In a tribute to travel, leading Swiss watchmaker Breitling has released a new limited edition Chronomat Automatic GMT 40, exclusive to the region and limited to just 100 pieces.
Features a striking green dial complemented by elegant rose-gold Indian numerals, the Chronomat Automatic GMT 40 is Breitling’s tribute to travel, not only for its dual time zone complication, but also because of its aesthetics and practical size.
As an all-purpose sports watch, it seamlessly transitions across Breitling’s air, land and sea universes, as a ‘watch for every pursuit’.
Powered by the Breitling Caliber 32, the GMT complication features a 24-hour scale, allowing the user to easily track a second time zone and instantly distinguish between day and night. A classic Chronomat feature, the ‘onion’ crown – named for its fluted-dome shape – enables smooth adjustments.
Set in an all-steel case, this COSC-certified chronometer boasts an impressive 200m water resistance and offers a power reserve of approximately 42 hours.
The Chronomat
The Chronomat’s story begins during the quartz crisis of the 1970s, when the traditional Swiss watchmaking industry was in upheaval due to the commercialisation of precise and inexpensive quartz movements. But, one category of consumer remained loyal to mechanical chronographs, pilots. In 1983, Italy’s national aerobatics team, the Frecce Tricolori, partnered with Breitling to create a custom watch for its members that would be tough enough for the cockpit but elegant enough to be worn off duty.
The Chronomat, the all-purpose sports watch that emerged from this intense collaboration, did just that while introducing the elements that would become its trademarks: four raised rider tabs at the 15-minute marks to protect the crystal, and a steel rouleaux bracelet designed for comfort and durable wear.
The Frecce Tricolori watch caused a sensation when it launched and, a year later, it was released to the public as the Chronomat. It was a defining moment in watchmaking that signalled an end to the quartz crisis and a return of the mechanical timepiece. Fast-forward to today, and this watch remains a serious style statement.
Please visit www.breitling.com for more information.