This Breitling is a recent addition to the 'wish list' and unfortunately not available to put on the wrist just yet, although it did come close! I liked the look of this new Chronomat when I got a first glimpse of it on Breitling's site earlier in the year and it was showcased at the Baselworld Exhibition in March/April this year. I did a little more research and then finally managed to get to see a piece in the flesh, from that point on I have been hooked! I think if I did not have the good lady with me when I got hold of it in the shop, there would have been no holding me back. The flexible friend would have been whipped out and this would be a review of one of my current pieces rather than a quick post on a watch on the 'nice to have' list!

I currently have two Breitling's, the new Blackbird and a Superocean 38, both of which I love dearly even though Breitling is not my favourite brand. In the past I had looked at the previous Chronomat model and even though I had a full appreciation of the watch I never really gave it a second glance but I have to say this new edition has really caught my eye.

There has been a number of updates and changes from the older Chronomat but the key difference is this watch is powered by a self-winding chronograph movement entirely developed and crafted by Breitling themselves. For Breitling to have a fully 100% in-house chronograph movement is a first for them as it is not something they have done in the past. With this watch Breitling has created a highly exclusive version of its leading Chronomat model which in my opinion has a stunning presence from what I have seen so far. Hopefully in the none to distant future I will be the proud owner of one of these and be able to provide a full review!

Breitling offer this watch in a range Cases, Dials and Straps/Bracelets,

Case:
Comes in a choice of four styles - Steel, Two-Tone, Steel & Gold or 18K Rose Gold.

Dials:
Steel Version - Antarctica white, Pearl, Onyx black, Riviera blue, Metallica blue, Blackeye blue, Blackeye gray, Sierra silver, Gray Pearl, Gray Pearl Diamond, Mirage red, Carbon black, Amber, Metallica brown
Two-Tone, Steel & Gold, 18K Rose Gold Versions - Antarctica white, Pearl, Pearl Diamond, Onyx black, Riviera blue, Metallica blue, Sierra silver, Mirage red, Amber, Metallica brown

Straps/Bracelet:
Barenia leather, crocodile leather, Ocean Racer, Diver Pro II/Pilot

The watch that I had a look at was the Steel on the Pilot bracelet with black dial, but if was going to invest I would defiantly take a look at the other versions before committing.

Specifications:

Model - Chronomat B01
Production Years - 2009-Current
Movement- Breitling Caliber B01, officially chronometer-certified by the COSC, selfwinding, high frequency (28,800 vibrations per hour), 47 jewels. 1/4thof a second chronograph, 30-minute and 12-hour totalizers. Calendar.
Power Reserve - 70 hours
Water Resistance - 500 meters (1,650 feet/50 bars). Gold case is less at 100 meters (330 feet/10 bars)
Bezel - Unidirectional ratcheted rotating
Crown - Screwdown
Crystal - Sapphire, glare proofed on both sides
Diameter - 43.5mm
Bracelet - Various

The watch that I saw was priced at just under £6k, if I as to get it on the leather strap I would have been looking at around £800 reduction. The Gold / Two Tone watch was pushing £8k! (prices at time of writing this article, Sept 2009)