Breitling - Venus 170 pulsometer chronograph watch

Venus 170, circa 1945.

Produced in the immediate aftermath of the Second World War, this Breitling Ref. 178 is a testimony to Swiss watchmaking of the 1940s. Its elegant pulsometer dial, originally intended for the medical profession, gives it a unique personality and an aesthetic that has become particularly sought after by vintage chronograph enthusiasts.

The vertical layout of its subdials, combined with the "Base 30 Pulsations" scale, offers remarkable balance. The words "Fab. Suisse" on the dial indicate that it was originally intended for the French market, a detail always appreciated by collectors.

Inside is a manual-winding Venus 170 caliber, a reference movement of this period. During an old intervention, the chronograph bridge was replaced with a bridge from a Diwen-branded movement, another user of Venus ébauches. This period repair does not affect the proper functioning of the watch, but naturally deserves to be noted in the interest of transparency.

Technical details

• Brand: Breitling
• Reference: 178
• Serial number: 623817
• Year: circa 1945
• Movement: Venus 170
• Winding: manual mechanical
• Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph, pulsometer
• Case: chrome
• Caseback: stainless steel
• Crystal: plexiglass
• Crown: probably not original

Dimensions

• Diameter excluding crown: 34 mm
• Diameter including crown: 36 mm
• Lug to lug: 42 mm
• Lug width: 18 mm
• Thickness: 12 mm

Condition and warranty

• Very beautiful original pulsometer dial
• Even patina consistent with the age of the piece
• Visible discoloration of the chrome in several areas of the case
• Diwen chronograph bridge installed during an old intervention
• Movement functional and serviced in May 2026
• Fleurus Collection Sellier strap
• Travel case included
• 12-month mechanical warranty