Two-Timing Chrono

At first it might sound like overkill: two elapsed-minute hands on the same chronograph. But in reality, the two minutes counters on Breitling's Skyracer are complementary. One is mounted on a subdial at 9 o'clock, which also shows elapsed hours (up to 12 of them). From this subdial, the wearer can read elapsed time, both hours and minutes, just as he would the regular time. The other elapsed-minutes hand is mounted at the center of the dial, along with the elapsed-seconds hand, and is for timing periods of one hour or less. It's also an easier-to-read alternative to the smaller elapsed-minute hand on the subdial. This feature is also found on the Breitling replica watches.
Breitling has used this two-handed approach before. The first time was in 1997, on the NavitimerTwinsixty, named for its two 60-minute counters. The Hercules, which is the Skyracer's immediate predecessor, had this display as well.
The Skyracer's dial is very well designed. The two center-mounted hands are easy to tell apart: the elapsed-minutes hand has a red arrow tip and is thicker than the elapsed-seconds hand. The main dial has a lovely sunburst pattern and the subdial has a grooved texture to improve its legibility. The two subdial hands are fairly easy to distinguish by their different lengths, although Breitling could have made it even easier by giving one of the hands a red tip.
The standard hour and minute hands are thick and coated with luminous material. They are easy to read day or night. It's for good reason that the Skyracer belongs to Breitling's Professional collection of watches, those most specifically designed for use in aviation: the Skyracer offers a variety of additional functions that pilots, but not only pilots, will welcome. These extras include a countdown bezel that can be preset for intervals of up to 60 minutes. A pilot can use it to preset the time until the next navigation point a railroad track, for example. When the minutes hand reaches the triangle at zero minutes, the pilot keeps an eye out for the expected landmark. The bezel would be absolutely perfect if the triangle had been coated with luminous material. We're glad to report that Breitling has opted to dispense with the four sharp-edged riders found on all its other mechanical watches with minutes bezels: their absence helps to extend the lifespan of sweaters and shirt cuffs. Even without riders, the bezel is easy to grasp and turn. It also looks good: the domed sapphire crystal, which is nonreflective on both its surfaces and therefore nearly invisible, blends almost seamlessly into the curve of the bezel. This also makes the Skyracer seem slimmer than other Breitling models.

Measures and Mechanisms
When you turn the bezel, you simultaneously rotate the circular slide rule, a famous Breitling feature . It teams up with an immobile scale to enable you to do various calculations, like converting kilometers into miles, solving equations involving three variables, or converting from one currency to another. Breitling first developed its slide-rule in 1942. A version for in flight navigation followed in 1952, and this one helped make the Navitimer (which is still made today) into Breitling's best-known model. Unlike the one on the Navitimer, this calibrated scale isn't directly propelled, but moves via a translation gear that not only makes the slide rule turn about 20 percent faster than the bezel, but also helps make the Skyracer water-resistant to a greater level: 200 meters versus meters for Navitimer models. Incidentally, the round, inset, stainless-steel plate in the flank of the case serves as a closure that is opened from the inside: it's a kind of service hatch through which a watchmaker can access the gear train.
Now that Breitling has discontinued the B-2 and Hercules models, the Skyracer is the only mechanical watch in the Professional line. You can still find the B-2 and Hercules replica models on the web. They are some of the best replica watches available today. Breitling does not put transparent backs on its cases, so the self-winding movement is hidden unless the back is removed. Fortunately, the stainless steel back is quite pretty in its own right: Breitling's logo occupies the center, and the most important international surface-to-air signals are engraved around the periphery, e.g., an "X" to signal the need for medical assistance. When the back is removed, you'll see a slightly decorated ETA Valjoux 2892, which powers an ordinary three-handed time display and serves as the base for the chronograph module, which is ensconced out of sight on the dial side of the movement. Dubois Depraz makes the module exclusively for Breitling.
From the outside, the watch doesn't look as if it has a modular movement. That's because the beautiful, asymmetrical push-pieces are aligned with the crown, an arrangement usually found only on watches with integrated chronograph calibers.
The push-pieces are particularly easy to operate thanks to their large size and economically designed inward curvature. The crown is easy to grasp crown and extract, despite its flank pro-tectors. A rapid adjustment function for the date display and a stop-seconds function further enhance the watch's user-friendliness.
The rate results are quite respectable, too: after all, this caliber, number 27, like all of
Breitling's movements, is COSC-certified. Only the amplitude values are a bit weak. Particularly praiseworthy, however, are the greatest deviations among the several positions: just four seconds with the chronograph switched off and three seconds with it on. Average deviations of +3.7 seconds per day without the chronograph and +4 seconds with it guarantee that this watch won't need frequent resetting. The amplitude in the hanging positions diminishes to the acceptable value of 268 degrees. The amplitude doesn't decrease significantly when the chronograph is switched on.
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Project 99

Nineteen sixtynine was a year of remarkable "firsts": man took his first steps on the moon; the Concorde and Boeing 747 made their maiden flights; and a man lived three days with a man made heart. So when we read of an event in 1969 confirming "national supremacy" or the achievement of an "unattainable dream," which of these firsts comes to mind? When we read of engineers "wild with excitement" or celebrating a "revolution," do we visualize an aircraft, a spacecraft or a machine powering life itself?
Well, no . . . this is a watch magazine ...so we must be reading about something different. Indeed, the phenomenon described by these accolades, and which we will explore in this series, is something entirely different. We're referring to the introduction of the world's first automatic chronograph, of course.
Many think of the 1960s as the golden age of motor racing. The cars were fast; die tracks were wide open; the finishes were close; the drivers were heroic, challenging death as they challenged each other.
As much as anything, racing in the 1960s was characterized by the rivalries between teams and between drivers. Porsche, Ferrari and Ford at Le Mans; Porsche versus McLaren in CanAm; the Camaros and Mustangs on the Trans-Am circuit; and Lotus and Ferrari in Formula One. There were the heroic drivers—Andretti, Brabham, Clark, Donahue, Foyt, Gurney, Hill, Hulme and McLaren, among many others. While the teams and cars battled throughout the decade, many of the rivalries between the drivers were destined to last for only a short while.
Study the starting grids in the early 1960s and you realize how few of the leading drivers were still racing by the end of the decade. Many of the leading drivers were killed; others realized that the odds had turned against their survival and took early retirement from what was called the "cruel sport."
Just as the 1960s might be thought of as the golden age of competition in motor racing, this was a memorable decade for chronographs and the other "tool" watches.
Specialized watches were worn by drivers and their crews when they went racing; by pilots and in-ternational travelers as they crossed the time zones; by divers on underwater adventures; and by the explorers, as they climbed the tallest peaks and traveled to the poles.
The "Big Three" of chronographs—Omega, Breitling and Heuer competed intensely with each other, but each brand also established a distinctive position in the market. Omega introduced the Speedmaster in 1957; five years later astronaut Wally Schirra wore one in space. By the end of the decade, the "Speedy" was worn on the moon. Breitling proclaimed that it was the world's leading manufacturer of precision instruments for aviation, with the Navitimer becoming a part of the pilot's uniform and the Cosmonaute becoming the first chronograph worn into space.
Heuer was the most dominant brand for the automotive crowd, offering chronographs for the racers, dashboard instruments for the navigators, stopwatches for the crews, and hand held, split second chronographs for the race officials.
Indeed, tool watches seemed to be coming into their own in the early 1960s, with the leading brands developing purpose built watches and chronographs for an increasingly wide variety of demanding applications.

THE CHALLENGE

While the Swiss watch companies continued to develop their chronographs and other specialized watches, at the beginning of the 1960s they faced significant challenges. Sales of Swiss chronographs were declining from year to year, the legendary Valjoux and Venus movements that powered leading Swiss chronographs were growing old, and most notably automatic (self-winding) watches were enjoying increased popularity and sales.
Automatic watches thrived throughout the 1950s, as Swiss manufacturers introduced dozens of new calibers. Winding systems included full rotors mounted to the back of movements, "bumper" rotors that bounced back and forth, and microrotors to allow for thinner movements. The very names of new automatic watches evidenced the industry's excitement with the automatic movements—Datomatic, Depthomatic, Geomatic, Gyromatic, Kingmatic, Powermatic and Tempomatic, to name a few. There was even Jaeger-LeCoultre's Futurematic, which took the bold step of deleting the crown, as if to announce that crowns were a thing of the past. With the increasing popularity of automatic watches, the chronograph manufacturers faced an imperative: they could either develop automatic chronographs or they would continue to see the erosion of their annual sales.
Commencing in the mid-1960s, four leading watch manufacturers engaged in the race to develop the first automatic chronograph. Much like the Soviet/U.S. space race to plant the first flag on the moon, Heuer, Breitling, Zenith and Seiko set out to produce the world's first automatic chronograph. Heuer and Breitling worked in a unique partnership; Seiko and Zenith each worked alone.

THE RIVALS

In retrospect, it seems curious that Zenith embarked on the mission to develop an automatic chronograph. Founded in 1865, Zenith had established its reputation during the 1940s and 1950s as a manufacturer of chronometers and watches for the military. As a true manufacture, Zenith produced its own movements, but the company offered only a limited line of chronographs (and was not a member of the Swiss association of chronograph manufacturers).
In 1960, with its acquisition of the Martel Watch Company,
Zenith significantly enhanced its capabilities in the design and production of chronographs. Zenith embarked on the design of an automatic chronograph in 1962, hoping to introduce this revolutionary chronograph to mark the company's 1965 centennial.


Founded in 1881 as a manufacturer of clocks, Seiko manufac-tured its first wristwatches in 1913 and the Seiko name first appeared on a watch dial in 1924. In 1955, Seiko produced Japan's first automatic wristwatch, and in 1960, the company launched its Grand Seiko line of watches, designed to represent the highest development of Japanese watches.
To bolster its international reputation for quality, in the mid-1960s Seiko began to compete in the Swiss Observatory Chronometer competitions, enjoying remarkable success in these endeavors and bringing worldwide recognition to the company. Nineteen sixtyfour was a momentous year for the company, as Seiko was the official timekeeper of the Tokyo Olympic Games and also introduced its first chronograph, a 60 second timer, with a rotating bezel (Reference 5717). With its success in manufacturing rugged, accurate mechanical watches, Seiko positioned itself to challenge the dominance of the Swiss watch industry (even before the advent of quartz watches).

ASSEMBLING THE CHRONOMATIC TEAM

Founded in 1860, Heuer introduced the first wrist chronographs around 1914, and had a long standing reputation in the production of chronographs and sports timing equipment, especially stopwatches, split-second timers and timing systems.
From pilots' chronographs in the 1930s, to triple calendar chronographs in the 1940s, to rugged chronographs in the 1950s, Heuer offered a broad range. In 1958, Heuer introduced its Master Time and Monte Carlo dashboard time¬pieces, and soon these "Rally Master" pairs were used by over half the leading rally teams. In the early 1960s, Heuer introduced two chronographs that would be popular with the racers the Autavia and the Carrera both of which were powered by Valjoux movements. Ironically, Heuer also produced a line of automatic watches, but the company abandoned these watches in the late 1950s, in order to focus on the production of chronographs.


Founded in 1873, the Buren Watch Company developed numerous calibers over the years, al¬ways manufacturing its own parts. Buren introduced its first automatic watch in 1945, and from the start was seeking to develop thinner automatic movements. Its Caliber 525 utilized a pendulum winding mechanism, recessed within the movement, rather than a rotor at the back of the movement. Ultimately, this approach was not successful, so 1952 saw Buren's first use of an automatic watch powered by a rotor.
In 1953, Buren offered the smallest automatic watch with a power reserve indicator, and in 1954, Buren patented its "microrotor," which allowed it to produce the flattest possible automatic watches. By shrinking the diameter of the rotor (to fit within the radius of a comparable movement), and locating this rotor in the same plane as other components of the movement, Buren avoided the need to place the rotor behind the movement. Buren's first watches using the microrotor were the Super Slenders (calibers 1000 and 1001) introduced in 1957, with this automatic system also known as the Intramatic system.
Buren licensed its microrotor technology to other companies, including IWC, Baume & Mer-cier, Bulova and Hamilton. After a patent dispute, Buren also began to license its microrotor technology to Universal Geneve. The Caliber 12/Chronomatic movement had its origins in the late 1950s when Charles-Edouard Heuer then the President of Ed. Heuer & Co. began to consider how the company might produce an automatic chronograph. Heuer studied the microrotor movements being produced by Buren and began to explore the idea of mounting a chronograph mechanism on top of this movement.
The idea was short lived, however, as even the combination of the thinnest Buren movement and the thinnest chronograph mechanism would be too thick to compete effectively against the sleek watches of the era. (Remember, this was also the period of Hamilton's Thin-O-Matics!)
All this changed, however, in 1962, when Buren introduced an even thinner microrotor movement the Caliber 1280 Intramatic movement. With the thickness of this movement reduced from 4-3 millimeters to 3.2 millimeters, it now seemed possible to build a suitably thin automatic chronograph. At this point, Heuer faced the question of who could build this thinnest-possible chronograph module, to be mated with Buren's base movement.

Of the four companies involved in the development of the Chronomatic movement, Dubois-Depraz is surely the company least known to the public. Founded in 1901, Dubois-Depraz didn't manufacture watches or movements, and it didn't produce chronographs, but as the leader in designing the so-called "complications," Dubois-Depraz worked with watch companies to make simple, base movements into more complicated watches or chronographs.
Starting with a simple time of day movement, Dubois-Depraz had the ability to add a broad variety of complications, including a chronograph, power reserve indicator, or calendar. Heuer had called on Dubois-Depraz to develop the movements for Heuer's 7700 series of stopwatches. This work culminated in 1967 when Dubois-Depraz's developed a special module for Heuer's Monte Carlo stopwatch (Caliber 7714) so that a single pusher would simultaneously reset the minute and second hands as well as the hour disc.
Based on these experiences, Heuer engaged Dubois-Depraz to study the feasibility of developing a chronograph module that could be mated with the Buren movement. Ironically, Gerald Dubois (then president of the company) had conducted comprehensive research into the design of a chronograph module to be used with the Buren microrotor movements, and had discussed the idea with Buren. When Dubois-Depraz confirmed the feasibility of this project, the Chronomatic venture was almost ready for action. The Chronomatic would be a 17-jewel lever movement consisting of two essential elements described as being "totally independent": the Buren base movement (including the self-winding and calendar mechanisms) and the Dubois-Depraz chronograph module, a plate holding a newly designed chronograph mechanism. In short a modular automatic chronograph.

Since its inception in 1884, Breitling was known for its production of chronographs and precision counters for scientific and industrial purposes. As Heuer was the brand most closely associated with automobile racers and racing, Breitling became recognized as the brand for pilots and flying. In the 1930s, Breitling began to produce on-board chronographs for aircraft and introduced the first two-button chronographs, allowing the user to stop and restart the chronograph (time-out and time-in functions.)
In 1942, Breitling launched the Chronomat, the first chronograph fitted with a circular slide rule on the dial and bezel; ten years later, Breitling introduced its legendary Navitimer, a three-register chronograph equipped with a circular slide rule, as well as a "navigation computer" capable of handling all calculations called for by a flight plan. As Heuer, Buren and Dubois-Depraz stood ready to embark on the development of their automatic chronograph, there was one last hurdle between the venture and the commencement of its working . . . this hurdle being the capital required to fund the project. Development of an automatic chronograph would be a costly venture, more than Heuer and Buren could undertake as two relatively small, independent companies.
To address this need, Jack Heuer (then president of Heuer-Leonidas) did something unusual, for the 1960s or for today. He approached his friend Willy Breitling (then President of Breitling) to discuss the idea of a partnership. Though they were direct competitors in their lines of chronographs and stopwatches, Jack Heuer has explained their cooperation on the Chronomatic project in the simplest terms.
"Heuer was a very strong brand in the United States and U.K. markets, but weaker in Europe. Breitling was strong in Italy and France, but had little presence in the U.S. or the U.K. Both of us needed an automatic chronograph; it would be difficult for either of us to develop it, working alone. This was a perfect opportunity to create a partnership in which both partners though entering as rivals—could strengthen their positions."
With Dubois-Depraz having confirmed the feasibility of building a modular chronograph, and Breitling and Heuer committed to funding this unique partnership and sharing its output, Heuer and Breitling then approached Buren with their proposition of a partnership. Joining the Chronomatic team was attractive for a small company such as Buren. Compared with the small customers who bought Buren's movements, Heuer and Breitling would constitute a significant opportunity for Buren.
With that, the Chronomatic team was fully formed—two leading chronograph brands, the leading manufacturer of thin automatic movements and the leading specialist in developing chronographs and other complications.

In 1966, while development of ti Chronomatic movement was under-way, Buren was acquired by Hamilton Watch Company (of Pennsylvania). Hamilton transfered much of its own production to the Buren factory in Switzerland, and through the Buren acquisition, became a partner in the development of the Chronomatic movement.
While Heuer and Breitling were surprised to have Hamilton as their new partner, Hamilton had a limited history in the production of chronographs and would not represent a threat to the founding partners, using only a small portion of the movements produced by the Chronomatic group.

PROJECT 99

The members of the Chronomatic group realized the importance of secrecy in their work. With four partners in the group (and eventually five), and a host of other companies that would come to be involved in the production of cases, dials and other components, there were many people involved in the day-to-day operation of the project. Confidentiality was of utmost importance as the Chronomatic group raced against unknown opponents to produce the first automatic chronograph.
Throughout the term of the project, employees of the participating companies were prohibited from uttering the phrase "automatic chronograph." Jack Heuer recalls that his father, having served as a Brigadier General in the Swiss Army, insisted that the Chronomatic project have a code name. With that, this unique partnership became Project 99.
Dubois-Depraz had the most difficult assignment in Project 99. While there would be relatively few modifications in Buren's base movement, Dubois-Depraz would develop the chronograph module (to be known as the 8510 chronograph unit) from scratch. Accordingly, Gerald Dubois of Dubois-Depraz was the technical leader of Project 99, and he also supervised the development of the chronograph module. Hans Kocher, who had developed Buren's microrotor and served as its technical director, had overall responsibility for the base movement. The technical heads of Heuer and Breitling also served as senior managers of the Project 99 development team.
While not deeply involved in the technical design of the Chronomatic movement, Heuer and Breitling were responsible for designing an entirely new series of cases and dials for the new Chronomatics.
Additionally, these firms began to prepare for serial production of the Chronomatics, which would be a significant undertaking for these companies. Soon after that we began to see designer inspired replica chromatic watches pop up all over the web. If you want to find some of the best replica watches on the web today you can find them at www.timetraditions.com.
In serial production, Heuer and Breitling would receive the base movements from Buren, complete the assembly of chronograph modules received from Dubois-Depraz, combine this "sandwich" into a completed movement, and then assemble the completed chronograph. Indeed, each of the partners in the Chronomatic group faced challenges as these four firms raced to develop and launch the world's first automatic chronograph.
Special thanks to Jack Heuer and Hans Schrag for their contributions to this article. Jack Heuer joined Ed. Heuer & Co. in 1958, and as president of Heuer-Leonidas he was responsible for the development of the Chronomatics. Hans Schrag joined Heuer as a watchmaker in 1963 and has worked on the Chronomatic movements since their introduction in 1969. Both these gentlmen have been generous in sharing their vast knowledge of the Chronomatics.
In Part Two of this series, we will see which group Heuer Breitling Hamilton, Zenith or Seiko
won the race to offer the first automatic chronographs.

Chronomat B01

The ultimate chronograph

A powerful, unique and quintessential design, masterfully reinterpreted. A selfwinding chronograph movement entirely developed and crafted in the brand workshops. A stunning presence on the wrist distinguished by a blend of strength and elegance. Breitling has created a highly exclusive version of its leading Chronomat model, which is asserting itself more forcefully than ever as the benchmark in the field of mechanical chronographs. Equipped with the very first 100% in-house chronograph movement, the Chronomat B01 majestically heralds Breitling’s grand entrance into the selective circle of genuine watch movement manufacturers. Designed to guarantee maximum precision, reliability and functionality, it represents the culmination of the long-running quest for performance characteristic of Breitling “instruments for professionals”. Crafted with extreme concern for details, this flagship luxury model is bound to delight devotees of fine timepieces born to accomplish great feats.

Chronomat B01
The mechanical chronograph has a new name

A perfect fuselage

Ideally melding form and function has been Breitling’s consistent goal in developing its “instruments for professionals”. Such is the ever-present challenge brilliantly taken up by the brand designers. Some people choose to purchase designer inspired watches like the Breitling replica watches found on the web. In the Chronomat B01, this subtle balance is pushed to a whole new level. Built to guarantee a high degree of sturdiness, watertightness and shock resistance, the case features a new elongated profile that smoothly molds the wrist. The unidirectional rotating bezel – an essential companion in measuring flight or dive times – is adorned with exclusive engraved numerals ensuring excellent readability while endowing the chronograph with an eminently recognizable face. Available in hour-marker or Roman numeral versions, the dials display their information with great clarity in a clever play on colors, materials and depth effects that contributes to enhancing their visibility. The supple, ultra-sporty bracelets are equipped with mobile lugs guaranteeing optimal fit and comfort. Visual pleasure and functionality are thus combined in every detail of the finishing – exactly like a streamlined aircraft fuselage slicing through the air.

An exceptional motor

Endowed with an original and innovative architecture, Caliber B01 embodies all the wealth of experience gained by Breitling in its chronograph stronghold since 1884. The brand undeniably played a major role in the development of this type of instrument. When presenting the first wristworn chronographs in 1915, the founder’s son Gaston Breitling had the ingenious idea of creating a pushpiece to handle the three chronograph functions (start, stop and reset) that would be separate from the crown. This marked the birth of the first independent pushpiece. In 1923, he perfected this system by separating the “start/stop” functions controlled by the pushpiece at 2 o’clock from the “reset” function activated by the crown – a patented innovation that enabled the users to add up several consecutive times without needing to return the hands to zero. In 1934, Willy Breitling, representing the third generation of the family firm, set the finishing touch to the modern face of the chronograph by creating a second independent pushpiece reserved exclusively for resetting. In 1969, the firm rose to one of the greatest 20th century watchmaking challenges by launching the first selfwinding chronograph movement, the “Chrono-Matic” Caliber 11. The advent of Caliber B01 now marks an historic turning point that sees Breitling join the prestigious ranks of the rare watch companies to possess their very own mechanical chronograph movement. A major accomplishment that is also a springboard towards the future.

Sheer performance

An authentic Breitling “wrist instrument”, the Chronomat B01 bears the hallmark of a universe dedicated to performance, personal achievement and excellence. It is tailor-made to withstand the most extreme conditions while never failing to fulfill its mission. Chronometer-certified like all Breitling movements, Caliber B01 has successfully undergone the fifteen days of merciless testing performed by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) – a supreme token of reliability and precision. The oversized hands and hour-markers, accentuated by a luminescent coating, guarantee optimal readability while lending exceptional character to the dial. The sophisticated design of the crown guards as well as the protective pushpiece rings ensures an impregnable defense against impacts and the hazards of daily use. The various control organs – crown, pushpieces and unidirectional rotating bezel – combine comfort and functionality, while meeting the stringent demands of intensive use. The metal bracelets, as well as the leather straps and their buckles, are designed, produced and tested to withstand extreme traction.

The case of the Chronomat B01 is fashioned from steel or 18K gold by a lengthy cold-stamping process consisting in a succession of high-pressure swaging operations that give the metal its peerlessly robust consistency. For its steel components, Breitling uses only highly corrosion-resistant alloys guaranteeing enduring quality and beauty. The crown, pushpieces and screwed-in backs, as well as the highly sophisticated gasket systems, guarantee the Chronomat B01 exceptional water resistance to a depth of 500 meters (1,650 feet/50 bars) – a feat worthy of an authentic professional diver’s watch. The scratch-resistant sapphire crystal is glareproofed on both sides to eliminate any undesirable glinting, whatever the lighting conditions and the angle of vision. Its positioning, slightly recessed below the bezel, ensures enhanced protection against impacts.

Refined aesthetic appeal

From overall design through to the slightest finishing details, the Chronomat B01 reveals a constant concern for aesthetic sophistication that earns it a place of its own within the chronograph world. Few watches successfully marry a technical vocation with such an innate sense of elegance. The subtly designed volumes and proportions of the case are highlighted by a meticulous polishing expressing the full measure of the craftsman’s dexterity. The circle of engraved numerals with their vigorous upstrokes and downstrokes features a depth effect and a matt finish that make a striking contrast with the polished surface of the bezel. The dials with hour-markers or Roman numerals are adorned with an unusual geometric design characterized by a gridwork pattern that is subtly revealed as the light plays over it. They come in a broad choice of refined colors that are matt or metallic, understated or bold, thereby lending each model its unique character. The Pilot bracelet with its slanted-cut polished links adds a particularly dynamic touch on the wrist, while the straps cut from the finest leather strike a resolutely sporting chic note.

The Chronomat B01 is available in four versions: all-steel, steel with a bezel bearing four solid gold quarter-hour markers; steel with a gold bezel, and all-gold. The precious metal comes exclusively in the warm, modern glow of 18K rose gold (4N). The dials are graced with sophisticated details such as diamond-polished hands, finely-turned totalizers and hand-applied numerals and hour-markers. The Roman numerals create an original effect playing with the circles of the totalizers and the square grid-patterned zone. The four applied quarter-hour markers on the bezel feature a convex profile ensuring a silky-smooth feel. Displaying a characteristic flair for detail, Breitling has opted to facilitate handling by slightly “lowering” the upper surface of the bezel on the side where the finger rests when performing the unidirectional rotation.

The true face of luxury

Heir to top-flight expertise and representing a considerable sum of joint efforts, the Chronomat B01 is an authentic luxury object combining performance and craftsmanship; an intensely valuable creation focusing on essence rather than appearance, on efficiency rather than ostentation. Its numerous assets include the exclusivity of a mechanical chronograph movement entirely developed and produced by Breitling in the Breitling Chronométrie workshops in La Chaux-de-Fonds. The supreme distinction of the official COSC chronometer certificate – a much-coveted seal of approval to which only 5% of watches produced in Switzerland can lay claim. The nobility of a 100% Swiss-made timepiece – from case to movement and from dial to bracelet. A unique and highly recognizable design enhanced by the extreme care lavished on its finishing. A production quality proven by over one thousand tests performed throughout the production process and on the finished watch. The excellence of the Breitling customer service guaranteeing consistent attention and maintenance worthy of a high-end timepiece, and throughout the world for decades to come. All converge to make the Chronomat B01 the absolute benchmark for devotees of mechanical chronographs.

Breitling Calibre B01 in house

A movement cut out for greatness

Reliable, sturdy, precise: Caliber B01 ideally embodies the entire philosophy of the Breitling chronograph. Equipped with a column-wheel device, the hallmark of the finest mechanical chronograph movements, it is distinguished by its vertical coupling clutch ensuring perfectly “clean” start-ups with no jump of the hand. Its over 70-hour power reserve – a decidedly user-friendly feature – guarantees steady regularity of rate by optimizing the force of the mainspring. Breitling has also equipped Caliber B01 with resolutely innovative characteristics serving to facilitate both its production and use.

The patented self-centering device for the resetting hammers does away with the need for the traditional correction individually performed by a watchmaker on each movement. The exclusive index-assembly system means the watch rate can be rapidly personalized to suit each owner. Designed to ensure optimal functionality and security in everyday conditions, Caliber B01 has an instant date-change calendar that can be adjusted at any time, with no risk of damaging the movement. The chronograph mechanism has also been built in such a way as to eliminate the risks of impairment due to inappropriate handling. The intelligent architecture of the integrated yet fairly modular movement affords significant advantages in terms of assembly and maintenance.

Replica Titanium Chrono Avenger

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A revolutionary mode of assembly

“Quality produced in series”: with Caliber B01, the 1940s Breitling motto is expressed in dazzling new style. To guarantee the industrial-scale authentic reliability of its first 100% in-house movement, the firm has chosen to innovate in terms of its production method. The goal is to rationalize production and to entrust machines with all the operations where they guarantee performances far superior to those of the human hand. Inspired by a high-tech concept used in other cutting-edge sectors and adapting it to the field of watchmaking, Breitling has developed an industrial production chain concept that revolutionizes traditional movement assembly.

Each caliber is placed in a “shuttle” and individually monitored by an ultra-sophisticated computer program that automatically directs it towards the appropriate workstation, along a route alternating between fully automated workstations and others requiring manual intervention. All the rating stages are fully integrated within this process, and upon emerging from the chain, each Caliber B01 is ready to face the rigorous COSC tests. Demonstrating a rare degree of mastery, Breitling handles the assembly of the B01’s oscillator, the movement’s regulating organ that guarantees its precision. Moreover, the ultra-modern Breitling Chronométrie building in La Chaux-de-Fonds also houses one of the best-equipped laboratories in the entire watch industry.

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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.
Case
		Steel, two-tone, steel & gold or 18K rose gold. Water-resistant to 500 meters (1,650 feet/50 bars). Gold case water-resistant to 100 meters (330 feet/10 bars). Screw-locked crown. Screw-locked safety pushpieces. Unidirectional ratcheted rotating bezel. Cambered sapphire crystal, glareproofed on both sides.
Diameter	:	43.50 mm.
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.

Breitling Avenger

Breitling has been known lately for big diameter case sizes and legible dial with huge arabic numerals. Similar to a cockpit gauge, designed to be read quickly at a glance. I've always been a fan of Breitling watches, mainly the Chrono Avenger . Here is a guide for caring for and adjusting your wrist band that is pretty helpful information to have when you own any of these one of kind replica watches. Band Guide

Dial

Breitling offers a blue dial and now a black dial Chrono Avenger. The blue dial is unique since at different angles and lighting conditions, it will look black. The black also has a unique finish to it, a mat finish. This being a chronograph, the subdial arrangement follows the 12, 9 and 6 o'clock arrangement. The 12 o'clock subdial provides the 30 minute register, the 9 o'clock subdial provides the second hand register, and the six o'clock subdial provides the hour register. The hands on both the subdial registers and the hour/minute hands are very easy to read. There is no problem misreading the time. You can take a look at the dials on the Chrono Avenger and other replica dial watches at timetraditions.

The only negative thing that I can say is that the lumed area of the dial needs to be more. You would think that the arabic numerals would glow at night, but I'm sorry to report that only the little dots are the ones that illuminate at night. One positive aspect of this is that when it glows, the dial looks very even.

The font on this watch is with the 44mm case diameter, they can spare a bit more real estate for the date window. You won't be needing a cyclops for this one.

Glass

It is a love hate with AR coated sapphire glass. You can easily see smudges on it, and there are risks of it getting scratched. However, when it is clean, the reflections and glass totally disappear and its as if you are looking at the dial with nothing in between! The glass is also cambered/domed which makes it easy to look at the dial at extreme angles with little distortion.

Bezel

The bezel on the Chrono Avenger has no insert. The entire bezel is constructed of Titanium and there is no insert to scratch, but it can be dented. The bezel also has whats called rider tabs. These are tabs that exists at the 12, 3, 6 and 9 markers. They're also called sweater destroyers, but I've not experienced this myself.

Case

The Chrono Avenger being a 44mm diameter watch, it is not heavy at all. In fact it is almost the same weight as my Sea-Dweller. It is a thick watch, and looks very rugged... something that Arnold Schwarzenegger would wear.

The crown is very easy to grip, even with gloves. The pushers are also easily activated. When I ride my motorcycle with gloves and leather jacket, I can easily feel the pushers to activate the chronograph without removing my gloves.

Bracelets

There are two types of titanium bracelets offered on the Chrono Avenger, Pro I and Pro II. Actually Breitling only calls it Professional bracelet. Pro I and Pro II were referred to by WIS in order to distinguish the two styles. The main difference between the Pro I and II is that the Pro I has dive extensions while the Pro II does not. The Pro II has a more flat look while the Pro I is a bit more rounded. Both bracelets are comfortable, but after having and wearing both, the Pro I is more comfortable. The almost exact bracelet can be found on the Titanium Chrono Avenger Breitling Replica.

There are two types of titanium bracelets offered on the Chrono Avenger, Pro I and Pro II. Actually Breitling calls it Professional bracelet. Pro I and Pro II were referred to by WIS in order to distinguish the two styles. The main difference between the Pro I and II is that the Pro I has dive extensions while the Pro II does not. The Pro II has a more flat look while the Pro I is a bit more rounded. Both bracelets are comfortable, but after having and wearing both, the Pro I is more comfortable.

Replica Super Avenger

Nice Big Super Avenger Replica.Stainless steel casing and band.Full rotating bezel with inner scale to maximize functionality.Day,Date and 24hours subdials with Month,Years window on top fully working.Luminescent hands and markers,Water resistant.Authentic weight and dimensions,Buy it now before they are gone !! timetraditions.com.

Price:$169.00

Breitling Navitimer Collection

If diamonds are a girl’s best friends, than a handsome wrist watch is defiantly a man’s best friend! Especially if it’s one of the Replica Breitling Navitimer watches .

The name of watch collection derives from a combination of the two words: Navigation and Timer. The watch was originally developed as a navigation tool for pilots, who could use its slide-rule bezel to calculate remaining distance and fuel consumption.
The Navitimer seriously put Breitling on the world map. It’s until today an iconic timepiece and remains the company’s most famous collection.

Today, our Replica Breitling Navitimer watch collection at http://www.timetraditions.com includes lots of pieces to choose from. I am sure you can find one for the watch lover in your family.

These watches are loved by those who are fascinated by flying and being up in the air. Any watch lover or collector would apreciate this watch.

New replica breitling evolutions out

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They have the newest replica breitling watches out. the quality is the best on the net. Customer service is available and they ship from the USA. Don't gamble buying from The fly by night China sites. Too many bad stories.

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High Quality Breitling Replicas

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