Breitling Chronomat

Model range by Breitling

The original Chronomat

In 1942 Breitling for the first time presented the model Chronomat, a chronograph with a slide rule and manual winding, which was officially introduced at the U.S. Army Air Force. By the way, the name combines "chronograph" with "mathematics" — not "automatic"! —, in allusion to the calculations possible with this wristwatch.

The Chronomat of 1984

The Chronomat of 1984, which, with its striking appearance, grew very popular among the buyers, has only the name in common with the original model (which shows much more similaries with the slide-rule chronograph Navitimer). It has become the most successful model of the brand. At first glance, its case volume, its bezel armed with riders and the onion shape pushers and crown catch the attention. The watch was developed for the Italian aviation squadron "Frecce Tricolori" and withstands accelerations of up to 20 G. The robust self-winding calibre Valjoux 7750 is used as movement.

On 120th anniversary of the brand in 2004 the Chronomat Evolution was presented, a carefully revised and, matching to the fashion, enlarged model of the legendary classic of 1984.

The range Chronomat belongs to the collection Windrider and among all model ranges of the brand offers the largest number of dial, case material, bracelet and color variants. Furthermore, in addition to the series "Frecce Tricolori", other special editions were designed and launched for several flight squadrons (see weblinks).

Survey over the Chronomat model range

• Chronomat (since 1984-1996, since 2008 = Chronomat Evolution)
• Chronomat Yachting, with 10-minutes countdown counter for regatta starts
• Chronomat Vitesse (1997-2000), with italic Arabic numerals
• Chronomat Longitude (1997-2003), with GMT function
• Chronomat GT, counters with raised outline (1997-2000)
• Chronomat 2000 (2001-2004)
• Chronomat Evolution, revised and enlarged version (2004-2007)
• Chronomat B01, revised, with the first on-house manufacture calibre B01 (from 2009)
• Chronomat GMT, manufacture calibre B04, with GMT funktion (from 2011)
• Chronomat 44 GMT, manufacture calibre B04, with GMT funktion (from 2012)

Literature

• Breitling. Die Geschichte einer großen Uhrenmarke. 1884 bis heute; Author: Benno Richter; ISBN 3766711350
• Das ZEITGEFÜHL-Uhrenbuch; Author: Gerd-Lothar Reschke; ISBN 3-938607-61-0

Weblinks

• The Breitling Chronomat (private website)
• Special editions of the Chronomat