This is what I would call a nice line extension. In this article from my blog, Watch-Insider.com, I offer a look at three newly released Breitling watches (or “Instruments for Professionals,” as Breitling would call them): the Breitling Transocean Chronograph Edition, Breitling Chronomat 44 Raven, and Breitling Galactic 44.
The Breitling Replica Transocean Chronograph Edition plays with the history of Breitling. Inspired by a model from 1958 (an ultra-precise, anti-shock, anti-magnetic and super-water-resistant watch that was released during the boom in intercontinental air travel), the Transocean reflects the spirit of great journeys and luxury long-haul aircraft. The watch features a two-tone dial with two vintage-style counters, and a double caseback complete with a cover. The Breitling Transocean Chronograph Edition limited series reinterprets the “contemporary-classic” style of the Transocean line; it is a tribute to Breitling’s long history of making chronographs.
Specs:
Movement: Breitling manufacture Calibre 01; officially chronometer-certified by COSC; self-winding; frequency = 28,800 vph; 47 jewels; 70-plus-hour power reserve; 1/8th second chronograph and 30-minute totalizer; calendar Case: Steel; water-resistant to 100 meters/330 ft.; convex sapphire crystal, glareproofed on both sides; double caseback with transparent sapphire crystal; diameter = 43 mm
Dial: Mercury silver
Straps/bracelets: Barenia leather, crocodile leather, Military/Ocean Classic.
Price: $9,695 on steel Ocean Classic
The Replica Breitling Chronomat 44 Raven belongs to the Chronomat family that was launched in 1984. The Breitling Chronomat has established itself as among the most reputable Swiss-made mechanical chronographs, valued for its precision, sturdiness, readability, and functionality, as well as outstanding water resistance. Breitling now issues this model in a special series accentuating its technical, masculine style. The satin-brushed steel case is entirely clad in black, with a high-resistance carbon-based coating matching the rubber strap. The unidirectional rotating bezel features orange rubber inlaid numerals creating a powerful and highly legible contrast. The same bright orange touches appear on the inner bezel, the chronograph seconds hand, and the counter pointers.
Specs:
Movement: Breitling manufacture Caliber 01, officially chronometer-certified by COSC; self-winding; frequency = 28,800 vph, 47 jewels, 70-hour-plus power reserve; 1/8th second chronograph with 30-minute and 12-hour totalizers; calendar.
Case: Black steel; water-resistant to 200 meters/660 ft.; screw-locked crown and push pieces; unidirectional ratcheted rotating bezel; domed sapphire crystal, glareproofed on both sides; transparent sapphire crystal caseback; diameter = 44 mm
Dial: Onyx Black
Straps: Rubber Diver Pro or Ocean Racer
Price: $9,825
Rounding out the trio, the Breitling Replica Galactic 44 is a sporty, versatile and sophisticated model, intended for all those whose activities do not necessarily require chronograph functions, but who are nonetheless looking for a watch that is at once sturdy, accurate and reliable. Adding to the 41-mm self-winding version and the two 36-mm and 32-mm ladies’ models already on the market, Breitling now introduces a new, larger-sized watch to the collection. In adopting a 44-mm diameter, the Galactic has strengthened its technical and masculine appeal. The unidirectional rotating bezel has a satin-brushed finish and is enhanced with black, rubber-inlaid hour-markers, while the dial features two apertures for the day and date at 12 o’clock and 3 o’clock, respectively, along with a compass scale and a graduated scale with 1/100th-hour divisions on the inner bezel.
Specs:
Movement: Breitling Caliber 45 (the base is either an ETA or Sellita); officially chronometer-certified by COSC; self-winding; 28,800 vph, 25 jewels; day/date calendar
Case: Steel; water-resistant to 200 meters/660 ft.; unidirectional, ratcheted rotating bezel with compass scale; domed sapphire crystal, glare proofed on both sides; diameter = 44 mm
Dials: Trophy black, Metallica blue, Sierra silver.
Straps/Bracelet: leather, crocodile leather, rubber Diver Pro, Military/Pilot
Price: $4,850 on rubber strap
