In-depth Review of the Breitling Chronomat Automatic GMT 40
Wednesday - 28 December 2022
Breitling has released a practical 40mm version of the Chronomat Automatic GMT 40 watch in a range of dial colours, complete with a steel-on-steel construction and fitted with an in-house calibre. The new Breitling Chronomat Automatic GMT 40 watches feature the recognisable onion-shaped crown, the rider tabs on the bezel and the stylish Rouleaux bracelet to complete their travel-oriented multi-purpose sports watch aesthetic.
Breitling’s Chronomat watch is a tried and tested model of success. Its distinctive design is underscored by a robust construction and some unique features that have gained it a cult status. The top models from the Breitling Chronomat collection include its GMT and chronograph complications powered by in-house developed calibres. Introduced back in 1941, the Chronomat has enjoyed a very successful 80 years. Some of the earliest models were outfitted with the slide rule bezel, which now features in the Navitimer watch collection. The range then went through an overhaul in 1984 and its distinctive design has remained near-on the same ever since. These Breitling Chronomat watches that we have all come to know and love feature the onion-shaped crown and the four raised bezel rider tabs at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. Inspired closely by this earlier 1984 watch, however, are the models from Breitling’s 2020 line-up. Closer than ever before to these models, Breitling equipped the Chronomat with a Rouleaux bracelet, integrated into the case and with narrow, rounded links. Carried over from these earlier models were the adjustable rider tabs. Placed by the 15 and 45-minute locations on the bezel, these rider tabs can be swapped depending on whether you require a count-down or count-up feature.
The GMT version of the Breitling Chronomat is considered the Swiss company’s tribute to travel. Liked for its subtle dial colours and its ability to track two timezones at once, its all-steel design is paired with a steel Rouleaux bracelet that looks dressy for the evening, yet sophisticated enough for the office too. Aside from the dial colours themselves, the red GMT hand is the only other vivid injection of colour, letting its arrow-tipped profile guide the way to effortless dual timezone-tracking. In terms of the case, the new Breitling Chronomat Automatic GMT 40 watches are crafted from a mix of brushed and polished stainless steel and offer 200-meter water resistance. Their 40mm size is practical for all air-bound or business pursuits, with a fluted dome-shaped crown to make easy adjustments whilst on the go.
The new Breitling Chronomat Automatic GMT 40 watches for 2022
The new Breitling Chronomat Automatic GMT 40 watches come in four new dial colours; black, white, blue and green. Each model measures a case diameter of 40mm, lending itself a more practical and manageable size for slender wrists. The new Breitling Chronomat Automatic GMT 40 watches are also water resistant to 200 meters and feature a screwed-in caseback and a screw-down crown to help assist with this. Their integrated Rouleaux bracelets that secure to the wrist with a butterfly clasp are engraved with the Breitling logo and are finished in a mix of brushed and polished effects.
The black, green, white, and blue dial colours of the new Breitling Chronomat Automatic GMT 40 watches are clean and crisp and shoot a punch of colour to the forefront of the design. The display remains faithfully uncluttered, lending to an easy-to-read layout with luminous-treated hour indexes and hands that guide the way during the night. The red arrow-tipped GMT hand glides over the surface of each dial, referencing a tone-on-tone 24-hour scale around the flange. At the 6 o’clock location and balancing well with the Breitling logo and lettering at 12 o’clock is a date window at 6 o’clock. By far, the white and black dials of the new Chronomat watch are the most classic of all, whilst the deep blue and rich green displays feel much bolder and sportier.
Inside the robust case construction of the new Breitling Super Chronomat Automatic GMT 40 watches for 2022 is the Breitling Calibre 32. Having powered the Breitling Colt GMT, the Superocean Steelfish GMT and the Avenger II GMT, the movement is a reliable travel-friendly engine that has enjoyed a good run throughout the company’s catalogue. Its design is based on the architecture of the ETA 2893-2, performing at 28,800 vibrations per hour and delivering a 42-hour power reserve.
If you’d like more information on the blue, white, green or black dial versions of the new Breitling Chronomat Automatic GMT 40, you can view the new range here, or call and speak to a member of our sales team on 01335 453453
