The Breitling Chronomat 44 GMT - Tiny, but not reduced.
Seeing the light of day for the first time at Baselworld 2012 is the new one-size-fits-all Breitling Chronomat 44 GMT.
Breitling Chronomat 44 GMT
Perhaps not as flashy as some of the brand's other show offerings, the Chronomat model has remained a firm favourite since it's inception in the early 1940s among travellers who require a reliable, unfussy instrument to facilitate timekeeping across many timezones and who are perhaps less inclined to use their possessions to showboat.
Indeed the Chronomat has been an important element in the Breitling armoury down the years, quietly accounting for a large proportion of sales against it's more obvious sibling, the Breitling Navitimer.
This year's edition is presented in a 'modest' 44mm stainless steel case and promises - according to the Breitling press release - to 'conquer all wrist sizes on all continents', although I think 44mm is still a sizeable watch on a more diminutive wrist, so I'm not so certain about that factual accuracy of the above claim.
The Breitling Chronomat 44 GMT contains the in-house COSC chronometer Calibre 4 automatic movement, which simplifies the changing of hours on location by thumbing the crown back or forwards, while the red arrow-tipped GMT/second timezone pointer remains in position to display the time back home. Rotating the brushed steel bezel offers one further timezone setting.
Breitling Chronomat 44 GMT
The Chronomat 44 GMT is available on this nice crocodile leather strap as well as a choice of perforated or ridged rubber or the classic pilot's bracelet. I do think I like the added little detail of the square outlined within the circular confines of the dial, exaggerated by the cut of the applied steel hour markers. However, as always with the Chronomat model, it is very nicely laid out with all features and functions being clearly legible and easy to use.
So, whilst the Chronomat 44 GMT may remain the understated member of the Breitling family, it is a pleasant modern rendition of a model which today enjoys classic status and will be the first choice for many a discerning traveller.
I'm still not so sure that it's the watch for all wrists on all continents though.... smaller it might be, but small it is not!
