Chronomat
In the early 1980s, Breitling learned that the Italian Frecce Tricolori Jet team was on the hunt for a dedicated mechanical chronograph for its pilots. The team's ideal watch had to be sturdy enough for the cockpit, but sleek enough for off-duty wear. One of the prime occupational hazards facing jet pilots: their watch crystals often got damaged when they opened and closed the canopy of their aircraft. Breitling came up with a clever solution: recessing the crystal in the bezel and protecting it with four raised "rider tabs" at the 15-minute marks. The Frecce Tricolori was impressed with the design and commissioned the watches, that went on to become a hit, not just with the team, but amongst collectors. In 1984, Breitling launched the design publicly as the Chronomat. Its rider tabs, together with the easy-grip "onion" crown and durable metal “Rouleaux” bracelet, remain Chronomat signatures to this day.
The Breitling Chronomat is Breitling's all-purpose sports watch, first introduced in 1984 as a professional timing instrument designed for aviation. Today it is one of Breitling's most recognized collections, combining robust engineering with an unmistakable design. Available in case sizes ranging from 32 mm to 44 mm, the Chronomat features Breitling's signature Rouleaux bracelet, rider tabs on the bezel, a COSC-certified movement, and is water resistant to 200 m.
Breitling offers the Chronomat in a wide range of sizes and configurations to suit different wrists and preferences. The current lineup includes the Chronomat 32 and Chronomat Automatic 36 (designed with a more compact profile) and the Chronomat B31 Automatic 40, powered by the in-house Caliber B31 with a 78-hour power reserve. The Super Chronomat B01 44 adds sporty styling and enhanced robustness with its screw-down pushers. Each reference is available in multiple dial colors, bracelet options, and materials.
Yes. The Breitling Chronomat B01 models are equipped with the Manufacture Caliber 01, Breitling's proprietary in-house chronograph movement. The Manufacture Caliber 01 beats at 4 Hz (28,800 vph), offers a 70-hour power reserve, and is officially certified as a chronometer by the COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres), guaranteeing precision within –4/+6 seconds per day. Some Chronomat models also feature the COSC-certified Caliber B31 automatic movement.