Buffeted by the ebbs and flows of of the ever-changing whims of fashion, Breitling proves that solid, dependable watchmaking never goes out of style with this silver-tone stainless steel version of its signature Chronomat Evolution automatic timepiece. Originally created to equip the famous Frecce Tricolori flight team, the Chronomat has constantly evolved over the years, both technically and aesthetically, while retaining its unique style characterized by the rotating rider tab bezel. The self-winding Caliber 13 mechanical movement has a power reserve of 42 hours and has been certified as a highly precise chronometer by the Controle Officiel Suisse des Chronometres (or COSC, the official Swiss chronometer inspection body). It's topped by a ratcheted rotating bezel, and the white face is framed by a tachymeter (circular slide rule). The dial also includes large rectangular silver hour markers (with luminous tips), luminescent hands (with signature Breitling seconds hand), a date window at 3 o'clock, and three tonal chrono subdials. The chronograph can measure events to 1/4 of a second, and features 30-minute and 12-hour totalizers. It's matched to a handsome quintuple-link stainless steel bracelet band.
Breitling watches are all equipped with scratch-resistant sapphire crystals and glareproofed on both sides, which eliminates 95 percent of the reflections perceived by the naked eye. Other features include luminescent hour markers, a screw-locked crown, and water resistance to 300 meters (1000 feet).
Breitling watch cases are distinguished by their technical complexity, their high-end aesthetic appeal, and the quality of their finish. This watch's case is made of anti-magnetic, surgical grade 316L stainless steel, which will stand up to intensive use. And each Breitling dial has been designed to enable optimal read-off at a glance, like on an airplane's instrument panel. The dial is blanked from a brass plate and two cylindrical feet are soldered below to ensure it holds to the movement. Polishing operations, creating special effects, and electroplating are just some of the 50 operations required to make a Breitling dial.
Breitling is the world's only major watch brand to offer chronometer-certified movements on all its models. Only 3 percent of watches produced in Switzerland are "chronometer-certified." To achieve this highly coveted certification, the movements are subjected to numerous tests over a period of 15 consecutive days and nights, in five positions and at three different temperatures. The Breitling Caliber 13 is made up of more than 140 parts, most of them assembled by hand, and assembly comprises no less than 41 checkpoints. Adjusting the angle of lift of the pallets, centering the balance spring, poising the balance--all these operations are designed to enhance the performance of each movement.
An automatic (or self-winding) watch is fitted with a device (rotor) that automatically winds the spring by using the force of gravity. It needs no battery, but it will stop if you have been physically inactive for an extended period of time--as long as you're moving, the watch will stay powered. Swiss watchmaker Abraham-Louis Perrelet invented the self-winding mechanism in 1770. It worked on the same principle as a modern pedometer, and was designed to wind as the owner walked.
About Breitling
Louis Breitling founded his watch company in 1884 in St Imier with the specific purpose to develop chronographs and counters for scientific and industrial applications. In the early 19th century, Breitling expanded into creating high-quality timing instruments for automobiles and airplanes, beginning a long history of creating timing instruments for the aviation industry. In 1952, the Navitimer was launched, a wrist watch equipped with a so called "navigation computer" that allowed pilots to calculate flight plans. In 1962, the 24-hour Cosmonaute chronograph was released, and this watch was worn by Scott Carpenter when he flew America's second ever manned orbital flight in the Aurora 7.
Breitling has also been at the forefront in advancing the mechanics of the chronograph timepiece. In 1923, it was the first watch manufacturer to introduce an independent push piece for the chronograph, enabling the start and return-to-zero function (previously performed by the winding-crown). Then in 1934, Breitling added a second push piece to the chronograph enabling either cumulative or incremental time recording.
