, natural wear and tear, accidental damage, or issues caused by misuse or improper handling. The warranty also excludes external components such as the bracelet, glass, dial, hands, pushers, crown, and bezel, as well as any work performed by unauthorized service providers.

While we take every measure to ensure reliability, water resistance is not guaranteed on vintage watches, unless explicitly stated in writing.

Every PASHA WATCHES timepiece is inspected, tested, and prepared by our certified watchmaker — ensuring lasting precision, authenticity, and peace of mind with your purchase.

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

With many years in the business, we are honored to have received numerous 5-star reviews. Our primary goal is to provide first-class service, always going the extra mile to ensure our customers are completely satisfied with their purchases. Please relax and enjoy the smooth and luxurious experience we offer.

We are not authorized dealers for any watch brands listed here on Catawiki.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

More reviews are available on Trustpilot and Google. Just search for PASHA WATCHES.

@pashawatchescom

@pasha_zaharoff

YouTube: Pasha Zaharoff

Basic Info
Brand: Breitling
Model: Chronograph
Reference Number: 178
Year: 1947
Movement: Manual winding, Venus 170
Timegrapher: +6 S/D, 271 Amplitude
Case: Chrome-plated steel case with stainless steel caseback
Size: 32 x 36.8 mm
Bracelet: New Old Stock Breitling leather strap from 1990's
For Wrist: Up to 19 cm
Service: 13.10.2025 Full Overhaul by in-house certified watchmaker
Scope of delivery: Original Breitling card paper box, PW Certificate of Authenticity, and Service Certificate card

Condition
Sapphire crystal: Good Vintage (Small signs of wear or scratches)
Dial: Good Vintage (Small signs of wear or scratches)
Hands: Good Vintage (Small signs of wear or scratches)
Case: Good Vintage (Small signs of wear or scratches)
Bezel: Good Vintage (Small signs of wear or scratches)
Bracelet: New (No sign of wear)
Accuracy: Excellent (Serviced and Checked)
Overall Condition: Very Good Vintage 8/10

An exceptional example of Breitling’s early post-war chronographs, this Breitling Ref. 178 from 1947 represents the golden age of hand-wound Swiss precision. Powered by the legendary Venus 170 movement, it embodies the brand’s pre-Navitimer heritage when compact, purpose-built chronographs defined functional elegance.

This watch is in very good condition and was fully serviced on 13 October 2025 by our in-house Omega-certified watchmaker. It comes with its original Breitling card paper box, PW Certificate of Authenticity, and Service Certificate card. All parts are 100% original, including the Breitling leather strap and buckle from the 1990s.

The chrome-plated steel case with stainless steel caseback reflects the historical post-WWII material shortages, when stainless steel was scarce and reserved for critical components. Measuring 32 mm, this reference is particularly rare, as most examples were produced in larger sizes.

Its original dial, untouched and never repainted, has aged beautifully with a soft, even patina that complements its vintage character.

A fine collector’s piece that bridges Breitling’s pre-aviation chronograph era — combining authenticity, rarity, and mechanical integrity in a watch that defined 1940s Swiss craftsmanship.

All our watches are 100% guaranteed to be authentic.

Before shipping any timepiece you order, we inspect every watch to ensure that all parts are original and that it functions correctly. All listed pictures are taken in-house, showcasing the watches we have in our possession.

SHIPPING

All watches will be shipped via DHL, UPS, FedEx, or DPD with insured shipping. Watches are typically shipped 0-1 business days after receiving payment confirmation from Catawiki.
All shipments must be sent to the person whose name is on the order. You will need your ID and the tracking number (which will be provided before shipping) to receive the package.

INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING

The watch is located in the European Union (EU). Buyers are responsible for any duties and taxes for watches shipped internationally (outside the EU).

PAYMENT

Catawiki handles payments for all transactions. We cannot proceed with any transaction until Catawiki confirms receipt of payment, and we are unable to hold any watches until payment is confirmed.
If you have any issues with payment or other questions about payment processing, please contact Catawiki directly.

VISITING

If you are located in or traveling to Tallinn, Estonia, you are welcome to make an appointment to view or pick up your watch in person. Please contact us at least 24 hours prior to your visit.

RETURNS/REFUNDS:

Item(s) are eligible for return/refund within 14 days from the date the package is delivered. All returned merchandise will be thoroughly inspected for any signs of wear and tear or damages. Any such signs may negatively impact the customer’s refund. Refunds are issued to the original payment method used at the time of purchase.
In the unlikely event that a return package goes missing during transit, insurance claims will be processed, and a refund will be issued only upon the completion of the insurance claim.

WARRANTY

Every timepiece from PASHA WATCHES is backed by our commitment to quality and authenticity. We provide a one-year limited warranty on all pre-owned watches and a six-month limited warranty on vintage timepieces (over 25 years old).

Our warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. It does not cover water or moisture damage, natural wear and tear, accidental damage, or issues caused by misuse or improper handling. The warranty also excludes external components such as the bracelet, glass, dial, hands, pushers, crown, and bezel, as well as any work performed by unauthorized service providers.

While we take every measure to ensure reliability, water resistance is not guaranteed on vintage watches, unless explicitly stated in writing.

Every PASHA WATCHES timepiece is inspected, tested, and prepared by our certified watchmaker — ensuring lasting precision, authenticity, and peace of mind with your purchase.

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

With many years in the business, we are honored to have received numerous 5-star reviews. Our primary goal is to provide first-class service, always going the extra mile to ensure our customers are completely satisfied with their purchases. Please relax and enjoy the smooth and luxurious experience we offer.

We are not authorized dealers for any watch brands listed here on Catawiki.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

More reviews are available on Trustpilot and Google. Just search for PASHA WATCHES.

@pashawatchescom

@pasha_zaharoff

YouTube: Pasha Zaharoff

Details

Brand
Breitling
Gender
Unisex
Model
Chronograph
Reference number
178
Band material
Leather
Shipped insured
Yes
Band length
Regular (180–200 mm)
Period
1900-1949
Repainted dial
No
Movement
Manual winding
Dial colour
White
Case material
Chromed
Original box included
Yes
Original papers included
No
Original warranty included
No
Case diameter
32 mm
Condition
Good - visible signs of wear
Year
1947
EstoniaVerified
44
Objects sold
pro

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