Breitling Chronomat 44 GMT Automatic Chronograph Review (AB042011) - Perth WAtch

[@jspacone]

My favorite Breitling. As a time zone hopping pilot, it is my contention that this pretty the the pinnacle of mechanical pilot’s watches in terms of the feature set. My favorite feature is the jumping local hour hand, which makes changing time zones a breeze. It might not go with your suit, but I’m pretty sure it goes with my uniform! I do wish it were a tad smaller, however.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for that, great to hear this from a professional perspective! Indeed I believe this would go very well with a pilot uniform! :)

[@thomasont]

Nice informative watch review Ivan! Best regards!

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for that, and for your continued support :)

[@thomasont]

Likewise Ivan :-)

[@jamessmith6402]

Beautiful watch 👍 I've always fancied a Breitling Colt Quartz 44

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for that - the Colts are another popular line of theirs for sure!

[@stationplaza4631]

43 is the absolute max I can get away with on my 7" wrist, but is is still a beauty of a watch, Thanks Ivan.

[@PerthWAtch]

Yeah same for me, also 7" wrist... Oris Aquis Date 43mm just fits.

[@PerthWAtch]

Wow this phishing posts are getting very coordinated!

[@MrRockyslegacy]

Hi can you leave the chronograph hand running continuously

[@PerthWAtch]

Yes you can… but it would shorten the power reserve

[@samuelball8775]

Love Breitling watches. There's just something about them that are different. Its a tad bit big but as you say in a casual setting works well. Thanks for the review Ivan 👍

[@PerthWAtch]

I think it's their rather bold designs and often mostly polished finishes that give them that punch... not always a desirable feature but as another viewer commented, "watch porn" can be fun :)

[@samuelball8775]

@@PerthWAtch yeah I've tried a couple on and really like their diver and aerospace.

[@HellenicDomination]

I have loved them I have got 4 of them over the years they got some of the best cases around, but after a decade got tired of them. Quite thick, and heavy watches my Hercules was about 248 grams, the Cronomat 2 tone was about that as well, the Avenger Seaw. was 177gram without steel bracelet, and that Bentley was just too big around 200 grams as well....anyway, I wouldn;t say no to the new Chronomat.

[@TheSweede12]

I have an Avenger Seawolf with a grey dial. Probably not everyone's choice but I love it.

[@PerthWAtch]

I think the Avenger certainly has its own style, although does not enjoy the popularity of the Navitimer or Chronomat.

[@djackson8319]

I got the Seawolf it is an amazing time piece!

[@sfdiscovery]

Is this watch being discontinued? Please do let me know since I cannot find any information.

[@PerthWAtch]

I haven’t heard about that

[@sfdiscovery]

Someone from reliable source told me that this watch will be discontinued soon and the value of this watch will go double or triple in this year. This is Z Blue Milgaus So I thought of checking this from you since you a watch enthusiast

[@sandzobate6777]

There is also the 41mm version. Which is almost the same size like rolex daytona. The 41 breitling gmt ist the perfect size. And this is the most beautiful bezel breitling offers currently

[@PerthWAtch]

Chronomat GMT in 41mm?? I don’t think there’s such a thing... non-GMT models, yes.

[@anthonymartinez2982]

Lovely watch Breitling is the best specially the Chronomat

[@PerthWAtch]

I got a new Chronomat, about to review it. Keep an eye out :)

[@marcgoldbergdogtrainer]

That movement would drive me a bit crazy. Nice that has a proper gmt function with jumping hour hand. But it’s changing date at about 10 pm rather than 12 am. I imagine that only happens when adjusting the hour hand backwards but still weird. My Rolex Batman and Explorer 2 both change on 12. My Breitling Avenger 2 Gmt has a modified eta and you adjust the 24 hour hand independently. So this newer in house movement is a step forward. But maybe still a work in progress. I do love the overall design of this watch though.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for a detailed comment! I've not had the pleasure to handle a Rolex GMT myself... do you mean the date changes at 12 even when winding backwards? The date on this movement changes at 12 midnight when winding forward but as you noted it does flick over a bit later when going backward... that's not too big an issue for me, only critical that it changes at midnight when the watch it running.

[@tarjazz1]

Nice review, thanks. I personally prefer the old 40mm Chronomats for the smaller size. My own watch is the discontinued 40mm Colt GMT, without the chronograph and with an ETA movement. Even my Colt has unmistakable wrist presence, but at least it is somewhat more restrained.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for sharing that - sometimes I do miss the past days of more restrained sizings, with 42mm being a tasteful limit for me, and 40mm being a more proportional choice!

[@electrotab]

I’ve just bought a brand new Breitling Avenger Seawolf 2. Got it yesterday. It’s supposed to be a chronometer but out of the box it’s running 11 seconds per day fast! Not sure what to do. The A D is the other side of the country, so do I ask for a refund/replacement or take it to the local Breitling service centre and have it regulated. Very disappointed with it, although I do love the watch.

[@PerthWAtch]

Hi there - um, so you've timed it over the first 24 hours? I guess there are various factors to consider: 1. What was your reference? 2. How wound up was the watch? Even chronometer may run less than spec if on low reserve. In your position, I would run it for at least a week in various situations & positions, including some time on a winder, before making further conclusions as to its accuracy. If it really isn't to chronometer spec, you don't have to take it back to the AD you bought it from... any authorised service centre will do. Cheers!

[@electrotab]

Perth WAtch. Ok, thanks for the advice. It’s still running 10-13 spd fast. Will take it back. Thanks again.

[@PerthWAtch]

All the best!

[@sfdiscovery]

I just loved the GMT function which is way better than Rolex GMT Pepsi since I own Pepsi too but I kind of love Breitling

[@PerthWAtch]

How is the GMT function “way better”? Seems much the same functionality to me...

[@sfdiscovery]

I meant, the GMT of Breitling has more to offer such as Chronomat, the dial is also printed with additional time zone, whereas in Rolex you just have fancy dial and GMT hour marker. Even the Rolex GMT hour marker is not of high quality under microscope

[@PerthWAtch]

Printed with additional Timezone? What do you mean?

[@sfdiscovery]

@@PerthWAtch Rolex GMT has only 2 times zones one on the dial and the other on the bezel. However, the Breitling has 24HRS marking printed on the dial as well which enables the user to have 3 times zones. I hope I am able to explain you :) I will make the video sometime and you can check

[@PerthWAtch]

I think I know what you mean... but printing on dial is fixed and you can work out what the 24 mark is quite easily in your head (or at least I can) without needing the printing.

[@Vaco67]

I wear my standard chronomat on an elite silicone strap from Barton because the clasp bothered me so much. I think the rubber strap suits this model more as mine is the 500m water resistant model. I see it as an all around diver and not a dress watch as you said. So to me the strap looks perfect. Although it does feel very odd putting a $20 silicone strap on it and foregoing the beautiful bracelet. But that damn clasp...I can’t do it.

[@PerthWAtch]

I think that’s a pretty good choice - what colour silicone is yours?

[@Vaco67]

Perth WAtch I chose the light grey with black underside and a brushed steel buckle. My dial is dark blue with black subdials and tachy ring. I thought the light tone of the grey would help accentuate the dark tones on the dial as well as the polished markers and hands.

[@PerthWAtch]

Nice choice - I like the sound of that!

[@Vaco67]

Thank you! I love your channel! Stay safe!

[@gregarends2731]

I really don't mind the 44, I actually quit like it. I do however find the 54 tip2tip a bit outside the limit of my manly 7.5". Otherwise a gorgeous piece. The clasp is an other let down, though.

[@PerthWAtch]

Absolutely fair enough thoughts there I think. The lug to lug distance is also critical to consider.

[@dylvasey]

I've nearly bought this watch a number of times. The thing that has stopped me is the size, it's a shade too big with 42 being my own personal limit. I also feel it wears a little larger than its size, this compounds the issue.

[@PerthWAtch]

Yeah fair point - I think it does wear larger thanks partly to its finishing which gives rather massive wrist presence!

[@derekshearer9049]

7 3/4 for me and love a 40mm.

[@tillsy23]

This was the watch that started my addiction unfortunately my wrist is just too small to own one

[@PerthWAtch]

It is too big for many people I think, myself included. I got a much more demure Breitling in hand now - review out soon! :)

[@sfdiscovery]

I have just got one from Dubai and it’s amazing but i hand replaced the bracelet with leather strap

[@PerthWAtch]

Does it become too top heavy with a leather strap?

[@sfdiscovery]

@@PerthWAtch no, it’s much lighter and smooth on wrist. Although steel bracelet is good but I prefer leather. I got it Breitling leather strap from Local Dealer for about 170 US dollars

[@redajahrami1889]

I have two breitling watches, Average 2 GMT and Chronomat AB0110

[@PerthWAtch]

Nice! :)

[@fire_watch7735]

Great review of a fabulous heritage brand. Breitling have some beautiful pieces Navitimer, Super Ocean, Trans Ocean, etc. but they really have to refine their sizing and get focused on their best in their collection and cut bait with their losers IMHO. Also, they need new ownership that have a feel for their core brand and get rid of the investment bankers...

[@PerthWAtch]

Haha well said... can't say I know much about their current ownership actually. As for models, I felt that they have managed to cut this down a bit lately and don't have overly much now. Big contrast to something ridiculous like Invicta...!!

[@Angelovelato11]

Bello fratello un grande orologio

[@PerthWAtch]

What

[@saadadil3838]

What do the sundials mean and what do they do ?

[@PerthWAtch]

What sundials?

[@saadadil3838]

@@PerthWAtch lol I meant subdials*

[@PerthWAtch]

For info on sub-dials and much more, please watch the video

[@MrRockyslegacy]

I have the super avenger 2 was hopefully wanting this after

[@PerthWAtch]

Does this review change you view?

[@MrRockyslegacy]

@@PerthWAtch no makes me want it more… it’s a stunning watch and it will rocket in value

[@MrRockyslegacy]

Plus I’ve just bought one.. I paid £4325 hopefully it will hold its value

[@shipmate3577]

The Big 3: Rolex, Omega, and BREITLING. Beautiful watch. Breitling just needs to improve their pressed-metal clasps.. they are so 1990s.

[@PerthWAtch]

Yeah they really are some of the first names that come to mind when thinking Swiss watches. The clasp is just shocking though... you have to wonder why the heck it's like that! PS. How about BIG 4: the 3 you mentioned plus TAG Heuer! :D

[@krit5339]

Venturing outside Swiss brands, I reckon the big 3 now is Rolex, Omega, and Grand Seiko.

[@PerthWAtch]

Truly venturing outside Swiss, I might go A. Lange & Sohne, Breguet, and Grand Seiko!

[@krit5339]

@@PerthWAtch One thing for certain, they're each criminally underrated relative to their peers.

[@carminefriendly3703]

is it mirror polished? And how long you had it? does it scratch easily? Cause I would love to have chronomat 44mm

[@PerthWAtch]

Yeah it is, as shown in the video. I've had it over a year now, and yeah I'm pretty it will scratch if bumped, as it does not have any micron coating protection, etc.

[@carminefriendly3703]

@@PerthWAtch So you don't advice me to buy the one with steel, black dial? Cause I'm terrified of scratches cause its mirror polished.....its this one or a sub

[@PerthWAtch]

Sub is quite a different style and purpose I think, and while it is 904L steel, that will also scratch (although not as easily as 316L steel). If you don't like scratches perhaps consider either a ceramic case watch, or G-shock!

[@carminefriendly3703]

@@PerthWAtch scratches are inevitable for all watches, specially a everyday wear watch. Whats the point of buying a watch and bury it... I want to wear them at any occasion. And it has to blend in. sub is a perfect one, but breathing chronomat 44 mm is a mirir polished, thats terrifying me, I don't wear g chock or any cheap watches this will be my third watch, breathing chronomat 44 is beautiful piece, I don't want any other watches except sub or chronomat

[@PerthWAtch]

Mate you're contradicting yourself here... you said yourself that you're terrified of scratches. If you like the Breitling then get it. Yes there is a risk of scratching the mirror finish, but as you have again said, scratches are inevitable. FYI the side surfaces of the Sub are also mirror finish, in case you haven't seen one.

[@LightHumor99]

Says COSC on the certificate

[@PerthWAtch]

Yes it does

[@Angelovelato11]

Bello molto bello

[@PerthWAtch]

What?

[@fabioapolito5953]

@@PerthWAtchbeautiful is what he means. I agree.

[@PerthWAtch]

Ah very nice - thanks!

[@randyck]

God i would totally get this if it was a tad smaller

[@PerthWAtch]

Checkout my review of the current model Chronomat which is 42mm!

[@randyck]

​​@@PerthWAtchI've come back with news. I bought the watch, wrist size be damned, after watching this video and the one comparing with the speedy. Just waiting for it to arrive this Friday!

[@PerthWAtch]

@randyck that’s awesome man! What source did you get it from?

[@randyck]

​@@PerthWAtchthanks - I got it from Chrono24, it's on its way from Tokyo. I want to have it authenticated by Breitling just for peace of mind. I'm slightly anxious about the size (7 inch wrist) but at the end of the day, I love big watches. Pretty sure I single handedly added hundreds of views to your chronomat videos over the last couple months, so thanks for the content

[@randyck]

​@@PerthWAtch Chrono24! Just picked it up a couple hours ago, it's phenomenal. No regrets. It's big, and it's BEAUTIFUL. I can't stop staring at it

[@x201t]

wow

[@PerthWAtch]

yeah!

[@nightraker]

Decidedly lust worthy, for sure! Way, way out$ide my value zone, so not really in my future. I am crass enough that I'd wear it anywhere, gentlemanly good taste be damned. Like the Planet Ocean chrono or Cameron DSSD, the Chronomat is what I think of as a "Porno" watch: naked bling machines that I'll put on my to do list the very next time I win a lottery, but (sigh!) not before. I did burn my fu$e$ for a Certina DS chrono diver of similar size and homage of the Planet Ocean chrono but 80% le$$. At least that was my rationalization for the odor of burnt hair after I clicked on the buy button. 🤣😜😂

[@PerthWAtch]

Haha I love that... naked "porno" watch! And smell of burnt hair! :D

[@lulolee5325]

Say what you want, but Breitling is better more pleasant than Rolex. And it has authenticity card with unique number which is very relevant in today's world. Rolex doesn't have it, and many other brands don't have it.

[@PerthWAtch]

That's awesome... Breitling rocks!! ;)

[@lulolee5325]

Not only Breitling but also Grand Seiko, Omega, Zenith, IWC, Baume&Mercier, Rado, JLC, and Hublot. Thank you for understanding about Top wristwatch brands. Keep doing your job.

[@syndicatedsatellite7288]

Heavy looking cases with a light looking clasp looks unbalanced in any watch... What are these watch designers thinking?

[@PerthWAtch]

Yeah, precisely one of my biggest gripes about this piece...!

[@derekshearer9049]

I love their designs but soooooo big. I'm thinking 40mm the absolute max.

[@l4y58un1]

44 is too large for me too.. i think 42mm is max.. 40 is great size

[@PerthWAtch]

Yeah I agree, it does depend on your wrist size. If you're is 8.5 inch I think 44mm is fine... for me at 7 inch 42mm usually works fine but also depends on the lug-to-lug distance.

[@derekshearer9049]

@Pablo Rages. I have a seven and three quarter in wrist. I have watches 40 41 and 42. The 40 is perfect.

[@דןשלמה-ו7נ]

for me it's not a good watch, wearability is the first thing right after design that I looking in a watch. only after wearability I care about the movement.... 😀

[@PerthWAtch]

Wearability ✅ Design ✅ Movement ✅ Time to buy :)

[@paulo8001]

Wow, how is that worth 10 grand?? That's just a grand at most and only because of the movement.

[@PerthWAtch]

Swiss luxury watch price inflation of course! :). Check out Richard Mille for far more gratuitous examples (caution: take angina tablets first if you have them!) Seriously though I do not believe there is such a thing as a Swiss made in-house chronograph watch for under $4k so I reckon $1k expectation is simply fantasy...!

[@MrRockyslegacy]

You obviously no nothing about watches 👍

[@urieelSEptim]

no, breitling used their own movements for a long time. mostly in cooperation with heuer

[@PerthWAtch]

You're gonna have to quote some references for that to be credible... I have located multiple sources stating that the B01 which debuted 2009 is Breitling's first fully in-house movement. A modified movement originating from another manufacture is not considered in-house.

[@urieelSEptim]

Look up the chronomatic, developed by a community including Breitling. So it was their own movement, although they did not build them in-house - still something else than an eta. And btw one of the first automatic chronos, being available at the same time than the el primero. Besides having build the first Wristwatch Chronograph.

[@PerthWAtch]

The Chronomatic was indeed one of the first automatic chronographs, out in 1969. I covered some of the history in my Heuer Monaco review, but as you mentioned it was a collaborative development, hence most enthusiasts and experts do not consider it an in-house manufacture belonging to any of the involved companies, which also include Hamilton & Dubois-Depraz.

[@Javi_C]

:)

[@PerthWAtch]

;)

[@craig2100]

Nice, but big

[@PerthWAtch]

Breitling is like that... known for their big watches :)

[@craig2100]

@@PerthWAtch don't get me wrong, it's a beautiful watch. Just not for me.

[@PerthWAtch]

Not at all Craig... big watches like these aren't to everyone's taste or suitability, and certainly is also too large for me