The Breitling Chronomat 44 watch is the very first timepiece to be privy to an encore on Watch of the Week, with some truly magnificent rose gold supplementing this watch in order to distinguish it from the previously featured steel model. The Breitling Chronomat is considered to be one of the flagship brands for this long standing luxury Swiss watchmaker. Whilst Breitling Navitimer watches may also be able to lay claim to this prestigious title, the Chronomat represents a true benchmark for Breitling, and has been acknowledged as a reference point for many of their other subsequent designs.
When Willy Breitling surrendered his almost bankrupt company to Ernest Schneider in 1979, one of Schneider’s main priorities was to unveil a brand new mechanical timepiece that would replace the mainly military themed quartz watches that were then typical of Breitling. The first Chronomat was commissioned for the Freece Tricolori Flight Team, and the design of each subsequent version has evolved alongside the aviation industry that it has remained proudly associated with. With a distinctive flattened profile, the Chronomat was also distinguished by other features, including ‘rider tabs’ on the bezel to enable its conversion into a timepiece capable of a countdown, and each subsequent Chronomat has built upon the legacy of the first.
The 44 mm case diameter of the Chronomat 44 is fully capable of making a significant statement on its own, and the watch undoubtedly possesses a distinctive presence upon the wearer’s wrist. This Breitling Chronomat 44 is a particularly striking version, as both the bezel and the bracelet are augmented with 18 carat rose gold, creating a truly stunning aesthetic for this timepiece. The gold detailing is polished to a lustrous sheen that captures and reflects any nearby light source. The crystal alone does not share this almost ethereal lustre as, despite its indisputable clarity, the glare-proofed surface perpetually ensures that the dial is always effortlessly visible.
The dial of this steel and rose gold Chronomat is a focal point, with a black onyx face framing a set of golden roman numerals that are intricately woven around the trio of chronograph standard counters. These numerals are subtly elongated, creating an angular visual that certainly serves to infuse the timepiece with a sense of confident superiority. This impression is certainly well founded, as the Calibre 01 automatic chronograph movement within the Chronomat 44 comes with an unprecedented 5 year warranty; a significant step up when compared to a typical 2 year manufacturer’s warranty.
The screw-locked safety push pieces that are characteristic of the Chronomat family enable this wristwatch to stand firm in the face of pressures up to 30 bars, whilst the self winding chronograph within the opulent case also allows the Chronomat 44 to remain practical within less extreme environments. With a power reserve that can last for 70 hours, the sheer levels of performance exhibited by the Chronomat 44 mean that its rivals are few and far between. The timepiece never oversteps the line though. It is brash, without becoming gaudy, busy without being cluttered, and the intrinsic weight of this version somehow manages to convey a relaxed style, without ever feeling too awkward to wear.
The Breitling Chronomat 44 represents the zenith of Brietling’s ambition to create genuine ‘Instruments for Professionals’, and this precisely crafted status symbol can be yours today on finance for a 10% deposit and 36 monthly payments of £251.00. For more information about the Chronomat 44, or any of the other Breitling watches that Banks Lyon are proud to stock, then please call us on 01524 38 48 58 and we will be happy to answer all of your queries.
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