Spotlight2015: The latest from Breitling

2015 has been the year for amazing watch launches, and Breitling isn’t far behind. From recreating timeless classics to inventing path breaking technology, here are the latest offerings from the watchmaking giant:

Transocean Chronograph 1915:

Celebrating the first ever independent chronograph, the 1915 Transocean Chronograph is a tribute to the revolution created by Breitling itself.

Pocket Chronographs were fairly popular in the early 1900’s, a stylish timepiece complimenting any waist coat and used mostly for timekeeping, coming with one pushpiece and regular start –stop, reset functions. Breitling was the first to offer the same functionality in a wrist watch but relocationg the instrument from a waistcoat pocket to the wrist was never going to be easy. However, they made the transition unnoticeable with an ingenious idea.

Breitling suggested a pushpiece that controlled all the chronograph operations and was completely independent of the crown. They tactfully kept the pushpiece at 2 o’clock where the thumb or forefinger naturally rests. This feature was perfected over the years by Breitling and was subsequently patented by them too.

To celebrate hundred years of achieving this milestone, they recreated the 1915 chronograph with an exclusive new B14 Manufacture Calibre movement and the rare design of the 1915 pushpiece.

And did we tell you it’s limited to ‘1915’ pieces for the world.

Galactic Unitime Sleek T:

Worldtimers are the most popular buys for travelers and business professionals, since they have to keep a track of multiple time zones and want it all on their wrists. Breitling unveiled the Galactic Unitime Sleek T, calling it a “Double Revolution” in the era of modern worldtimers.

So what are these two revolutions?

Firstly:

They are powering the watch with a brand new automatic caliber B35, which is Breitling’s first in house movement since the debut of the B01. What’s special you ask? The B35 movement focuses on an easy to use world time feature, which is unlike any other world timer out there. Distinguished by its simple operation, all the user needs to do is pull out the crown and turn it forwards or backwards in one-hour increments, and that is enough to correct all the dial indications in one smooth move, including automatic adjustment of the date to local time. Revolutionary to say the least! (Patented too) The B35 is also certified by the COSC.

The second most ‘Revolutionary’ aspect of this watch is what lies outside. The material is made of tungsten carbide, claimed to be “Ultra resistant” and at least five times harder than steel, a fitting inclusion to the worldtimer.

All in all, the watch is an absolute stunner and created a lot of buzz during the Baselworld 2015 launch. The watch was praised by connoisseurs across the world for its great design, superior features and truly “revolutionary” technology.

Bentley GMT Light Body:

The B04 Bentley GMT by Breitling was also introduced to the world in Baselworld 2015 as a distinguished addition to the “Breitling for Bentley” collection. Equipped with an ultra-light titanium case, the B04 has a very ‘British’ touch to it as far as design of the watch is concerned with asymmetrical lugs, black rubber strap, ergonomic push pieces and a bezel inspired heavily by Bentley.

The watch comes in two versions: Midnight Carbon  featuring a highly resistant black carbon case and the Light Body B04 – featuring a natural titanium case and available in black or silver dial options.

The watch is driven by a B04 caliber with a rotating inner-bezel bearing the names of 24 cities, a useful feature for frequent travelers. The case back is transparent with the Bentley logo, for one to admire the caliber of this watch.

Superocean II:

The new Superocean was launched to set a new benchmark in terms of precision and reliability of water resistant watches. Despite it’s relatively “small” size, as Breitling describes it to be, the watch proves to be a pocket sized super watch, offering water resistance up to 200 meters (or 600 feet), courtesy it’s superior build quality of an ultra-sturdy polished steel case and screw locked crown.

Additional features of the watch include a unidirectional rotating bezel and ultra luminescent markers for legibility under the sea or in the dark. The dial appears to have large-rounded numerals and oversized hands accentuated by luminescent coatings.

Coming in a variety of dial and strap options, the watch surely looks to set new waves in super diving watches.

B55 Connected:

If anyone can recall, Breitling presented Caliber B50 in 2014, an electronic multifunction chronograph movement with analog and digital displays, adding a new dimension in the evolution of calibers used in watches. The motor served to be very useful for pilots with an array of multiple features like memorizing departure and arrival times, a temperature sensor that changed the movement rates according to the climatic conditions, and a lot more. Who would have known it was created keeping even greater innovations in mind –  a mission Breitling now say they have accomplished with the B55 Connected.

The watch Breitling B55 Connected combines smart watch technology with haute horlogerie in a partnership where the phone serves the watch instead of the other way round. Aimed at the aviator, Breitling’s approach with the B55 Connected was to create the company’s first connected chronograph, but instead of making the watch into a device for operating or reading data from the phone, the B55 uses the phone to operate the watch.

A phone app developed by Breitling would be used as an easy way to control the watch, such as setting alarms, changing time zones, adjusting display and operating parameters, and activating the night mode. The watch can also upload chronograph records to the phone for records, has an electronic tachometer, a countdown/count up system enabling a sequence of countdown and longer ‘Mission Elapsed Time’ operations, eminently aviation-oriented. The exclusive new Breitling Caliber B55, a SuperQuartz™ movement ten times more accurate than standard quartz, is chronometer-certified by the COSC.

The two ultra-legible LCD screens feature a high-intensity backlighting system, activated by pressing the crown – or when the user tilts his wrist at a more than 35° angle, particularly effective when the hands are busy. Running with a rechargeable battery system, the watch can charge itself via USB.

This is Breitling’s official answer to the world of smart watches and there’s no question as to who stands out.

The New Chronoliner:

The Breitling Chronoliner is an aviation themed watch that evokes images of that bygone era. Inspired heavily by old, traditional Breitling models of the 50’s and 60’s, the Chronoliner asserts itself as THE pilots watch to have.

No doubt that the watch is big! The case size of this watch is 46mm! The black bezel and panda dial have registers at 6, 9, and 12 instead of 3, 6, and 9 and the bezel is of the 24-hour variety instead of 12. Few additional upgrades include a scratch-resistant ceramic bezel, super-luminescent hands and markers, and a second time zone indicated by the red-tipped arrow hand.  Inside, you’ll find the Breitling Caliber 24,  known for its reliable movement, self winding and has a power reserve up to 42 hours. The Chronoliner is also COSC-certified.

Breitling say that they drew a lot of inspiration from vintage pieces in designing this aviator, which is evident looking at the piston pushers, the steel mesh bracelet and big case. All in all the New Chronoliner is a modern aviator watch, with an old-school spirit.

All the watches will be available on special request at Ethos Watch Boutiques.