Breitling’s new super-limited anniversary Chronomat B01 is coming to Australia and New Zealand
In honour of Breitling’s 140th birthday, you’re getting a present, Australia and New Zealand: a pair of new, limited-edition Chronomat B01 watches.
Breitling has unveiled two exclusive Chronomat B01 42 limited editions, designed specifically for Australia and New Zealand. This new and super-hard-to-come-by timepiece echoes Breitling’s obsession with precision and style.
The anniversary edition takes the classic Chronomat’s versatile design and adds a fresh twist. featuring a matte white dial with contrasting black subdials and sleek monochrome accents. 
The iconic “onion” crown and the robust rouleaux-inspired rubber strap bring the watch’s aeronautical roots to the front. The four raised rider tabs mark the bezel for easy functionality either when you’re mid-flight or sitting in your first-class cabin seat.
The sapphire crystal caseback showcases the Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01, a COSC-certified movement renowned for its 70-hour power reserve and mechanical complexity.
Each model is distinctly numbered—only 140 pieces of the standard edition are available. If you see one in the wild, you know they know their watches.
If you’re someone looking for something even more exclusive from Breitling, it also has a stepped-up model. The second edition is limited to just 25 pieces, adorned with 112 natural diamonds on the bezel, adding a touch of sparkle to an already remarkable timepiece. Shiny!
I got hands on with the Breitling Chronomat B01 at the Navitimer launch when it was refreshed in 2022, and they’re absolutely incredible watches. On first glance, you’d think they were very bulky to wear on the wrist, but the mechanical movement reduces thickness and weight to make it super practical.
This new anniversary edition is a brilliant new member of the Chronomat lineup.
Pricing
The 140-piece anniversary model will start at just over $12,000 AUD.
The 25-piece super-exclusive diamond-gemset model meanwhile will set you back $23,000 AUD.
Both go on sale in limited quantities (obviously) in early-October 2024. To reserve one, you’ll need to head into your nearest Breitling boutique to either take a look or selected jewellers.
What is the Breitling Chronomat?
Breitling’s Chronomat first broke ground in 1983, shaking up the watch world as the official timepiece of Italy’s elite Frecce Tricolori aerial squadron. The latest limited editions of the Chronomat B01 continue this penchant for trailblazing design, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate both history and innovation. Available only in Oceania, Breitling says that “the Chronomat B01 42 Country Editions blend vintage inspiration with contemporary flair, designed for those who live life on their own terms”. Sure sounds like a groundbreaker’s kind of watch!
