One To Watch | Breitling Chronomat B01 42

An iconic Swiss watch brand with a rich heritage dating back to 1884, Breitling have continued to impress with their modern approach to Swiss watchmaking under CEO Georges Kern, whilst still nodding to the brand’s rich, predominantly aviation, heritage.

Recent launches have included the Breitling Top Time and the Breitling Superocean Heritage ’57 Frontline Heroes Edition; the latter being a rainbow version of the Superocean, with Breitling donating £1,000 to NHS Charities Together for every watch sold. Beaverbrooks also matched this for every watch we sold. Proving it’s timely launch and popularity, we sold out within a week.

Today, we’re looking at the latest new collection; the Breitling Chronomat B01 42.

A look back

The Breitling Chronomat was quite revolutionary when it was first introduced back in 1984, with its bold decision to return to mechanical movements in the midst of the quartz era of the 70s and 80s. As Breitling’s CEO Georges Kern says, “it was the watch that boldly proclaimed Breitling was staying absolutely true to its roots”.

Inspired by the 1983 Frecce Tricolor chronograph launched in collaboration with the famed Italian aerial squadron of the same name, the 1984 Chronomat celebrated Breitling’s centenary in style and helped cement the Chronomat as the ultimate sport-chic watch of its era.

Iconic features and a stylish aesthetic

Now, nearly 40 years later, the new Chronomat watches are being dubbed as “truly an all-purpose sports watch” by Breitling, and are sleeker and perhaps more stylish than previous Chronomats, whilst still retaining the heavy-duty imposing aesthetic.

Capturing the original Chronomat’s signature design, each watch in the new collection showcases iconic features to make it instantly recognisable, from the rotating bezel to the signature Rouleaux bracelet. Water resistant to 200m, the case is 42mm so still sits bold on the wrist.

The signature rotating bezel is highlighted by rider tabs, which not only protect the crystal but make the manipulation of the bezel easier. The rider tabs at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock, true to the original, are interchangeable, so you can use them either for a “count up” or “count down” function.

And, perfectly expressing Breitling’s modern-retro style, the return of the eye-catching Rouleaux bracelet is what gives these new Chronomats the stylish vintage aesthetic.

Powered by the Breitling Manufacture Calibre 01

Each Breitling Chronomat in the new collection is powered by the Breitling Manufacture Calibre 01, a movement made in-house that boasts a power reserve of about 70 hours. And, like all Breitling watches, the Chronomats are COSC-certified chronometers.

With different versions and styles to choose from, shop the new Breitling Chronomat B01 42 Chronographs from £6,650 or from £124.69 per month with 0% interest.