Breitling Chronomat Watches

*Click for a larger imageIn 1969, Breitling developed the first self-winding chronograph movement, the Caliber 11, a mechanism fitted with a mainspring wound by means of an off-centered oscillating weight. This invention led to the development of a whole range of chronographs named Chrono-Matic, identifiable by the crown being placed on the left, a distinctive characteristic resulting from the modular movement construction.The Navitimer Chrono-Matic is now being re-issued in a limited series of 1,000 pieces in stainless steel and 100 in 18kt yellow gold.Movement is the automatic Breitling Caliber 41LC (Left Crown), an officially certified chronometer beating at 28,000 vibrations per hour, with 38 jewels.The 42.5mm case is water resistant to 30 meters. The rotating bezel has a circular slide rule. The Crystal is sapphire, glare-proofed on both sides. It is available in a strap or with the Navitimer metal bracelet.9/12/03

TweetEmailThe Breitling Emergency has got to be one of the most unique watches I’ve ever seen. Breitling primarily makes watches for aviation professionals, and therefore outfits them with appropriate functionality like chronographs, circular slide rules, multiple time zones, etc. But these are all features designed to keep you in the air, on course, and on time. What about a feature designed to offer pilots and crew members assistance when they encounter the unexpected? That’s where the Breitling Emergency comes in.The most salient feature of the Breitling Emergency is its ability to broadcast an emergency distress signal. Unscrew the protective cap on the right side of the case, fully extend the antenna, and the Breitling Emergency will broadcast on the 121.5 MHz aircraft emergency frequency for a full 48 hours. The range of the transmission is about 100 miles, which seems reasonably impressive for a watch. An interesting technique might be to outfit an entire crew with these watches, then in the event of an emergency, spread out to create a combined coverage area of several hundred miles.Be careful when showing the Breitling Emergency to your friends, however. Apparently, the FAA will slap you with a $15,000 fine if you broadcast a false distress call which will probably result in you having to sell your expensive watch.For more information, check the Emergency out on Breitling’s site.By Christian Cantrell