Mon 16 Feb 2015
The first totally new watch line from Breitling in a couple years, dubbed the Chronoliner. This new watch is hard for me to place. I’m excited because it is kind of vintage looking, with a couple neat features like the ceramic bezel. It also uses the Navitimer World case as a base and is available with the optional navitimer bracelet in addition to the Ocean Racer.
The authentic flight captain’s watch
A chronometer-certified chronograph to measure flight times, a second timezone display in 24-hour mode to juggle time differences around the planet, a scratch-resistant high-tech black ceramic bezel: the new Chronoliner reinterprets the spirit of aviation in an original and timeless style.
Across more than half a century, aviation has enjoyed spectacular progress. Planes’ performances have reached dizzying heights. The instrument panels featuring pointer-type counters and manual controls of the Super Constellation aircraft and the first jets have given way to computer screens and electronic joysticks. But two things have remained unchanged: flight captains still wear the same prestigious uniform; and a Breitling chronograph continues to sit proudly on their wrist.
Inspired by a model from the 1950s and 60s, an era when Breitling was already an “official supplier to world aviation”, the new Chronoliner continues this tradition in a resolutely modern spirit. Its most distinctive feature is a broad bezel in scratch-resistant high-tech ceramic – one of the hardest synthetic materials – with a star-shaped cut-out to facilitate handling, along with white ceramic numerals ensuring an optimal contrast. The second timezone is clearly and simply read off thanks to the red-tipped hand and this rotating bezel with its graduated 24-hour scale, equipped with an ultra-precise ratcheted system. Just the ticket for a long-haul flight anywhere in the world. The performances of the chronograph, which is officially chronometer-certified by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute) like all Breitling movements, are displayed on counters at 12, 9 and 6 o’clock. The dial is distinguished by a degree of legibility worthy of the finest flight instruments, with white luminescent hour-markers standing out against a black background, oversized hour/minute hands, along with counter hands also featuring a luminescent coating. The robust polished steel case with its 46 mm diameter radiates a strong presence on the wrist of professionals. The caseback bears the stylized planes that were a longtime Breitling signature. The original and timeless touch is complemented by a comfortable and distinctive steel mesh bracelet. The new Chronoliner: the authentic flight captain’s watch.
