Breitling collaborates with pro footballer Erling Haaland, to add to their Chronomat collection two limited-edition models: the Chronomat Automatic GMT 40 in stainless steel and platinum, and the Chronomat B01 42 in 18k red gold. Both models showcase meteorite dials.
Reviewed: two new Breitling Chronomats in collaboration with Erling Haaland
The Chronomat Automatic GMT 40 in stainless steel and platinum, capped at 500 pieces retails at CHF 9800 in bracelet / CHF 9500 in rubber strap, and the Chronomat B01 42 in 18k red gold, limited to just 250 has a retail price of CHF 45000 in bracelet and CHF 25500 in rubber strap.
In addition, a super-exclusive “ONE OF 5” edition created for Haaland and his circle. Crafted in 18k red gold, it features the meteorite dial, a transparent caseback revealing the Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01 movement, and bespoke case-side engraving of his name and jersey number. The caseback also displays an image of Haaland in his goal-celebration Lotus pose. A private tribute to his meteoric rise, this reference won’t be made available to the public.
The case, dial and hands
This is a special collaboration withtop Manchester City striker Erling Haaland. The press publicity material shows images of Erling in watchmaker coat.
This is an update to the model lineup of the Chronomat lineup. The base model in 40mm is self winding with a GMT hand. It is released with a stainless steel case with a platinum bezel.
And the B01 Chronograph in 42mm is released in red gold. We had both at hand on board a cruise organised by Breitling Asia Pacific where we took these photographs.
Both models are fitted with a meteorite dial, which makes each unique. The Muonionalusta meteorite used on the dial is composed primarily of iron and nickel, and also contains trace elements like cobalt and rare silicates not commonly found in terrestrial rocks. The meteorite is found in the icy landscape of Sweden. Erling Haaland, who picked the meteorite in the collaboration hails from nearby Norway.
Both dials show the Widmanstätten pattern quite beautifully. And a nice touch is the EH initials serving as the counterweight to the seconds hand of both models.
And both are available in either a black rubber strap or matching metal bracelet. The bracelet is the beautiful Breitling rouleaux, which is particularly pliant and rests nicely on the wrist.
The movements: Breitling Caliber 32 and Breitling Caliber B01
The movement on the 40mm GMT steel/platinum model features the Breitling Caliber 32, which is essentially a COSC certified ETA 2893-2, usually fitted with a custom Breitling rotor. The case back of the GMT 40 model is closed, and shows an engraving of Erling in the Lotus position, a pose which he often assumes after scoring a goal. Also engraved on the case back is “ERLING HAALAND 9” in reference to his jersey number, and the other standard verbiage including one of 500.
The red gold chronograph 42 model sports the celebrated Breitling B01 movement, which is showcased in the sapphire case back. The same “ERLING HAALAND 9” engraving is also found on the case back bezel, together with the limited edition one of 250 and the standard verbiage.
Concluding thoughts
This collaboration will be of great interest to Erling Haaland fans. In particular, we feel the Chronomat 40 GMT might generate more interest. The smaller size will fit more wrists, and unless the fans are also Breitling or chronograph collectors, the simpler movement with its uncluttered dial (better to show the meteorite!) may be more appealing. This model is also more approachable in terms of budget.
Though for us, it is the red gold B01 which tugs more at our heartstrings. The meteorite dial certainly adds to the beauty of the watch, and the movement is quite a special one. Especially as it fits my flat 7.4″ wrist very well.
