WatchReviewBlog

Wrist Watch Reviews, Guides & Advice

  • HOME
  • WATCH REVIEWS
  • BY BRAND
  • By Type
    • Automatic Watches
    • Quartz Watches
    • Dive Watches
    • Pilot Watches
    • Chronographs
    • Dress
    • Luxury
    • Sports
    • Women’s
    • Fashion
  • Startups
  • Watch Buying Guides
ShopShow Search
Hide Search
Home » Watch Reviews » Breitling Chronomat B01 42 Watch Review

Breitling Chronomat B01 42 Watch Review

June 17, 2020 by Matthew Catellier Leave a Comment

Breitling Chronomat B01 42 Watch Review

Breitling just released a brand new Chronomat B01 42 model, available in a variety of dial colors and precious metal mixes. The one I have here today is the stainless steel option with blue dial.

I’ve been meaning to get my hands on this model since the first day it launched. There’s been lots of commotion on social media about this new release, with some people saying “it’s a breath of fresh air from Breitling”, and “It’s the best looking Breitling in their entire collection”, and I agree with this.

Breitling seems to have left out some of their usual DNA from this model, almost as though they’ve taken a step back to examine competition to create something classic but contemporary, with a lighter touch of Breitling DNA intertwined. The watch has been completely toned down aesthetically, giving off a modern well rounded appearance.


watchpod shop banner
Chronomat B01 Dial

This new release is a re-issue of the Chronomat from 40 years ago to celebrate Breitlings’ centenary, and when comparing both the new and old watches you can see how they’ve adjusted the styling, in a good way.

Watch on display stand
Side view on WATCHPOD display stand

The lack of signature beading on the bezel, the simplification of the dial, and the shortening of the lugs are just a few of the standout changes that are allowing the new Chronomat to become a different watch, and a potential future classic.

The new chronomat definitely wears large on my 6.5 inch wrist, it comes in at 42mm, but wears more like a 44 on me. It’s a fairly chunky and heavy watch that took some time to get used to, although one cannot deny the insane amount of engineering that’s gone into this piece.

Its also fairly thick at 15.10mm, not the most ideal choice if you’re exepcting your watch to slip easily under the cuff. On the other hand, the presence is excellent, and it makes for a great conversation starter with any watch enthusiast that notices it.

Blue dial from side

The sunburst blue dial is absolutely stunning, it seems to shift from a deep navy blue all the way through the spectrum to a light turquoise Adriatic sea blue depending on angle and light conditions. Breitling absolutely nailed the dial on this Chronograph, it might just be the best feature of the watch. It’s extremely legible and uncluttered without feeling too roomy, while at the same time emitting a luxurious warmth.

Blue chrono dial

The bracelet is another big highlight, it’s a rather uncommon “Rouleaux bracelet”, AKA a “Bullet Bracelet”, it’s extremely comfortable because of the large number of moving links that contour and mold around the wrist, and it also looks pretty unique. It has a double clasp closure that feels quite secure, with a compression quick release for simple removal.

Chronomat Rouleaux Bracelet

The chronomat is powered by an in-house caliber Breitling 01 movement, it’s self winding with 47 jewels, this beast of a movement can be viewed from the back via the exhibition window.

Breitling 01 in-house movement

The functionality of this watch is very smooth, with audible clicks when starting, stopping, and resetting the chronograph function. The chronograph hand glides effortlessly while the sub-dials keep track of the count. The hand, being in bright red is also easily distinguishable and allows for easy tracking.

Crown and pushers

This is a grail watch for most, and must have for Breitling collectors, and even pilots looking for a reliable and functional watch. To learn more about the Chronomat B01 42 and to view the entire Breitling collection visit their official website here.

Filed Under: Featured, Luxury, Sports, Watch Reviews Tagged With: Automatic Watches

About Matthew Catellier

Matt is the Founder and Executive editor of The Watch Review Blog. For Matt, watches represent self-expression, art and freedom, and his ideal watch combines functionality with intriguing history behind it. Follow
                                him on Instagram @watchreviewblog.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get fresh watch reviews, HD photos and more direct to your inbox.

RECENT POSTS

  • Mido Ocean Star Decompression Worldtimer Watch Review
  • Farer Resolute Three Hands 36mm Watch Review
  • Rolex Predictions 2023: Our Top 5 New Releases
  • AVI-8 Hawker Harrier Farley Multifunction AV-4098 Watch Review
  • Ball Engineer II Moon Calendar Watch Review

BUYING GUIDES

Top 10 Best Luxury Watches for Small Wrists

January 23, 2023 By Matthew Catellier Leave a Comment

Top 5 Best Modern Tudor Sports Watches

January 20, 2023 By Matthew Catellier Leave a Comment

Top 5 Best Tissot Watches for 2023

January 19, 2023 By Matthew Catellier Leave a Comment

Top 5 Best Tachymeter Function Watches

January 18, 2023 By Matthew Catellier Leave a Comment

Top 5 Best Vacheron Constantin Watches for Collectors

September 1, 2022 By Matthew Catellier 2 Comments

Top 5 Best Grand Seiko Watches For Collectors

November 24, 2021 By Matthew Catellier 8 Comments

Top 5 Most Popular Watches of 2021 for Holiday and Christmas Gifts

November 22, 2021 By Matthew Catellier Leave a Comment

Top 5 Most Popular Luxury Chronograph Watches for Collecting

October 21, 2021 By Matthew Catellier 3 Comments

Top 5 Most Rare and Sought After Omega Speedmaster Watches

October 5, 2021 By Matthew Catellier 4 Comments

HOW WE WORK

Our blog is about honest and fair reviews of each timepiece we evaluate. We do not have any bias for or against any watch or company and work hard to maintain that neutrality. In this age of corporate placement everywhere, we just wanted to let you know we’re on your side, and always will be.

Get in touch?: If you notice something that needs fixing, or just want to say hello, please tweet us at @watchreviewblog or email us at matt@watchreviewblog.com.

INFORMATION

  • About
  • Masthead
  • Watch Q&A
CONTACT

  • General
  • Advertise
CONNECT
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • instagram
  • pinterest
  • youtube
Copyright © 2023 · WatchReviewBlog.com · All Rights Are Reserved! · Powered by Custom Dev · Privacy Policy

WatchReviewBlog.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.