Going into an all-out assault against its archrival IWC (namely, its IWC Big Pilot Top Gun,) Breitling will soon start selling a limited-edition Chronomat 44 TOPGUN. The new self-winding chronograph is going to proudly wear the colors of the U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School, which is more known under its “TOP GUN” nickname thanks to the eponymous Hollywood blockbuster starring Tom Cruise.
The official press release that accompanied the launch of the new timekeeper was as brief, as it was vague.
The guys from Breitling’s PR department somehow managed to make a loud verbal splash without actually saying anything helpful to us, modest bloggers.
Well, taking bits and pieces of information here and there and clicking them together, one can compile a nice picture of a watch that will arrive in the same 44 mm body as the other Chronomats of the “44” series and will be crafted from satin-finished stainless steel with patches of polished surfaces here and there.
The watch will probably be powered by the same Caliber B01 automatic chronograph movement, which is developed, manufactured, and assembled at Breitling’s own production facilities.
It is also certified by the COSC authority as a real chronometer, which means that it is not only highly accurate but is also dependable thanks to using high-grade components.
In fact, the only difference between a normal Chronomat 44 and this TOPGUN edition is the famous NFWS patch. Depicting the legendary Soviet MiG-21 fighter jet caught in the crosshairs (the NFWS itself was created when the U.S. Navy finally realized that, at the end of the day, the American pilots were not that impressive against their Vietnamese and Soviet opponents flying different kinds of MiGs,) this particular version of the logo is placed on the small seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock.
Limited to just 500 individually numbered pieces, the watch will be available only in one color scheme featuring a navy blue dial with a black bezel flange featuring an inevitable tachymeter scale, as well as black chronograph counters placed at 3 and 6 hours.
The small date aperture between 4 and 5 o’clock is also black.
What can I say about this one? I personally don’t like the sense of massive presence that emanates from this timekeeper. However, I am sure that there will be hundreds of well-to-do watch collectors that will be ready to part with at least $9000 to get their hands on this limited-edition timekeeper.
The good thing about this is that Breitling promises to donate at least part of the proceeds from the sale of each Chronomat 44 TOPGUN to a charity selected by TOPGUN staff.
See also: Breitling Montbrillant Chrono Upgrades to Caliber B01
Photos: Breitling
Breitling Chronomat 44 TOPGUN Chronograph specification
Movement: Automatic, Breitling caliber B01, in-house, COSC-certified chronometer, Swiss Made
Number of jewels: 47 jewels
Movement frequency: 28,800 vph
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph
Power reserve: 70 hours
Case: Stainless steel
Shape: Tonneau
Bezel shape: Round
Size: 44.00 mm
Case height: 16.95 mm
Lug width: 22/20 mm
Dial: Navy blue
Hour markers: Applied, luminous
Hands: Luminous
Water resistance: 500 meters
Strap: Stainless steel “Pilot” bracelet with steel folding clasp
Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective on both sides
Back: Solid, engraved