Chronomat

The Chronomat is one of Breitling’s most seminal – and most popular – models, an aviation-inspired sports watch that helped define the brand’s identity and was an early forerunner of its legendary Navitimer. Launched in 1941, its name derives from CHRONOgraph for MAThematicians. The original Chronomat earned a patent as a clever instrument whose circular slide rule made it relatively easy to perform various time/speed measurements and mathematical operations, which made it supremely popular for sporting and technical professionals.

Chronomat 44

Breitling Chronomat

Launched in 1941, the original Chronomat earned a patent as a clever instrument whose circular slide rule made it relatively easy to perform various time/speed measurements and mathematical operations. It was a big hit with sporting and technical professionals.

Breitling’s 100th anniversary in 1984 saw the release of a modern Chronomat created for the Frecce Tricolori aerobatics team. The revamp replaced the circular slide-rule with a new design featuring four “rider tabs” on the bezel, making it easier to grip and turn.

Since 2009, all Chronomat models run on Breitling’s in-house movement. An in-house chronograph movement – meaning a watch movement with stopwatch function, built by a watchmaker entirely under one roof – is something quite special.

Talking points

The contemporary version of the Chronomat launched in 1984 continues to be among Breitling’s best-selling watches.

Like all Breitling watches, the Chronomat is certified as a chronometer by independent testing institute COSC – an official mark of faultless accuracy and reliability.

Although it’s not marketed as a diver’s watch, the Chronomat is water-resistant to an impressive depth of 500 m (1,650 ft) because of its sturdy case.

As a practical tool, this watch has to be easy to read – day or night – so its hands and hour markers have a luminescent coating that glows in the dark.

Breitling developed today’s Chronomat jointly with the Italian Airforce’s aerobatics team, Frecce Tricolori, to stand up to their exacting manoeuvres.

General Features

This is a very well-built, no-nonsense watch. It has a distinctive Breitling look about it, resembling a pilot’s tool with its clean, technical face and three subdials. A matte finish makes it quite unobtrusive, despite being reassuringly heavy on the wrist.

There are many versions of the Chronomat to choose from – steel or gold for the case and bezel, and a choice of rubber, metal, calfskin, alligator, or NATO strap – so you can get the look you want.

The Chronomat is most commonly worn on a heavy-duty metal bracelet, which comes with a superb deployment clasp. This easy-to-use flip-lock system with two buttons ensures a snug and secure fit.