Breitling announces a new size for the Chronomat – in 36mm with an automatic movement and 32mm in quartz. The intent is for women of purpose, action, and style. We had our hands on session with the watches, and here are our live photographs and impressions.
“Our inspiration for this new collection is the Breitling woman herself, as represented in our #SQUADONAMISSION campaign: a woman of purpose, action, and style who’s at the top of her game,” Breitling CEO Georges Kern.
Prices:
Breitling Chronomat 36mm:
S$6,690 for the A10380101A3A1, A10380101C1A1, A10380101L1A1 SS case/unidirectional rotating bezel in either white, blue or green dial, S$ 7,690 for A10380101A2A1 in SS case/unidirectional rotating bezel, white dial with red gold hands and index with diamond markers, S$12,690 for A10380591A1A1, A10380591L1A1 SS case, unidirectional rotating diamond set bezel in either white or green dial with diamond markers, S$11,690 for U10380101A1U1 two tone SS/red gold case/bracelet with red gold unidirectional rotating bezel, S$16,890 for U10380591A1U1, U10380591K1U1 for two tone SS/red gold case/bracelet with red gold diamond set unidirectional rotating bezel, in either white or copper dial with red gold hands and index with diamond markers, and S$36,900 for R10380101A1R1 red gold case/unidirectional bezel/bracelet.
Breitling Chronomat 36 in 18k red gold. R10380101A1R1.
Breitling Chronomat 32mm:
S$ 5,350 for the A77310101A2A1, A77310101C1A1 SS case/bezel in white or blue dial, S$ 6,250 for A77310101A3A1, SS case/bezel red gold hands and index with diamond markers, S$10,250 for A77310591A1A1 SS case/diamond set bezel, S$9,650 for U77310101A1U1 the two tone SS/red gold case/bracelet with red gold bezel, S$ 13,950 for U77310591A1U1 two tone with red gold diamond set bezel, and S$29,850 for R77310101A1R1 red gold case/bezel/bracelet.
Breitling Chronomat 36mm and 32mm
Two versions are available in numerous case and dial combinations. The Chronomat Automatic 36 is powered by the Breitling Caliber 10 with a reserve of about 42 hours. There are ten versions to choose from, with special lacquered dials in white, pale green, midnight blue, or copper. And the Chronomat 32 provides seven versions to choose from and runs on the Breitling Caliber 77 and has a battery life of three to four years. It comes in seven versions, with white or midnight blue dials.
U10380591A1U1.
The 36mm feature unidirectional rotating bezel, while the smaller version feature a fixed bezel.
The watch
What’s new on this Chronomat is the Rouleaux bracelet with a butterfly clasp is not fitted as standard on the series. Each watch is rated to a water resistance rating of 100m.
Of the models we saw during our viewing session, the two tone version with a diamond bezel stood out as being particularly beautiful. It combines the natural ease and elegance as suggested by the ladies in the new Spotlight Squad is evident.
U10380591A1U1.
The construction, fit and finish is reassuring that this is a robust design suited for use in real life.
In its most basic configuration of stainless steel, steel bracelet, steel bezel, the Breitling Chronomat 36 still manages to look quite beautiful. A10380101A3A1.
In the blue dial with steel case and steel bezel, it looks as attractive and alluring as any. Yes, we are partial to the blue dial, but it just looks lovely.
A10380101C1A1.
We did not get to see the green dials, but from the Breitling press material, it looks a pale pastel green, which is rather soothing; though we would have rooted for a deep, emerald green or the British Racing Green used in the B01 Chronograph 42 Bentley Edition.
The movement
The watches are presented with two movements. The 36mm is equipped with the Breitling Caliber 10, which is an adaptation of the caliber ETA 2892-A2, and the 32mm in Breitling Caliber 77 which is a SuperQuartz movement based on ETA Thermoline 956.652.. the Caliber 77 has a battery life of about 3 to 4 years.
The case back on both watches are closed, and the movements are not visible.
These are time tested movements, known to be very robust and for good timekeeping. In addition, like all Breitling watches, they are come with the COSC certification as standard.
The campaign Breitling’s new Spotlight Squad
Breitling also announced their Spotlight Squad: Charlize Theron, Misty Copeland, and Yao Chen.
Originally from South Africa, Oscar-winner Charlize Theron has proven her versatility in numerous roles and genres. In 2004, she won the Academy Award for Best Actress after playing a serial killer in Monster. In 2019, she starred in and co-produced the drama Bombshell, for which she was nominated for another Academy Award. Charlize is also part of Breitling’s Cinema Squad with Brad Pitt and Adam Driver.
Charlize Theron. Screen grab from Breitling YouTube video introducing the Cinema Squad.
In 2007, dancer Misty Copeland was only the second African-American woman to be promoted to soloist with American Ballet Theatre (ABT); in 2015, she was the first African-American woman to become a principal dancer. That year, Time magazine named her one of the world’s 100 most influential people.
Breitling promotional material.
Chinese TV and film actress Yao Chen has won many awards, including the Audience Choice category of
China’s Golden Eagle Award (2010) and Best Actress at the Busan International Film Festival (2016, Asian Content). In 2019, she won the Golden Mulberry Award for Lifetime Achievement at the Far East Film Festival.
Yao Chen, Breitling Ambassador, and seen here wearing the Ladies Navitimer launched earlier. Breitling photo.
Impressions and initial thoughts
The interest in ladies watches, and addressing this important segment is increasing. And manufacturers who address the genre intelligently are able to reap the benefits. Witness the success of the Patek Philippe Twenty-4, both in the quartz models in a rectangular case as well as the Ref. 7300 in the newer round cased, mechanical series. Also the Elegante series from F.P. Journe, or the Egerie from Vacheron Constantin, and the Rendez-Vous by Jaeger-LeCoultre. And to this, in our view we will add to the ranks, the new Breitling Chronomat 36 and 32.
Our immediate pick is, of course the 36mm versions, as this series is equipped with a mechanical movement. In particular the Ref. U10380591A1U1 with the diamond set bezel and markers, as shown in the wrist shot below.
On our Technical Editor’s tiny (12.7cm) wrist, the 36mm fits nicely. U10380591A1U1.
As we see it, the 36mm is more interesting of the two new models. Mainly because it features an automatic movement as mentioned. but also it super versatile. Though the Breitling intention for the watch is for women, we think it is perhaps might be a unisex. Or perhaps can be shared by a couple. The 36mm might even be the preferred size for gentlemen with smaller wrists. BTW, we do not have pictures of the watch on a male wrist, as the social distancing requirements meant that our viewing session was only attended by our female Technical Editor Sharon and the Chief Editor, whose 19cm wrist diameter is perhaps on the larger side of being able to carry off the 36mm case with aplomb.
The 32mm A77310101A3A1 on the left, and the A10380101A2A1 36mm on the right.
Overall, a nice new collection which provides more options to the ladies, and we always see that as a good thing.
