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Breitling Datora Ref. 2031 "Surf Board", 1971 — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Breitling Datora Ref. 2031 "Surf Board", 1971

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Breitling (maker)
Date
1971
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Dimensions
Case 39 mm
Stock no.
BRL2031-71
Credit line
Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (BRL2031-71)
Catalogue title (original)
1971 Breitling Datora Ref. 2031 "Surf Board" (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number BRL2031-71), this is a wristwatch by Breitling, made in Switzerland, dated 1971. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 39 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

The Breitling Datora has all the key elements that we so endearingly love about vintage Breitling chronographs of the 1960's and the 1970's Starting in the 1960’s, Breitling began releasing a number of new chronograph models and expanding the range of current models with a variety of dial designs.The Datora gets the nickname the "Surfboard" as a result of the white center portion of the dial which gives this a super cool and unique look to the sub dial section of the dial. Unlike most chronographs, the Datora features a 45-minute register, instead of the more common 30-minute register. The other key features include an outer rotating bezel similar to a dive watch for tracking elapsed time. A date complication located at the 6 o'clock position and the high visibility orange minute and hour luminous filled "cigarette style" hands, as well as the striking high visibility orange sweeping Chrono hand and 45-minute register hand that is located within the right subdial. The Datora is not often seen as it is a watch collectors tend to hold onto and finding an example such as the one we are offering here at Craft & Tailored can be difficult. This specific piece would make a great addition to the collector of vintage chronographs and would prove to be a functional yet unique piece as a daily driver. The manual Valjuoux 7732 movement is a tried and true movement Stock # BRL2031-71 Brand Breitling Style Pilots Chronograph Model Datora Serial 136XXXX Size Men's Material Stainless Steel Dial Black "Surfboard" Dial Millimeters 39mm Strap Perlon Nato Strap CASE & BRACELET The case of this Breitling Datora Ref. 2031 remains in unpolished condition and is wonderfully sharp and stunning! The bezel is also in wonderful condition and shows very light patina. The watch will come with a Perlon strap or a hand made leather strap of your choice. DIAL & HANDS The unique "Surfboard" dial is in immaculate condition. The tritium lume within the orange "cigarette" style hands shows no lume degradation and glows properly when UV light is applied. The original date wheel is free of any corrosion and is also in flawless condition. ACCESSORIES

Historical context

Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)

Seiko's Astron begins mass quartz timekeeping; traditional industries contract sharply.

Quartz and digital watches transformed the market after 1969. Swiss employment collapsed, Japanese and Hong Kong production soared, and the Swatch (1983) helped the Swiss industry recover; mechanical watches survived as luxury goods.

Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Modern Mechanical Horology

Atlas type guide

Wristwatches

Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.

After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.

What to look for

  • The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
  • The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
  • Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
  • Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.

Dating clues

  • Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
  • Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
  • Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

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