ReviewThe Breitling Premier B01 Chronograph 42: A Modern-Retro Masterpiece

Breitling doesn’t really require an introduction. The name has been synonymous with fine watchmaking since the 1800s. But with CEO Georges Kern at its helm, Breitling has released a number of exquisite watches with a refreshing change in the design language, as an endeavour to reimagine the image of the brand, while also staying true to its glorious past. Among a slew of timepieces that have been introduced lately, watches from the Premier collection have stood out for a number of reasons.

“The new Premier models allow us to reflect on our impressive past,” Kern had stated while introducing the new collection. Harking back to the early Breitling Premier watches from the 1940s, the new Premier collection is more of a reinterpretation than just a simple reissue. The Premier of the past had its focus on pure elegance and grace, while its modern counterpart has its sights set on functionality as well. The new series has four core models: the B01 Chronograph 42, the Chronograph 42, Automatic 40, and the Automatic Day-Date 40. What we’re going to be focusing on is the B01 Chronograph 42, which is unquestionably our favourite pick of the lot.

With its functional design, this watch would not look out of place in any black and white photograph, and its vintage appeal shines through

Vintage Aesthetic

‘Modern retro’ is how the brand describes the B01 Chronograph. This is perfect timing, since the general populace goes gaga over anything neo-retro that hits the market these days. Pictured here is a watch fondly known as the B01 Chronograph ‘panda’, owing to the contrast between the dial and sub-dials. It has a 42mm steel case with a multi-step bezel and pushers integrated at the sides, along with a prominent crown. The dial is well laid-out and beautifully proportioned. Even though there are a plethora of features, such as the chronograph sub-dials, a tachymeter, and a date window, it’s all perfectly legible. With a thickness of 13.65mm, the watch wears wonderfully on the wrist.

The bezel of the Premier B01 Chronograph has a unique multi-step design

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Even though the watch packs a number of functions, the design is uncluttered and perfectly legible

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Along with a prominent crown, the case also has two pushers for the chronograph function

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01

Modern Mechanics

What powers this handsome watch is the equally impressive in-house manufacture Breitling calibre 01. This is a well-constructed, reliable movement that has 47 jewels and beats at a frequency of 4Hz. This gives it a long power reserve of 70 hours. Apart from the regular list of features, this watch also has an instantaneously jumping minute counter, which isn’t a common feature in other chronographs.

Perfect Balance

While the watch draws parallels from its past, the B01 Chronograph is undeniably modern and elegant. It walks the fine line between the brand’s two principal patrons—the ones smitten by Breitling’s rich heritage and vintage designs, and those who love the brand for their technologically-driven perspective.