On the 30th anniversary of the release of iconic Choromat, Breitling introduced Chronomat Airborne at Baselworld 2014 with panda and reverse panda dial. The one on my hand is 41mm which I believed would fit most Asian wrist.
The most beautiful part to me is the panda dial in a lovely milky white colour with yellowish lume. A perfect match for vintage lover. I am impressed with the perfect scale and alignment of words, numbers and font on the dial, making the whole thing looks tidy.
The panda is powered by Breitling B01 movement, an in-house and C.O.S.C workhouse. It had proven reliable and accurate as what is needed as a pilot watch.
Story behind the purchase?
I was in search of an automatic chronograph for daily use, better with in house movement after selling my old “Broad arrow”. Breitling had been flashed in my mind.
Chronomat had been on my list for quite some time for its uniqueness in the pilot watch market. They offered a hugh amount of models and editions with different movement (B01, 7750, 2892 with modules), dials and bezels. But I had never met one that catch my taste. Honestly, the numbered bezel in “cartoon” font and the square shadows offered by many standard versions of Chronomat was the main reasons I didn’t pull the trigger in the past.
Panda dial is a magic in the industry, they can always draw attention, charging a high price with better resell value. Breitling had done a good job on “Airborne”, both on 41mm or 44mm.
During my watch hunt in the Tokyo trip, I had tried on both reverse panda and panda dial. Sadly is the metal strap is a bit too thick and heavy, I had chosen the nato strap instead. Panda dial had won the battle.
What I love
Milky panda dial is rare in the market
Unique and eyes catching
All thing are mixed and matched well
Reliable and chronometer grade in house movement
Match with many different straps (metal, leather, nato)
Waterproof up to 300m, making it a perfect everyday watch
5-years warranty had proven Breitling’s confidence in their in-house movement
The last generation of Breitling Chronomat still with wing logo
What I complain
A bit thick, feeling discomfort after wearing whole day
Domed glass makes it easier to get scratched
The buckle is bulky
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