Introducing: The Breitling Chronomat B01 Chronograph 44

March 20, 2018

Following the recent launch of their new Navitimer 8 line, Breitling has released a bevy of new models in advance of the start of Baselworld. Among the newly announced is a refresh to the Chronomat that re-establishes its toolish roots through the use of a satin-brushed case and more stoic dial design that signals the application of Breitling's in-house B01 caliber. While neither the sizing nor the movement is new to the Chronomat line, the brushed case and new dial treatment are a considerable departure from the flashier format common to many recent examples of the Chronomat.? Initial Thoughts As the current Chronomat B01 is a much more polished (and often two-tone) affair, this all-brushed update applies a lot of the Avenger II's more subdued style and finishing with the added appeal of the B01 movement. Under Breitling's new design language, all B01-equipped models will have contrasting sub-dials and the new Chronomat B01 Chronograph 44 is offered in two color variations, a blue/black that Breitling calls "Blackeye blue" and a grey/black that is called "Blackeye grey".?Both versions come on a steel Pilot bracelet with a matching brushed finish, a combination that further establishes the casual and sporty look and feel.? Both iterations look really good and offer a decidedly non-blingy appeal that is in contrast to many of Breitling's designs over the past several years. Despite the more reserved vibe, at 44mm wide and nearly 17mm thick, the Chronomat B01 Chronograph 44 is still a large and very masculine watch. Following the recent addition of Georges Kern as CEO, Breitling is in the midst of rethinking both their brand image and much of their line up, so it is not surprising that they might seek to rethink the format of models with strong general appeal. For the Chronomat, it appears that Breitling has settled on a welcome less-is-more philosophy and created a pair of new models that are both easy to understand and (thankfully) much less shiny than previous Chronomat examples.? The Basics Brand: BreitlingModel: Chronomat B01 Chronograph 44Reference Number: AB0115101F1A1 (Blackeye Grey) and AB0115101C1A1 (Blackeye Blue)Diameter: 44mmThickness: 16.95mmCase Material: SteelDial Color: Grey or Blue, both with contrasting sub-dialsIndexes: AppliedLume: Super-LumiNova for hands and markersWater Resistance: 500 metersStrap/Bracelet: Steel "Pilot" bracelet The newly updated Chronomat B01 Chronograph 44 with a brushed case and the "blackeye blue" contrast dial design. The Movement Caliber: Breitling Calibre 01Functions: hours, minutes, seconds, 12-hour chronograph, datePower Reserve: 70+ hoursWinding: Automatic Frequency: 28,800Jewels: 47Chronometer Certified: Yes, COSC? Pricing & Availability Price: 8370 CHFLimited Edition: NoFor more click here. The new Chronomat with a steel Pilot bracelet and matching "Blackeye grey" dial that denotes the B01 caliber within.