Introduction
Designed for pilots, in keeping with so many other iconic chronograph models from Breitling, the Unitime was launched in the 1960s and inspired by the Breitling 765 ‘AVI’ that preceded it and was launched in 1953. With its predecessor, the 765, being the inspiration for several pilot-issued chronographs that entered the market soon after it like the Breguet Type XX, it is no surprise that the Unitime features the same design language given the design’s prior success. Featuring a robust 41mm stainless steel case, a legible dial design with large luminous Arabic 24-hour numerals, large luminous hands, a screw-down caseback, a large fluted crown and a black rotating bezel with a twenty four hour graduation, the Unitime closely resembles the 765 but with some minor changes. Powered by the manual-wind Venus cal. 178, considered by collectors to be one of the most famous and influential column wheel operated chronograph movements of all time, the Unitime was actually modified in accordance with US Navy test pilot and astronaut Lieutenant Commander Scott Carpenter’s request for a 24-hour dial. As such, the Unitime’s hour hand takes a full 24 hours to make one rotation around the dial instead of the normal 12. And so, its 24-hour Arabic numerals are not just for show as they typically are on other 24-hour scale timepieces, instead they ensure the wearer can easily tell if their home time is in AM or PM without having to confirm it through a secondary method, and thus eliminate confusion.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$8,000 – $12,000
The Details
Brand
Breitling
Dimensions
41mm
Model
Unitime
Movement
Manual-wind Venus cal. 178
Reference
1765
Bracelet
Stainless steel Milanese mesh bracelet
Year
Circa 1970
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
Featuring a black dial with silver subdials, the Unitime's pilot-focused design language makes itself known through its large Arabic indices that are both, painted with luminous material and in a 24-hour format.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Massive at the time of its release in the 1960s, the Unitime's imposing 41mm diameter case made sure that it was incredibly legible for the pilots who it was designed for and wore it.
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 excellent vintage condition. Case has full lugs, with some surface wear visible on the polished surfaces. The engravings on the caseback are all intact and fully visible. Dial in near-mint condition, with nicely applied tritium indexes and little to no visible wear on the surface. The turning bezel Is in excellent condition with some minor wear visible along the edges and an imperfection visible in the paint of the triangle at 12. The mesh bracelet measures approx 8'.
Our Perspective
A pilot's watch in its purest sense, the Unitime took the 765's iconic design and fine-tuned it into a timepiece that is even more capable.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
