Breitling - Genève - No reserve price - 11655 - Men - 1950-1959

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This is a remarkable opportunity to acquire a distinct piece of mid-century elegance from one of Switzerland's most renowned manufacturers. While Breitling is globally celebrated for its aviation chronographs, the brand also produced exceptionally refined dress watches during the golden era of watchmaking. This square-cased example features striking "fancy" sculpted lugs that evoke the architectural flair of the Art Deco period, combined with a classic sub-seconds layout. It represents a rare and sophisticated departure from the brand's tool-watch catalog, offering collectors a chance to own a stylish and historically interesting timepiece. Brand: Breitling Model: Geneve Reference Number: 11655 Movement: Manual Wind Dial: Cream with Roman Numerals Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Chrome Plated with Stainless Steel Back Production Year: c. 1950s Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch presents an honest and attractive aesthetic with visible signs of age that add to its character. The dial shows consistent patina, and the case exhibits wear to the plating, particularly on the lugs, which is typical for a watch of this era. Dial and Hands The dial features a charming cream-colored tone that has developed a warm, uniform patina over the decades. It is adorned with classic Roman numerals at the quarter-hour positions and applied baton indices elsewhere, creating a balanced and legible layout. A sub-seconds register sits at the six o'clock position, featuring a concentric circle guilloché pattern that adds texture to the face. The hands are slender and dark, likely blued steel, contrasting well against the dial for readability. The signature "Breitling Geneve" remains crisp and clear. Case and Crystal The square case is the defining feature of this timepiece, measuring 34mm in width which offers a substantial presence on the wrist due to the square geometry. The most captivating aspect is the sculpted, teardrop-style lugs, often referred to as "fancy lugs," which give the watch a fluid and artistic silhouette. The case is chrome-plated, and there is visible wear and brassing on the high points of the lugs and bezel, revealing the base metal underneath, which attests to its vintage journey. The caseback is made of stainless steel and is stamped with the reference number 11655. The acrylic crystal is clear with minor handling marks consistent with age. Movement Powering this timepiece is a Swiss-made manual winding movement signed by Breitling on the bridge. The movement features a classic architecture and winding gears decorated with starburst patterns. Current timegrapher readings indicate the movement is running with a deviation of approximately +45 to +52 seconds per day. While functional, the future owner may consider a service if precise daily timekeeping is required. Strap The watch is fitted with a classic black leather strap that complements the vintage aesthetic of the piece. It is secured by a silver-tone pin buckle, making it ready to wear immediately. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. It wears its history openly, with plating wear visible on the case corners and lugs. The dial has aged naturally with spots of patina that collectors often appreciate for their authenticity. The movement is winding and running, with the specific timing results noted above. Dimensions The case measures 34 mm in width excluding the winding crown. The lug-to-lug length and the unique lug design ensure it sits prominently and comfortably on the wrist. Remarks Square-cased Breitling dress watches from this era are significantly rarer than their round counterparts. The reference 11655 stands out due to its elaborate lug design, which elevates it from a simple time-only watch to a piece of design history. It captures the transition from the strict Art Deco lines of the 1940s to the softer mid-century modern aesthetic of the 1950s. This is a perfect acquisition for the collector who appreciates the softer, dressier side of a brand famous for its utility. History Founded in 1884 by Léon Breitling in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, the company quickly established itself as a leader in chronographs and timers. While the 20th century saw Breitling dominate the skies with the Chronomat and Navitimer, their "Geneve" line of dress watches showcased the brand's ability to produce elegant, high-quality timepieces for formal occasions. Watches like this reference 11655 serve as a testament to Breitling's versatility and commitment to horological excellence beyond the cockpit. / Second Vintage SKU: BRE-BGX-0001