A spectacular circa 1960 Breitling Geneve reference 5558, vintage wristwatch.. This collectors grade example is accompanied by its original presentation box and an additional leather strap band. A wonderful and historically interesting example, complete with its original accessories. Serviced by a master horologist in good working order ready to treasure and enjoy for many years to come.
This rare all original Breitling is beautifully housed in a finely crafted case featuring a clever slot in the back designed for single-pass straps. Reflecting the ever-changing nature of women’s fashion, the Breitling Geneve reference 5558 collection quickly evolved into a vibrant array of strap options. Produced in precious metal, the range even offered full single-pass bracelets fashioned entirely from 18-carat gold, a testament to Breitlings ingenuity and attention to detail.
The is very rare as the Breitling Geneve ladies reference 5558 line quietly disappeared from Breitling catalogues by 1975 making these pieces therefore quite collectible. This is one of the rarest variants, distinguished by its deeply case and bezel, giving the watch a striking and highly distinctive appearance.
The reference 5558 range laid the groundwork for modular watches which we see today, although the genre has always struggled to be a success. The 5558 never seemed to make it far into the 1970s, which makes sense as Breitling consolidated their models while navigating the quartz crisis. Today, you can find 5558’s online, with the precious metal models commanding some impressive prices. Most of the sellers seem to be from Japan, which must have been a very successful market for the Breitling Geneve models at their peak.
Breitling marketed this watch to the Lady who placed perfection before price and "Created by perfectionists for perfectionists" and it's easy to see why when you look at this wonderful sophisticated example.
Encased in a unique 18 carat yellow gold case featuring a stylish bezel with concealed lugs which has been preserved remarkably well with signs of light wear, the ‘pièce de résistance’ of this watch is of course the elegant case design which has been profusely made and incredibly characteristic defining the watch’s aesthetic. They also add to the watch's proportions at a generous thickness of 8mm. At 17mm wide this watch is a standard ladies size for the era in which it was made although still very very small compared to modern day Breitling watches.
This Breitling is a very rare find, certainly in such good running order, and will simply never go out of style. It is the epitome of style and elegance, not to pass!
The Original Dial: The rare golden sunburst factory dial has patina and is signed Breitling Geneve with the diamond marker sitting proudly at ‘12’ o clock and ‘Swiss’ at the very bottom. This is a unique dial with raised gold baton markers with matching hour and minute ‘lance’ style hands which are in good condition for the age. Dial has some micro marks commensurate with age not noticeable to the naked eye - Please observe photographs.
Original Crystal: Perspex crystal in good overall condition with some minor signs of wear not noticeable to the naked eye unless under magnification.
Original Movement: Signed Breitling 17 Jewels - . Breitling went to considerable trouble and expense to ensure its small Calibre series movements performed equally as well as its larger gents movements, and they succeeded! These are indeed high precision movements and the example here is running beautifully – The high grade 17 jewel hand-wound movement is in incredibly clean and sparkling condition and has been serviced by a Breiling specialist watchmaker with no issues to report, keeping good time. This particular movement is in beautiful condition and with similar care and regular servicing, say every 3 to 4 years, one can expect this watch to continue to run very happily for many more decades to come!
Original Case: This unique Art - Deco inspired case is a solid two-piece case with a wonderful bezel design feature. Solid 18 carat yellow Gold case measures 16mm wide excluding the crown. Bearing Swiss Assay marks. Has surface hairline scratches associated with precious metals commensurate with age and wear.
Case Back Cover Outer: Semi grain polished factory finish. Signed with the Breitling 5558. The press fit case-back clicks into place with a firm and satisfying ‘pop’, indicating it is a nice tight fit and is of full thickness. Has surface hairline scratches associated with precious polished metals commensurate with age and wear.
Case Back Cover Inner: Inside the case-back is serial numbered 106***** 0.750 18K. Bearing Swiss assay marks. In Good condition.
Original Crown/Winder: The crown is signed with the Breitling logo. In good functioning order.
Original Leather Strap Bands/Buckles: Retains original leather strap bands. The original gold plated buckles.. Signs of general wear to straps and buckles. There is a total of 2 well used leather strap bands accompanying the watch retaining the original buckles which have signs of wear and tarnishing. The straps are worn with signs of moderate wear commensurate with age. Please see photos.
Original Presentation Box: Has signs of wear commensurate with age. Overall in good solid condition for the age - Please see photos.
*Please observe photographs carefully as they form part of the description*
Please note this Breitling is over 66 years old. Shipping DHL insured registered post World wide. Buyer responsible for any taxes or duties due which may delay or hold up your shipment at destination port.