Category: Breitling Watches
Breitling Chronomat B01 42 Stainless Steel
The new Breitling Chronomat B01 42 easily ranks among the more important watch releases of the year. Amidst a global pandemic and canceled events, such as Breitling Roadshow presentations, we were looking forward to seeing the very new Chronomat face-to-face. That time, at last, has come — along with a quick comparison with the chunky and brash Chronomat 44!
For a rundown on the whys and hows behind this — frankly, timely — update to a Breitling staple, read our debut news article here. Now, let us concentrate on our first in-the-metal impressions.
First, the new Breitling Chronomat B01 42 feels way bigger, than I had anticipated, judging from the 42mm designation in its very name and also from Breitling’s press release images. The 2020 Breitling Chronomat is beautifully proportionate across every surface and detail, and that’s a property that can trick even the trained eye of seen-it-all watch lovers into expecting something more compact.
We can say this in full confidence: The Breitling Chronomat B01 42 wears considerably larger than most other watches out there that claim to be 42mm-wide. Your mileage may vary, but it sure felt and looked much bigger than, say, my Jaeger-LeCoultre Navy SEALs Automatic 42. So, is that a good thing or a bad thing? We’d urge you to try it on and see how it fits before making up your mind on it. Those passionate about Breitling’s big, bold, and unapologetic design DNA — something that has been watered down considerably by Georges Kern and the new management that took over the brand but a few years ago — will likely rejoice in the fact that the Chronomat has not been turned into a petite vintage-retro chronograph. In fact, it stays remarkably close, at least in size, to its bigger and now retired brother, the Chronomat 44. More on that comparison soon.
Second, the surprising visual and physical heft of the Breitling Chronomat B01 42 is beautifully counterbalanced by everything else. Breitling has easily been among the best at taking “heritage designs” and modernizing them. Kern loves calling this “modern retro,” and it’s hard to argue with that way of looking at it once applied to Breitling’s more recent watches. The Chronomat 42 has thrown away most of those in-your-face details that defined the Chronomat 44 — such as the massive bezel with huge numerals, the textured dial, the bulky case, and so on — and replaced those with decidedly more filigree shapes, surfaces, and typefaces.
Consequently, the Chronomat 42 is an impressively ageless watch (I didn’t say timeless), as it blends a modern size and modern quality of artisanship with “iconic” designs of yesteryear like the Rouleaux bracelet (more on that soon), the rider tabs, and the like. And the fact that the resulting watch is a tasteful and proportionate thing is exactly what places Breitling at the front of the pack in this regard. It’s ageless in that it’s neither vintage nor modern, but only time will tell if it proves to be a timeless watch that ages well. I reckon it has all the correct individual components for that to happen — except for the size. Had it looked a bit more nuanced in its heft on the wrist, that is what I think would really drive the timeless point home for this watch.
Breitling’s old-new Rouleaux bracelet looks and feels as fantastic as it is refreshing on first impression. After what feels like every last drop of creativity has been squeezed out of the three-link and five-link bracelet designs of the world, the Rouleaux bracelet is a breath of fresh air. Its long, thin, cylindrical links do exactly what they should: add a touch of vintage flair and combine it with the might of modern state-of-the-art manufacturing. We sure hope the guys and gals behind making this bracelet reality are very proud of themselves. Because modern watchmaking shouldn’t be — and isn’t — all about movements or ridiculous new materials. In fact, watchmaking is often at its best when it is about taking existing materials and existing designs… And taking them to the next level. Because everything from the look of the watch to the feel of the metal is familiar — and yet, the end result is everything but that.
The polished and beveled edges in which the long, thin strips of metal end are as impressive as the integration of polished intermittent links on every other long link… And that’s only until you flip the bracelet around and take a look: It’s got as many openings as a $20k skeleton watch — but this one moves and swivels! The reason I’m thrilled about this bracelet is mainly that it tells me that Breitling’s willingness to create unique details and manufacture them to very high standards isn’t gone in this new era of the brand.
Third, the Breitling Chronomat B01 42 will feel and look one heck of an expensive watch even to non-watch-connoisseurs. “It damn well should do that for nine grand!” I hear some of you say — and I agree, it damn well should. But it doesn’t take too many luxury watches to handle before one sees that not all high-four-figure-priced watches actually look expensive to the untrained eye. Without having to take it off the wrist, the Chronomat 42, from afar, already makes the impression of one very expensive watch — and again, if this were the norm, we wouldn’t be highlighting it like this. From the intricate bracelet through the shiny and multi-tiered bezel to the rich-colored and detail-laden dials, the Chronomat 42 is full of details one simply doesn’t see on anything but luxury watches.
Wearability we will judge once we get these in for a proper Wrist Time review. The real questions there concern the long-term feel of the Rouleaux bracelet, as well as its ability to cope with the larger and, therefore, rather heavy watch head in steel. Oh, and all those beautifully machined openings on the back of the bracelet? I bet we will want to rinse this watch more often than others to keep those from clogging up with the untidy combination of dust and sweat.
I was thrilled that we could pull out an “old” Chronomat 44. I disclosed this on the debut news article of the Chronomat B01 42: I have been quite smitten by the appeal of the Chronomat 44 (and Chronomat 41, for that matter). Yes, it is as heavy on the eyes as it is on the wrist and certainly has never won the non-existent Most Tasteful Watch Of The Year award anywhere in the world. But it was its own thing and you could take it or leave it. Importantly, it matched its brutish looks with a scarcely matched feel of quality — radiating from the steel case that’s stamped over weeks and is put through dozens of immense heat-cold cycles for a properly compacted alloy. The massive hands over the dial and the oversized numerals of the bezel were balanced by subtle details, and all the Chronomat 44s I have ever handled have a truly fantastic level of execution. On a personal note, I have a sneaking suspicion that I’ll be in the minority when I say that it will take some time before I can adapt to this new, arguably more refined Chronomat and feel comfortable with saying goodbye to that charmingly, sometimes almost idiotically confident Chronomat 44. Because the Chronomat 44 felt like a contemporary watch that had been designed in the now for the now — as opposed to a “modern retro” mix-mash. But that’s for another discussion. I have absolutely no doubt whatsoever that the new Breitling Chronomat B01 42 will prove to be extremely successful and that it will make its owners very happy. The construction of the new Rouleaux bracelet will have to prove itself as a comfortable and durable design, but that we will only know for sure sometime later down the road.
BreitlingSuper AVI B04 Chronograph GMT 46 Mosquito Night Fighter
It’s a big day for new releases from Breitling with a whole new line of aviator chronographs with the 42mm Classic AVI. Just like the big-brother 46mm Breitling Super AVI watches that were released in 2021, these new releases honor four legendary aircraft but now offer a more conventionally wearable size for those that appreciate the design but prefer a somewhat smaller watch.
The Breitling Super AVI watches come in a few different colors as nods to their respective aircraft: blue dial with a steel bezel for the F4U Corsair; black dial with steel bezel or black dial and rose gold case for the P-51 Mustang; green dial with steel bezel for the Curtiss Warhawk; and black dial with white counters and a combination polished and satin-brushed black ceramic bezel for the de Havilland Mosquito. In each case, the watch has a bidirectional ratcheted bezel and comes on either a calfskin leather strap with a folding buckle (and lug width of 22mm) or a five-row, stainless steel bracelet with a butterfly clasp.
All the new Breitling Super AVI watches are powered by the Breitling Caliber 23, an automatic caliber with 48 hours of power reserve, and 1/4 second chronograph with 30-minute and 12-hour totalizers. Those movements are cased in stainless steel (or 18k rose gold), measuring 42mm by 14.7mm with a 48mm lug-to-lug. With 100 meters of water resistance, the casebacks are closed and feature an engraving of the airplane linked with each model.
If those releases aren’t your fancy, Breitling is also introducing two new watches from their Super AVI and AVI Co-Pilot lines. First is a black ceramic Super AVI “Mosquito Night Fighter” that measures 46mm by 15.9mm. The watch runs off the COSC-certified Breitling Manufacture Caliber B04, featuring 70 hours of power reserve, column wheel/vertical clutch chronograph, hours, minute, second, date window, and a second timezone. It also has a titanium and sapphire display caseback.
The final new model is the AVI Ref. 765 1964 Re-Edition, a simplified and classic 41mm reverse panda chronograph with black amorphous diamond-like carbon (ADLC) coated steel bezel. The watch is powered by the hand-wound column-wheel, vertical clutch Breitling Super AVI watches Manufacture Caliber B09, which gives 70 hours of power reserve so you can get all the vintage style you need with a more modern and reliable movement. It also has a snap-on steel caseback, so it is limited to 30 meters of water resistance.
Breitling Classic AVI Chronograph P-51 Mustang
To celebrate the 70th anniversary of its original ref. 765 AVI “Co-Pilot” watch, Breitling has announced seven new AVI chronograph models that will be joining the brand’s catalog for 2023. Included in this latest batch of releases is a new black ceramic rendition of the 46mm Super AVI that is inspired by the Mosquito Night Fighter airplane, along with a limited-edition vintage reissue piece that pays tribute to a specific version of the ref. 765, which was produced in 1964. However, arguably the most noteworthy new models from this latest batch of releases are the other five watches, which collectively form the new Breitling Classic AVI Chronograph 42 collection. Taking the core design of the brand’s original 46mm Super AVI series and distilling it down (both in terms of its size and features), the new 42mm Breitling Classic AVI Chronograph models offer much of the same utilitarian aesthetic, but in a significantly more compact overall package.
Similar to the larger 46mm Super AVI series, the new Breitling Classic AVI Chronograph 42 makes its debut appearance as four stainless steel models and one crafted from solid 18k red gold. Additionally, the various options available for the new 42mm lineup largely follow in the footsteps of their larger counterparts, and the quartet of new stainless steel watches each pay tribute to a different famous aircraft from history: the North American Aviation P-51 Mustang, the Vought F4U Corsair, the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, and the de Havilland Mosquito. Furthermore, just like Breitling’s 46mm Super AVI series, the solid gold version of the new 42mm Classic AVI Chronograph is also dedicated to the P-51 Mustang, and rather than just being a gold version of the steel model, this luxury-oriented rendition also receives a different dial to better compliment the warm tones of its case.
Compared to the 46mm Super AVI series, the new Breitling Classic AVI Chronograph 42 watches are smaller in every single dimension possible, and they feature cases that measure 42mm in diameter by 14.7mm thick, with 22mm lugs and an overall lug-to-lug profile of 48mm. Similar to the Super AVI models, a domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides sits above the dial, and it is surrounded by a bidirectional rotating bezel that has a 12-hour scale engraved upon it. While four of the five models have bezels crafted from the same metal as their cases, the version that pays tribute to the Mosquito aircraft is fitted with a bezel that has a black ceramic insert. Access to the movement is granted by a signed screw-down crown and a pair of pump-style pushers that are located on the 3 o’clock side of the case, while a solid stainless steel caseback adorned with an airplane engraving screws down to the middle case in order to help provide the new Breitling Classic AVI Chronograph 42 with 100 meters of water resistance.
Despite the numerous aesthetic similarities between the new Breitling Classic AVI Chronograph 42 and the larger 46mm Super AVI series, the two models are actually fairly different watches when it comes to their features and functionality. While the 46mm Super AVI is a 12-hour chronograph that offers both a date display and an independently adjustable GMT hand, the new Breitling Classic AVI Chronograph 42 is a standard three-register chronograph that lacks any type of additional complications whatsoever. Part of how Breitling was able to achieve the smaller 42mm case size of these new models was by using a different movement that offers fewer features, and omitting both the date display and GMT hand enables the new Breitling Classic AVI Chronograph 42 to offer a noticeably more compact profile compared to the feature-packed Super AVI models and their 46mm cases.
The difference in functionality between the new Breitling Classic AVI Chronograph 42 models and their larger 46mm Super AVI counterparts is due to the different movements that are used to power them. While the Super AVI series features Breitling’s own manufacture Caliber B04, the new 42mm Classic AVI Chronograph watches run on the Breitling Caliber 23 automatic movement. Based on the core design of the ETA 7753, the Breitling Cal. 23 is a self-winding, cam-actuated chronograph that runs at a frequency of 28,800vph (4 Hz), while offering users a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. Additionally, just like all of the movements that are used to power modern Breitling watches, the Caliber 23 is COSC chronometer-certified and is therefore guaranteed to run within -4 to +6 seconds per day.
While the dials fitted to the five different Breitling Classic AVI Chronograph 42 watches all follow the same overall design with a three-register layout and large luminous Arabic numeral hour markers, each one appears in a different color, and these same colorways can also be found across the 46mm Super AVI collection. Inspired by the aircraft that lend their names to this series of watches, a classic black dial is used to represent the Mustang, a dark blue dial serves as tribute to the naval Corsair, a khaki green dial symbolizes the Warhawk, and a black and white “reverse panda” dial is used to capture the appearance of the Mosquito airplane. Additionally, the hands and sub-dials fitted to the various models incorporate colors from their respective aircraft’s roundels and markings, and while the stainless steel model that pays tribute to the Mustang is fitted with a simple black dial, the 18k rose gold edition receives a gray dial with contrasting black chronograph registers.
All five of the new Breitling Classic AVI Chronograph 42 watches are available with the option of a leather strap or matching metal bracelet. Crafted from either stainless steel or 18k rose gold to compliment the case of the watch, the bracelets fitted to the new Classic AVI Chronograph 42 models feature the brand’s signature slanted five-link design, and they fasten on the bottom of the wrist with butterfly-style folding clasps. Meanwhile, the leather straps fitted to the new 42mm Classic AVI models are available in either black or brown, and they offer a top-stitched design that tapers from 22mm at the lugs down to 18mm where they connect to their signed deployant buckles. With that in mind, given that the cases all use standard lugs, virtually any 22mm strap with flat ends will be compatible with the new Classic AVI Chronograph 42 models, and Breitling even allows its own straps to be purchased separately directly from its website.
In addition to being quite a bit smaller than the 46mm Super AVI series, the new Breitling Classic AVI Chronograph 42 watches are also significantly less expensive than their larger counterparts. Part of the substantial difference in price is due to the fact that the new 42mm models are less complex timepieces and lack the date displays and GMT functionality of the Super AVI collection. However, an even greater factor behind their lower price point is simply that these new models use ETA-based movements rather than one of Breitling’s own in-house calibers. Many Breitling watches have seen significant price increases in recent years after being updated to run on manufacture movements, so it is refreshing to see this latest 42mm series retain a more accessible price point.
Breitling Endurance Pro University
The all-new Breitling Endurance Pro University Editions collection is an athleisure watch for collegiate fans around the world. The idea is to show school spirit on one’s wrist with special editions in honor of Princeton University, The United States Naval Academy, The University of Alabama and University of Michigan. Designed both as a lightweight watch for athletes and a casual, everyday sports chronograph, it is both a lightweight and light-hearted luxury sports watch combining high precision, innovative technology and vibrant, colorful design in honor of these iconic institutions.
Each of the University Edition watches feature the school’s distinctive colors and signature emblems on the dials and casebacks. The Breitling Endurance Pro (Princeton University edition) features an orange inner bezel, matching orange strap, Princeton Shield on the dial and caseback. The Breitling Endurance Pro United States Naval Academy edition has a blue inner bezel, coordinating blue strap, Navy Midshipmen logo on the dial and the United States Naval Academy Anchor engraving on the caseback. The Breitling Endurance Pro, The University of Alabama edition, has a red inner bezel and strap, Alabama Crimson Tide athletic department logo on the dial and a Where Legends Are Made campaign engraving on the caseback. The Breitling Endurance Pro University of Michigan edition features a blue inner bezel and matching strap, signature maize Block M on the dial and Michigan Lamp of Knowledge Seal engraved on the caseback.
The Breitling Endurance Pro combines an ultra-lightweight 44-millimeter Breitlight case and a thermo-compensated SuperQuartz movement ten times more accurate than conventional quartz, and it offers optimal comfort, matchless precision, and functionality that will appeal both to committed athletes and to more casual sports enthusiasts. Designed for men and women whose active lives blend a professional mindset with a sporty lifestyle, the Endurance Pro is equal to the challenges of a rigorous workout but fashionable enough for everyday wear.
As Breitling USA President Thierry Prissert explains, “When I went to my first collegiate football game in Alabama, the passion and enthusiasm I saw first-hand from the fans had me so inspired, I knew this would be the perfect alignment for a custom Breitling Endurance Pro University of Alabama edition watch. With this idea came the vision to expand the University Editions with three other iconic colleges with Princeton University, The United States Naval Academy and The University of Michigan. Their signature school colors compliment the already colorful Breitling Endurance Pro collection, and we knew students, alumni and fans of these universities would like to showcase this school spirit on their wrists.”
Breitling and Sport
A SuperQuartz movement powers every piece in Breitling’s Professional range, the tool watches that have long been favorites with explorers and pilots. The Breitling Endurance Pro University Editions collection takes the range into the world of sports, in which Breitling also has a significant legacy. Throughout the mid-20th century, the brand has partnered with major cycling competitions, including the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France and cycling legends Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali were its ambassadors. The same is true in motorsports, where Breitling has sponsored famous rallies. The brand has long offered watches with sports-friendly functions and the Endurance Pro University Edition carries on that proud legacy in the world of collegiate sports.
The Inspiration for the Endurance Pro: The Breitling Sprint
The Endurance Pro is inspired by the Breitling Sprint, a watch from the 1970s that combined a pulsometer with an impressively light weight. It was ideal for athletes who wanted to be able to monitor their heart rates. It was made from resin, so it was particularly comfortable on the wrist. It was also produced in some 1970s colors, and the Endurance Pro is a modern evolution of that design.
A New Sporting Legend: The Endurance Pro
There are four colorful variations of the new Breitling Endurance Pro University Editions. Each one features a black dial and a black bidirectional rotating bezel with engraved cardinal compass points (N, S, E and W). The four variations are distinguished by their own bold and iconic school colors: they are designed with an inner bezel, which is marked with a useful pulsometer scale, making it easy for the user to keep track of their heart rate during sports sessions. The watches are presented on a Diver Pro rubber strap in the same color as the inner bezel ring. The strap is secured with a Breitlight double-pin buckle. The watch also has a tactile molded crown in the same color as the strap and the inner bezel ring for excellent grip and maneuverability. At the heart of the Endurance Pro is the COSC-certified Breitling Caliber 82, whose SuperQuartz technology delivers precision.
The hour and minute hands are coated with Super-LumiNova, making them legible even in limited lighting conditions. The chronograph second hand has a red pointer, so it is easy to keep track of the elapsed time. Along with a small-second subdial, there are 1/10th second and 30-minute chronograph counters that have also been designed for easy reading.
The Breitling Endurance Pro is water-resistant to 10 bar/100 meters/330 feet and comes with a two-year warranty.
Breitlight: Pushing the Boundaries in Lightweight Performance Materials
Breitling introduced Breitlight in 2016. The robust, ultra-light material’s characteristics speak for themselves: 3.3 times lighter than titanium and 5.8 times lighter than stainless steel, the material is nonmagnetic, thermally stable and hypoallergenic. Breitlight is highly resistant to scratches, traction and corrosion. It also feels warmer to the touch than metal and has a slightly textured effect, accentuating the originality of the design. Exclusive to Breitling, it is 100% Swiss
Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 Stainless Steel Cathay Pacific
Out of the entire 2022 Breitling Navitimer watch collection launched this week, there was one set of designs we were desperate to get our hands on. With polished pastel-toned dials, contrasting black subsidiary counters and perfectly sized 43mm cases, here is an in-depth look at the new Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43.
The Breitling Navitimer has come a long way since Willy Breitling first created the wrist-based flight tool for the AOPA (the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association). In 70 years, the design has secured a reputation for elegance, reliability and robustness, worn on the wrists of astronauts and on some of the world’s best-known celebrities. Now, in continuation of its journey as the brand’s flagship model, the Swiss watch manufacturer have relaunched the collection in a series of 41, 43, and 46mm chronographs with a new focus on colour, stylings and inclusive appeal.Cathay Pacific has partnered with Swiss luxury watchmaker Breitling to celebrate Cathay’s 76th anniversary, by co-curating the Breitling Navitimer chronograph with new design touches. Breitling’s Navitimer chronograph has been synonymous with travel and style since it first debuted in 1952. To celebrate the 70th anniversary of this iconic timepiece, Breitling is releasing a new collection of the Navitimer for 2022.
The collaboration has unveiled an exclusive design limited to just 200 individually numbered pieces: the Breitling Navitimer B01 Cathay Pacific limited edition. It also marks Cathay’s own 76th anniversary, and pays tribute to its rich aviation history and elevation into a premium travel lifestyle brand.
In the video ad, the Navitimer features an integrated slide rule which enabled essential flight calculations long before flight computers arrived on board. The 43mm collector’s model features the unique Navitimer design, updated for the modern age, whereas Cathay Pacific’s identity has been incorporated, with its signature Jade green on the watch face, and the words “Cathay Pacific Edition”, its individual number out of 200 engraved around the display caseback.
The Cathay Jade face contrasts with the white subdials and brown alligator leather strap – a warm, nostalgic look that renders this timepiece as suited to everyday wear as it is for the skies.New design touches for the 2022 Navitimer include a domed sapphire crystal, evolved slide rule, contrasting polished and brushed finishings, and a redesigned display caseback which reveals the workings of the in-house, COSC-certified Caliber 01 chronograph movement. One particular detail of note for aviation fans is the return of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association logo which graced the original 1952 chronograph.
Previously in March this year, Cathay Pacific partnered with Hong Kong label Native Union to launch a collection of tech accessories. According to Cathay, the limited edition accessories are inspired by Hong Kong and the way its people live. The collection includes a universal belt cable, wireless charger, AirPods Pro Case, and an organiser pouch. The lifestyle tech accessories collection will be retailed on the airline’s Asia Miles web shop.
This is not Cathay’s first venture with home-grown brands. Last year, Cathay and lifestyle brand Goods Of Desire launched a collaborative collection in celebration of their 75th and 25th anniversary respectively. The collection featured upcycled merchandise made from hundreds of Cathay cabin crew and cockpit uniforms.
The Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 watches are available on a choice of two straps. The first option is a semi-shiny black alligator leather strap with white stitch detailing secured by either a folding clasp or tang buckle. The second is a seven-row linked bracelet with folding buckle. As you’d expect, the bracelets are engineered from their retrospective case material.
breitling endurance pro green
NOW El Endurance Pro de Breitling, que presenta un movimiento SuperQuartz termocompensado, es una de las mejores alternativas como reloj deportivo dentro la gama Professional de la marca.
Diseñado tanto como reloj ligero para atletas como cronógrafo sport de estilo casual para el día a día, es la mejor opción para aquellos que buscan altas prestaciones, tecnología innovadora y un diseño vibrante y colorido.
El Endurance Pro está inspirado en el Breitling Sprint, un memorable reloj de la década de 1970 que combinaba un pulsímetro con un peso increíblemente ligero. Era el reloj ideal para los atletas que querían ser capaces de controlar sus ritmos cardíacos.
Estaba hecho de resina por lo que resultaba particularmente cómodo en la muñeca. Por supuesto, también se manufacturó en algunos deslumbrantes colores de los años 70 y el Endurance Pro es claramente una evolución moderna de ese diseño.
The latest in the Breitling Replica quartz instrument series is the sporty and casual Breitling Endurance Pro. As a sports watch, Fake Breitling Endurance Pro can use many elements correctly. First of all, despite the large size, the weight is very light. The case is made of Breitlight and its weight is three times that of titanium, making it unobtrusive on the wrist. Compared with balance wheels, quartz oscillators are less susceptible to external influences, such as shock, magnetism, and direction. Quartz sports Replica Watches are very convenient and can be picked up and worn immediately without winding or adjusting. The color and 44mm size give the Fake Swiss Watch a masculine and dynamic appearance. Easy to read, the flange of the dial has a pulsation scale, which is a useful tool for athletes to measure heart rate.
Although Breitling Endurance Pro quartz movements are more stable than mechanical movements, quartz oscillators are susceptible to temperature changes.
Breitling Navitimer 1 38 Automatic Singapore Airlines
2022 marks the 70th anniversary of Breitling’s iconic Navitimer, an aviation watch of legendary heritage status, seen on the wrists of military and commercial pilots for the last few decades.
To celebrate the occasion, Breitling has collaborated with Singapore Airlines and its travel retailer, KrisShop, to release two interpretations of the updated Navitimer, each with a unique co-created design limited to 100 pieces.
Alvin Soon, President of Breitling Asia, said, “We are particularly excited to embark on this journey with Singapore Airlines and KrisShop, a partnership united by a passion for aviation and an unwavering commitment to quality and precision.
The Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 41 Singapore Airlines Limited Edition features the instantly-recognizable circular slide rule, baton indexes, trio of chronograph counters and notched bezel of the classic Navitimer. Modern updates include the flattening of the slide rule, and a domed crystal with the end result of creating a more compact profile for the watch. Viewable through the open case-back, the COSC-certified Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01. also possess a slimmer oscillating weight. This movement is backed by a five-year warranty, provides approximately 70 hours of power reserve, and allows the wearer to change the date – now visible through a discreet window in the subdial at 6 o’clock – at any time.
The Breitling Navitimer Automatic 38 Singapore Airlines Limited Edition, with an automatic/self-winding movement meanwhile, is a trimmed down version from its 41 mm counterpart without the chronograph complication. Inside, its Breitling 17 movement offers an approximate 38-hour power reserve and comes with a two-year warranty. The timepiece features a beaded bezel, another signature Navitimer design feature, and special caseback engraving of the renowned Singapore Airlines batik motif.
Both limited edition timepieces each feature the Singapore Airlines logo on the caseback along with the limitation number “One of 100” and now retail exclusively on KrisShop, under the Batik Label concept store that showcases one-of-a-kind collaborations in the intricate floral motif that has become synonymous with the airline.
Breitling Endurance Pro IRONMAN World Championship
The IRONMAN Triathlon is one of a series of long-distance triathlon races, consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bicycle ride and a marathon 26-mile run. The Ironman is considered as one of the most challenging one-day sporting events in the world. Breitling’s Triathlon Squad have built an impressive record in IRONMAN events around the world.
German triathlete, Jan Frodeno is not only a 2008 Olympic gold medallist, but also a three-time IRONMAN World Champion and a two-time IRONMAN World Champion. In 2019, Frodeno recorded a best overall course time at the IRONMAN World Championship, winning in 7:51:13. Daniela Ryf, a native of Breitling’s home country of Switzerland, is a five-time IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion and four-time IRONMAN World Champion. The third squad member is Chris “Macca” McCormack from Australia, who Breitling Endurance Pro IRONMAN watches has claimed two IRONMAN World Championship titles – in 2007 and again in 2010. He also won the 2012 ITU Long Distance World Championships.
Breitling and IRONMAN have come together in partnership to co-design the Breitling Endurance Pro IRONMAN watches, creating a series of watches which represent the pinnacle of athleisure. The IRONMAN collection is made up of a set of perfectly lightweight and vibrant luxury sports watches which combine the best of innovation and precision with fun, colourful design. The launch features two new watches: a red version, built for sports and timekeeping enthusiasts, and a black and gold piece exclusive for IRONMAN race finishers.
The new IRONMAN collection is built with sport and athleisure at its heart. The 44mm Breitling Endurance Pro IRONMAN watches case is created using Breitlight, a material 3.3 times lighter than titanium and 5.8 times lighter than steel, but significantly harder. This pioneering material also features an impressive resistance to scratches, traction and corrosion. Its hypoallergenic and antimagnetic properties along with its thermal stability contribute to making this watch more comfortable for the wearer in comparison with traditional metals.
The IRONMAN is powered by the Breitling Caliber 82, a COSC-certified thermocompensated SuperQuartz movement that is ten times more precise than regular quartz and offers a battery life of approximately three to four years. The bidirectional rotating bezel has engraved compass points, and the tactile moulded crown provides excellent grip and allows you to wind at ease. The hour and minute hands are coated with SuperLumiNova, making them legible even in limited lighting conditions. Along with a small-second sub-dial, there are 1/10th second and 30-minute chronograph counters that have also been designed for easy reading.
Breitling SuperOcean Automatic 44 Stainless Steel
Breitling’s new Breitling SuperOcean Automatic collection for 2022 is as vast and varied as the many seas and oceans of the world that they’re designed to dive in. There are 16 individual references in total, which is a lot but thankfully I only have two in front of me, which is much easier to review. Specifically, I have Breitling’s 2022 SuperOcean Automatic 42mm dark blue and 44mm turquoise.
When they first arrived at Oracle Time HQ, I was initially quite dismissive of them. I struggled to think of them as anything other than Breitling’s take on a Doxa, especially as bright colours are practically a Doxa signature these days. But having spent time with them, I can’t deny that they’ve grown on me.
The first aspect that started to win me over was their cases. Both versions here are stainless steel, although several of the 16 references are bronze or steel and gold bi-colour. To me, steel is the most natural material for a dive watch. It’s sporty without sacrificing on the satisfying heft of weight that more advanced materials like titanium lack. Plus, the durability means scratches are less of an issue than on a gold model. But the real killer aspect of the cases is the way they sit on the wrist. The 42mm is a dream and the 44mm (a size I usually wouldn’t consider) feels perfectly reasonable. That’s largely because their heights are such that they slip easily under a cuff, the 44mm is only 12.6mm high. The crown guards are shapely and satisfying rather than bulky. I’d still advise caution for the 46mm versions though, unless you’re built like a tank, because they have an additional bezel locking mechanism on the left of the case that makes the bigger diameter even more pronounced. But that’s not an issue with the two here.
With the case starting to win me around, I took a moment to re-evaluate my thoughts on the dials. The 42mm has a deep blue colour for the central area and hour scale (which matches the colour of the ceramic inlay unidirectional rotating bezel) and a white minutes scale around the outside. The 44mm is slightly more complex as the centre portion and bezel aren’t colour matched, the dial being turquoise and the bezel black.
The contrast between the minute scale and hour scale reminds me of the tachymeter on the recent Breitling Navitimer Chronograph Collection. However, the chunky baton indexes coated with SuperLuminova give the SuperOcean 42mm and 44mm strong retro dive watch aesthetics.
In fact, the display was inspired by a 1960s SuperOcean nicknamed the ‘Slow Motion’, a fact best seen in the modern watches’ square minutes hand. That hand is definitely the hardest part of the design to swallow – almost as if Breitling is trying too hard to create a “signature” hand design. But let’s be honest with ourselves, it’s no more outlandish than Tudor’s Snowflake or Rolex’s Mercedes hand.
Unfortunately, the one element of the Breitling SuperOcean 42mm and 44mm that I find tricky to reconcile is the movement inside. It’s the Breitling Calibre 17, an automatic calibre based on the ETA 2824-2 with a 38-hour power reserve. In a microbrand dive watch I can take that, for Breitling it’s subpar. It also feels a tad lazy to use a single calibre for a collection of watches with such diverse case sizes from 36mm to 46mm, surely there were more options available at the larger sizes.
However, at the end of my time with these two watches, a single gripe about the movement is hardly the end of the world for a collection of watches I was ready to set aside and not look back. If I were to pick one up, it would be the 44mm turquoise, the colour is too good.
Breitling SuperOcean Automatic 42
Overall, the Breitling SuperOcean 42mm Automatic is a sturdy sports watch with excellent diving capabilities. On a 7 inch wrist, this watch fits almost perfectly, with its a 42mm case size.
The “Ocean Classic” mesh bracelet is iconic to dive watches in Breitling’s collection and has been used once again for the Superocean Héritage II B20 Automatic 42.
Since its first release over 60 years ago, the Breitling SuperOcean collection has stayed true to the quality, pure Breitling style and exceptional performance. The 2019 update brings a new facelift with two dial colour choices (black and blue), while keeping the internal mechanics that the SuperOcean is known for the same.
Overall, the Breitling SuperOcean 42mm Automatic is a sturdy sports watch with excellent diving capabilities. On a 7 inch wrist, this watch fits almost perfectly, with its a 42mm case size. The black and white contrast with the large white hour markers and hands against the black dial, provide excellent readability no matter the situation. This is further helped along by the large usage of SuperLuminova giving the dial a stunning at night. The watch doesn’t feel too bulky. However, it is certainly noticeable when worn. As you rotate the bezel around the dial, it gives the feedback of a robust and reassuring click with each turn. This can be especially helpful when wearing gloves and being underwater. The thickness of the Breitling SuperOcean 42mm automatic is roughly 14.2mm, which is great for diving. This watch is also suitable for day to day activities. However, some may struggle to fit the watch under a formal shirt due to its thickness. The watch comes with a choice of a stainless-steel bracelet or a dial colour-matching rubber strap (black or blue). Breitling has done a great job in updating the SuperOcean models by retaining a classic strong movement while giving it a more simplistic look on the dial. This piece will be sure to attract those that are after a fresh, sporty watch that’s up to any challenge, whether it be swimming, surfing or diving!