The New Breitling Chronomat B01 42 Goes Back To Its Roots
This week Breitling updated one of its most iconic watches and by doing so harnessed its previous glory. Welcome to the new Breitling Chronomat B01 42. This re-release was inspired by the original Chronomat design that put Breitling on the map with the watch community. I’ll admit, over the last 5 years my interest in the Breitling brand has dwindled and nothing they released really connected with me as a watch enthusiast. That has now officially changed. There is a lot to discuss about the new Breitling Chronomat B01 42 so let’s dive in!
View the other recent Breitling release, The Superocean Heritage 57.
Vintage Chronomat Bullet Bracelet
The most noticeable change with the new Breitling Chronomat B01 42 is that it reverted back to its original bracelet. Personally I think this is one of the most stunning features about this watch. Understandably, anything that is bold is likely to draw mixed attention. The bullet bracelet is one of those features that you’ll either love or hate, not much in-between.
42mm Case Design
In the modern era, Breitling is known for their oversized watches. Chronomats that were available until recently where offered in cases sizes from 44 to 46mm. The slimming down on some of the case dimensions are a welcomed change. Most men are interested in larger watches but there comes a point where either the size is just too gaudy or it simply doesn’t fit. I think this move has really opened up Breitling to a larger market of watch buyers.
Breitling In-House B01 Movement
The new Breitling Chronomat B01 42 is powered by the in-house B01 movement. Breitling introduced the B01 calibre recently and has maintained the quality of the new Chronomat with the same great technology.
B01 Movement Specs
- Power Reserve: 70 hours
- Vibration: 28,800 vph
- Jewels: 47
- Chronograph: 1/4th second chronograph
- Dials: 30 minute & 12 hour
- 6 o’clock date wheel
- Automatic self-winding
Breitling Chronomat B01 42 Dial & Case Combinations
We want to start off by saying that we love the combinations between the dials and case materials. The new Breitling Chronomat B01 42 offers the classic Chronomat colors and also introduces some great new combinations. We haven’t seen these watches in person but if I was a betting man, I’d have to say that the reference UB0134101C1U1, the blue dial two tone rose gold combination, will be the most stunning.
The New More Versatile Bezel
The new bezel is a major improvement compared the the Chronomat’s predecessors. Just like the original, the new Breitling Chronomat B01 42 bezel gives the wearer the ability to with the “15” and “45” indices. This gives the user the ability to use the bezel as a countdown timer or one that counts up. After doing research on the advantage of this versatility, you would be surprised how often it can be applied to real word activities.
Outside of the versatility, the new uni-directional bezel has a more elegant and sophisticated look than the one it replaced. Just like the case size change, I think that the less busier dial of the new Breitling Chronomat B01 42 will open itself up to a larger number of buyers.
In Conclusion
We believe that Breitling has really struck gold with the new Breitling Chronomat B01 42. Their new CEO was brought in to lead a new direction of designs that would connect with buyers and I’d have to say bravo sir, well done. After the release, myself and other in the community have overwhelming have had positive outlooks for the Breitling Chronomat B01 42 and think it will be a success.
This might be an extreme statement but on paper and viewing all the information of the new Chronomat, I think that it can compete with the Rolex Daytona. Add in that the design is slimmer and more elegant, it’s now a direct competitor at a fraction of the price.
Expect to see the new Breitling Chronomat B01 42 in your local authorized dealers mid-summer. The stainless steel references can be picked up for $8,100 and the rose gold two tone for $12,100.
