Home » Breitling Watches » Baselworld 2012 Preview – Breitling Chronomat GMT 44 Watch, a New Smaller Incarnation with the Third Time Zone
As the preparation for the most significant event in the watchmaking industry heats up, most major watchmaking brands are announcing their new models that will be unveiled at Baselworld 2012. One of them is a high end timepiece company Breitling that has announced a new smaller version of its Chronomat GMT model. Unlike the older available Breitling Chronomat GMT wristwatch that has the diameter of 47 mm, the new latest version called Chronomat GMT 44 is 3 mm narrower. The smaller diameter is supposed to increase the appeal and to provoke interest among more watch aficionados. In addition to smaller size, the new incarnation of the watch is made with the inclusion of the third time zone.
Still, there are no major changes to the basic functions of the Chronomat GMT. Just like its predecessor that appeared at the start of the last year, it will run on Breitling’s in-house designed and constructed B04 caliber. It is the second proprietary movement that followed its initial own-made mechanism B01 that was launched two years before. Unlike most firms that decide to make simpler three hand models at the commencement of their venture with proprietary movements, Breitling decided to have a more ambitious start and made a 1/4th of a second column-wheel chronograph. The following B04 caliber, the second caliber by the brand, is based on the fist in-house mechanism. However, as a logical step forward, it was equipped with an additional GMT complication.
B04 caliber by Breitling is a mechanical self-winding movement that is chronometer-certified by the COSC (Contrôle Official Suisse des Chronomètres or the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute translated to English). It has the frequency of 28,800 vph (or 4Hz). The beating heart of the watch holds 47 jewels and allows the power reserve of at least 70 hours.
Third Time Zone on the Bezel
Apart from timekeeping functions, 1/4th of second chronograph (with 30 minute and 12 hours sub dials), a date display and a GMT hand that shows the 2nd time zone, the new Chronomat GMT 44 is supplied with the indication of time in the third time zone. This feature is operated through the use of its bi-directional ratcheted bezel, engraved with elegant numerals.
As it is customary for Breitling, there are quite a few available options for color of the dial: sierra silver, onyx black, metallica brown, metallica blue, blackeye blue and blackeye gray. The face of Chronomat GMT includes Arabic numerals and it is supplied with a tachymetric scale on the flange, while its legibility is enhanced with Superluminova luminous treatment on its hands and hour markers.
As it is of upmost importance for a timepiece with multiple time zones, Chronomat GMT 44 enables its wearer to move effortlessly through zones by simple procedure of pulling and turning its screw-locked crown (in either direction), without compromising the accuracy of the timekeeping function. Unlike its predecessor that had really impressive water resistance of 500 meters, the new edition has reduced resilience to pressure. However, with the ability to be water proof up to 200 meters below surface it can be classified as a diving watch.
Just like it is the case with the dial, there are also various options for the bracelet. Breitling will enable its customers to choose among two types of leather straps (Barenia and crocodile), two kinds of rubber bands (Ocean Racer with circular perforations and Diver Pro with raised central ridge) and a stainless steel Pilot bracelet.
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