The original Chronomat B01, the one equipped with Breitling’s new, totally in-house B01 automatic column-wheel chronograph movement, was first revealed in September 2009. Recently, the Swiss watchmaker has revealed a limited-edition version of the model. While being powered by the same self-winding caliber and sporting the same massive-looking body, it offers you a more interesting combination of colors, as well as a revised case back cover.
It looks like creating a special edition was not an easy task to accomplish.
While most major brands usually offer their timepieces in a pretty limited choice of dials, straps, and color combinations, the new Breitling Chronomat B01 is one of those rare breeds that you can configure to just about any taste.
Breitling even set up an online configurator that allows prospective customers to build their dream watch by choosing one of six cases (including stainless steel, gold, and even a diamond-stud steel-gold mixt,) sixteen dials with different types of chapter rings and chronograph totalizers, and thirteen straps and bracelets (including a black rubber one,) which makes for a total of 1248 probable versions
However, you can still distinguish the limited edition model from the mottled puzzle of “ready-made” Chronomats.
First of all, the B01 Limited Edition is the only model that offers a combination of the Onyx black dial and Onyx black chronograph totalizers with red hands.
Secondly, they come with their unique numbers engraved on the side of the polished 43.5 mm case at 9 o’clock.
Also, the limited edition is the only Chronomat that comes with a transparent display back that offers an excellent view of its “Manufacture-grade” Caliber B01.
The introduction of a display back, however, resulted in a significantly reduced water resistance rating.
While the base model is good for the whole 500 meters of depth, the limited edition version is rated for 200 and 100 meters for stainless steel and rose gold versions respectively. Well, for all things practical, the 20 ATM is adequate even for a “tool” watch, and nobody in his sound mind will take a gold watch that costs like a luxury SUV for a diving adventure.
Breitling plans to limit the model’s production to 2000 and 200 units for the stainless steel and rose gold versions respectively with the steel version priced at just above USD 8000 and the one in 18-karat rose gold bearing a lot heftier price tag of whole $39,000. If you are not a hip-hop star, the stainless steel version looks like the top choice for you.
See also: Choosing a Diving Watch: A small buyer’s guide
Photos: Breitling
Breitling Chronomat B01 Limited Edition specification
Price range: $8150 (Stainless steel) / $39,000 (Rose gold)
Movement: Breitling B01, automatic, 28,800 vph, 47 jewels, COSC-certified chronometer, in-house, Swiss Made
Complications: Date, chronograph
Power reserve: 70 hours
Case: Stainless steel or Rose gold
Shape: Round
Size: 43.50 mm
Dial: Black Onyx
Numerals: Arabic
Hands: Steel or Rose gold
Water resistance: 200 meters for the Stainless steel or 100 meters for the Rose gold version
Strap: “Pilot” bracelet in Stainless steel or Rose gold
Crystal: Sapphire
Back: Sapphire