Breitling 817 Italian Military Chronograph
Introduced in 1975 with the specific intention to be a tool watch for the Italian Army’s helicopter pilots, the Breitling ref. 817 is a timepiece that indeed lives up to the billing as a watch intended for hard wear and rigorous use in the field. The ref. 817 was even used by the Battaglione Paracadutisti Carabinieri Tuscania and their platoon commanders. A regiment of elite soldiers, they would first be fully trained as Carabinieri (Military police) and then receive the training required to become paratroopers at the “Folgore” Paratroopers Brigade School in Livorno, Tuscany. Utilized in high-risk missions, they would hunt kidnappers, the mafia, and the infamous Camorra - an underground Italian criminal society. With only 500 pieces ever produced, most of which were destroyed during decommissioning, the Breitling ref. 817 is an incredibly rare watch that provides a tangible link between Breitling and their military-serving past. A dark black dial with large luminous Arabic hour markers and equally large hands, the ref. 817 was designed for optimum legibility in the field where low-light conditions could be disastrous when timing critical military operations. While very faint due to wear, the ref. 817's screw-down caseback contains its military engraving. It reads “E.I” (Esercito Italiano, or "Italian Army" in English) along with its military stock number. 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.
