Breitling bridges the size gap by unveiling of the new Chronomat Automatic GMT 40 and Super Chronomat Automatic 38 in diameters designed to work for any wrist.
The Chronomat Automatic GMT 40 swaps the chronograph found on larger models for a dual-time-zone complication and simplified look, while the highlights of the Super Chronomat Automatic 38 series are its oversized diamond bezel and Breitling’s first-ever traceable watch.
“With this release, we’re rewriting the definitions of the Chronomat and Super Chronomat and giving these pieces a character all of their own. But, then again, this is a collection already known for pushing boundaries.”
Georges Kern, CEO, Breitling
The Chronomat’s story begins with the so-called quartz crisis of the 1970s, when traditional watchmaking went into upheaval following the commercialisation of precise and inexpensive quartz movements. But throughout the decade of turmoil that followed, at least one category of consumer remained loyal to mechanical chronographs: pilots.
Subtle dial colors of black, blue, green, anthracite, and white, combined with an all-steel case and bracelet, work with any wardrobe. Breitling went for a tone-on-tone 24-hour scale to let the red GMT hand speak for itself. The Breitling Caliber 32 powers the GMT complication. Its 24-hour scale lets the user track a second time zone and know at a glance whether it’s day or night. Its “onion” crown (a classic Chronomat feature named for its fluted dome shape) provides easy grip. As an all-purpose sports watch, meant to cross over between Breitling’s air, land, and sea universes, the GMT 40 has an impressive 200-meter water resistance.
The Super Chronomat Automatic 38 is designed to make a statement. The ‘Super’ is distinguished from the rest of the Chronomat family by its ceramic rider tabs and crown, and the rubber rouleaux bracelet only available with this new supercharged line. Along with its enhanced presence, the Automatic 38 also has a radiant side with oversized lab-grown diamonds enhancing the rounds of its 18 K red gold or stainless-steel bezel.
The series’ other highlight is Breitling’s first traceable watch, the Super Chronomat Automatic 38 Origins, whose artisanal gold and lab-grown diamonds are sourced according to new, industry-leading standards. The Automatic 38 supports Breitling’s #SQUADONAMISSION to do better, a commitment to create beautiful products and experiences while driving for social and environmental impact all along the value chain. That mission includes transitioning the brand’s entire product portfolio to responsibly sourced artisanal gold and lab-grown diamonds by 2025.
For Super Chronomat Origins, Breitling has sourced gold from a single artisanal mine that meets the Swiss Better Gold Association’s criteria. The association improves working, living and environmental conditions in artisanal and small-scale (ASM) gold mining communities and facilitates the creation of responsible supply chains to the Swiss market.
The lab-grown diamonds used in Super Chronomat Origins features type IIa single-crystal diamonds, which qualify as the most valued and purest type of diamonds. They are created by applying gas and heat to a diamond slice in a vacuum. Under the heat, the gas develops into a cloud of plasma, creating the conditions that allow the diamond to crystallize and grow. Lab-grown diamonds are identical to mined diamonds and subject to the same rigorous quality testing.
Super Chronomat Origins owners receive a precious materials’ provenance record as part of their blockchain-backed NFT. The supply chain—from raw material to finished product—is documented both on the owner’s NFT and publicly on an online source map, with all information independently verified.
Technical Specifications:
CHRONOMAT AUTOMATIC GMT 40
Reference: A32398101A1A1, A32398101C1A1, A32398101B1A1, A32398101L1A1, A32398101M1A1
WATCH MOVEMENT
Caliber: Breitling Caliber 32
Diameter: 25.6 millimeters
Depth: 4.1 millimeters
Winder: self-winding mechanical, bidirectional with ball bearing
Power reserve: approx. 42 hours
Balance frequency: 28,800 a/h or 4 hertz
Display: hour, minute, second, date, second time zone
Certification: COSC-certified
CASE
Material: stainless steel
Diameter: 40 millimeters
Thickness: 11.77 millimeters
Height (upper lug tip to lower lug tip): 47.4 millimeters
Water resistance: up to 20 bar (200 meters)
Glass: cambered sapphire, glareproofed on both sides
Caseback: solid, screwed
Crown: non screw-locked, two gaskets
Bezel: stainless steel, unidirectional, ratcheted
DIAL/HANDS
Black, blue, green, white, anthracite
Super-LumiNova® luminescent indexes and hands
STRAP
Stainless-steel rouleaux bracelet with butterfly clasp
PRICE
SRP £4,700.00
SUPER CHRONOMAT AUTOMATIC 38
Reference: A17356531C1A1, A17356531C1S1, A17356531C1P1
WATCH MOVEMENT
Caliber: Breitling Caliber 17
Diameter: 25.6 millimeters
Depth: 4.6 millimeters
Winder: self-winding, bidirectional with ball bearing
Power reserve: approximately 38 hours
Balance frequency: 28,800 a/h or 4 hertz
Display: hour, minute, second, date
Certification: COSC-certified
CASE
Material: stainless steel
Diameter: 38 millimeters
Thickness: 11.88 millimeters
Height (upper lug tip to lower lug tip): 45.4 millimeters
Water resistance: up to 10 bar (100 meters)
Glass: cambered sapphire, glareproofed on both sides
Caseback: screwed-in, steel
Crown: ceramic, screw-locked, two gaskets
Bezel: stainless steel with lab-grown diamonds (grown according to the SCS-007 Sustainability Rated Diamonds standard] and ceramic rider tabs, unidirectional, ratcheted
DIAL/HANDS
Ice blue
Super-LumiNova® luminescent indexes and hands
STRAP
Stainless-steel rouleaux bracelet with butterfly clasp/blue rouleaux-inspired rubber strap with folding buckle or blue alligator strap with folding buckle
PRICE
Ice Blue: £7,900.00 – Rubber Strap; £8,150.00 – Alligator Strap; £8,550.00 – Stainless steel bracelet
Mint Green: £9,700.00 – Rubber Strap; £9,950.00 – Alligator Strap; £11,350.00 – Stainless steel & 18k Red Gold bracelet
Origins: £16,400.00 – Rubber strap; £16,900.00 – Alligator strap
For more information please visit Breitling