1980s Breitling Tabarly Blue Dial Full Gold Plated on Bracelet 35mm

Here we have a very rare Breitling Tabarly Reference 80770, a neo-vintage nautical watch designed in collaboration with the legendary French yachtsman Éric Tabarly. With its architectural 35mm gold-plated case that sits exceptionally slim on your wrist, thanks to its unique profile and flowing geometry. The refined lines of the case lead to a lug-to-lug length of 41mm and a thin case thickness of just 8.5mm, giving the watch a remarkably sleek yet distinctive wrist presence. On the right side sits a textured, low-profile signed crown. The 60-click bi-directional rotating "compass" dodecagonal bezel features iconic protruding, domed screws for easy tactical grip, framing a flat crystal above a striking matte-blue crosshair dial. A clean, traditional minute track surrounds applied gold octagonal hour indexes with inward-facing arrows at the cardinal points and classic baton-style hands, filled with Tritium, complemented by a date window at 3 o'clock. At noon, the iconic stylised Breitling typography completes this maritime-inspired sports watch. On the reverse, a solid steel screw-down case back is proudly engraved with the inscription "Designed and tested with Éric Tabarly," celebrating its professional yachting pedigree. Inside, a high-grade Swiss Quartz ETA Cal. 955.412 with 7 jewels. The watch comes paired with its integrated 21mm full gold-plated 3-link bracelet that flows seamlessly from the tapered case lines and is secured by a neat fold-over clasp; it will fit up to a 7-inch wrist. This watch is sold with its original Breitling (flaking) box and booklet.

This watch is sold with its original Breitling (flaking) box and booklet. The watch comes paired with its integrated 21mm gold-plated 3-link bracelet that flows seamlessly from the tapered case lines and is secured by a neat fold-over clasp; it will fit up to a 7-inch wrist. The watch is from Circa. 1980s and is sold in worn condition, but overall it is in fair condition, as you can see from the photos. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.

The Tabarly is one of those Breitlings that even seasoned collectors don't come across very often. It's a genuinely rare reference, and finding one in this configuration, with the striking blue dial and full gold-plated case and bracelet, is rarer still. What I love most is that it feels completely different to the Breitling most people know. The integrated design, architectural case, and distinctive compass bezel give it a wonderfully '80s feel, while the vibrant blue dial adds just the right amount of contrast against the warm gold finish. It's a combination that really works. If you're looking for a Breitling that's a little off the beaten path, with genuine rarity and an interesting story behind it, I think this is a fantastic choice. Snap it up and add it to your collection today!

Reference : 80770
Movement : Quartz ETA Cal. 955.412
Age : Circa. 1980s
Year : Circa. 1980s
Case Size : 35mm
Case Thickness : 8.5mm
Lug to Lug : 41mm
Lugs : 21mm (Integrated)
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box and Papers : Box & Booklet
Case Material : Gold Plated
Warranty : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
The wrist model's wrist size is 7inch

Establishing his workshop in 1884 in the picturesque town of Saint-Imier, Switzerland, Léon Breitling embarked on a remarkable journey. With a keen focus on creating high-quality and innovative timepieces, he specialised particularly in chronographs. Seeking to expand his operations in 1892, Breitling relocated to La Chaux-de-Fonds, a renowned hub for watchmaking excellence. This move allowed him to tap into a wealth of resources and skilled artisans in one of the heart of the Swiss watch industry. With ingenuity at the forefront, Léon Breitling patented a revolutionary movement in 1893 featuring an eight-day power reserve. In this year, he also introduced the pulsograph, a groundbreaking device engineered for measuring pulse rates. Léon patented a pocket-watch tachymeter in 1905, a pioneering tool that served as a precursor to modern vehicle speedometers. This invention was designed to measure speeds ranging from 15 to 150 km/h. The passing of Léon Breitling in 1914 marked a significant transition for the company, as his son, Gaston Breitling, took over the reins. Under his leadership, the brand continued to innovate and expand its influence in the watchmaking world. Gaston Breitling made a historic contribution to timepiece design in 1915 by creating one of the first wrist-worn chronographs. With an independent pusher positioned at 2 o'clock, this model prioritised wearability, redefining the way watches were used, particularly in dynamic environments. As early aviation began to take flight, Breitling's chronographs quickly garnered popularity among pilots and military forces alike. In 1939, the British Air Ministry placed a substantial order for Breitling chronographs for the Royal Air Force. This pivotal moment solidified the brand's reputation within the aviation industry, aligning its name with high performance and exceptional quality. Willy Breitling, Gaston’s son, unveiled the Navitimer in 1952. This innovative wrist-worn chronograph, designed with a circular slide rule tailored for flight calculations, was originally developed for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and marked a significant advancement in aviation timekeeping. The Navitimer was introduced to the public in 1956 and quickly became an emblem of aviation and precision timekeeping. Its distinct design and functionality captured the imagination of enthusiasts. Breitling launched the Chrono-Matic in 1969, recognised as one of the first automatic mechanical chronograph calibres. This milestone was the result of a collaborative effort with Heuer-Leonidas and Buren-Hamilton. The Breitling factory in La Chaux-de-Fonds closed its doors in 1978, marking a difficult period for the company. In 1979, Ernst Schneider, the owner of the Sicura Company, acquired the Breitling name in a bid to revive the brand. He relocated production to the Sicura factory, which underwent a significant transformation and became Montres Breitling AG, rebranding to Breitling AG in 1994. In a significant ownership shift, the Schneider family sold the majority stake in Breitling to CVC Capital Partners in 2017. Later in 2022, Partners Group, a prominent Swiss investment and private equity firm, acquired the majority of Breitling shares from CVC, further reshaping its financial landscape.