Introduction
Introduced in 1944, the Breitling Datora ref. 785 brought together two of the most useful complication families of the period: the chronograph and complete calendar. Its three-register display combines elapsed-time measurement with indications for the day, date and month, all driven by the manually wound Valjoux VZHC/72C family of movements. At approximately 35mm, the Datora packed considerable mechanical complexity into a relatively compact case and became an important expression of Breitling's increasingly sophisticated chronograph production during the 1940s. Breitling itself records the ref. 785 as appearing in 1944 with the Valjoux VZHC/72C.
This stainless steel example is particularly appealing for the amount of period functionality incorporated into its silvered dial. English day and month apertures sit beneath 12 o'clock, while the date is read from a peripheral scale using a long central hand with a red crescent. Three registers provide running seconds and chronograph indications, with the minute counter additionally incorporating telephone-timing markers for measuring the intervals historically used to charge telephone calls. A red hand provides another flash of colour within the hour counter. The signed “B” crown and unusual No. 26/100 marking inside the Breitling-signed case back provide further points of interest.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$3,000 – $5,000
The Details
Brand
Breitling
Dimensions
35mm
Model
Datora
Movement
Manual-wind Valjoux 72C
Reference
785
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
Circa 1950s
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Silver
THE DIAL
The silvered dial combines English day and month apertures with a peripheral pointer-date scale indicated by a red crescent-tipped hand. Three subsidiary registers provide the chronograph and running-seconds displays, with telephone-timing markings incorporated into the minute counter and a contrasting red hand used for the chronograph hour register.
THE CONSTRUCTION
The stainless steel case measures approximately 35mm and incorporates rectangular chronograph pushers, separate calendar correctors and a signed “B” winding crown. The inside of the case back is correctly signed Breitling Watch Corp., Swiss, Stainless Steel and additionally bears the unusual marking No. 26/100.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in overall excellent condition. The stainless steel case shows light surface scratches and marks, as expected of a watch of this vintage. The pushers and B-embossed winding crown are in excellent condition, while the correctors show signs of use. The silvered dial shows some surface marks and discolouration to the upper section, with areas of the finish missing around the day and month apertures. The luminous material appears to have been removed from the dial. The hands show some surface marks, while the central hour and minute hands have been relumed. Movement bears WOG import code meaning that it was sold in the USA and imported by Wakmann/Breitling. It is fitted with a black leather strap and modern Breitling steel pin buckle showing light surface marks.
Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, the exotic skin strap will have to be removed.
Our Perspective
There is a lot to like here. The Datora 785 is already an impressively complicated 1940s Breitling, but the telephone-timer dial gives this example another layer of period functionality. Add the English calendar, red crescent date hand, contrasting red chronograph detail and Valjoux 72C-family movement, and it becomes a particularly characterful expression of Breitling's early complicated chronographs.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
