The Breitling Chronomat B01 Oceania Limited Edition
This year, Breitling commemorates its impressive 140th anniversary—a milestone worthy of a great celebration. True to its distinctive style, the renowned Swiss watchmaker is embarking on a year-long celebration, blending tribute and innovation by revisiting and reimagining some of the iconic timepieces that define its storied history. With its heritage rooted in invention, precision, and an unyielding dedication to excellence, Breitling’s anniversary festivities honour its illustrious past while reaffirming its commitment to advancing the art of watchmaking.
As a long-time supporter and authorised retailer of Breitling in Australia, we are privileged to play an active role in these celebrations. Today, we announce that Breitling has chosen Watches of Switzerland as its presale partner for the stunning new Chronomat B01 Oceania Limited Edition. From the 9th of October, this sure to be sought after model will be available for pre-sale exclusively from Watches of Switzerland, with deliveries expected to begin from mid-October. Read on to learn more about this exciting release and how you can have the possibility of getting one on your wrist.
The Breitling Chronomat B01 Oceania Limited Edition
Considered by many to be Breitling’s “original” tool watch, the Chronomat came to market in 1941 and was the first model to feature Breitling’s revolutionary slide rule. A complete overhaul of the model in the 1980s based on a special edition designed for the Frecce Tricolori (the highly regarded aerobatic demonstration team of the Italian Air Force) saw it reborn as a robust yet stylish timekeeper synonymous with rugged durability and high-performance chronograph functionality. Updated again in 2020, the modern Chronomat is now Breitling’s stylish all-rounder, still robust but with slightly softer edges, making it the ideal choice for nearly any occasion.
A Breitling Chronomat is instantly recognisable by the four Chronomat rider tabs that adorn its unidirectional rotating bezel, the onion-shaped crown, and, of course, the famed Rouleaux bracelet. For the new Chronomat B01 Oceania Limited Edition, Breitling incorporates all these elements and pairs them with an exclusive, matte ‘Arctic’ white dial with black sub-dials. Colloquially known as a ‘Panda’ dial configuration, it is beloved by collectors due to its historic significance (dating back to the 1960s), functional benefit (increased legibility) and overall aesthetic appeal (it just looks so darn good).
The time is displayed centrally, along with chronograph seconds, while the running seconds and chronograph timers are shown on the sub-registers at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. For this limited edition, all hands and indices feature the same monochromatic finish, with white lume for maximum legibility in low-light conditions. The date appears via an aperture at 6 o’clock. Completing the look is a tachymetre scale on the dial flange in contrasting black.
All this is wrapped up in a 42mm stainless steel case with sapphire caseback and paired with a black Rouleaux rubber strap complete with folding clasp. On the rear side of the watch the inner workings and fine finishing of the Manufacture Calibre B01 are on display. The discreet “One of 140” engraving on the exhibition caseback is the only subtle nod to this release’s exclusivity, truly making it one of those “if you know, you know” pieces.
Make It Yours
Available only in Australia and New Zealand, the Breitling Chronomat B01 Oceania Limited Edition will be produced in a series of just 140 pieces. Once they are gone that’s it. So, don’t miss out on this rare opportunity to be a part of Breitling’s anniversary celebrations and add a desirable yet eminently wearable limited edition timepiece to your collection. Take advantage of the exclusive pre-sale at Watches of Switzerland, starting from today, the 9th of October and reserve your allocation now.