Photo by Jonathan Mauer (CC BY 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons · Breitling Chronomat B13050 (18K + steel), same Chronomat case family as the B01 42; the B01 42 is the current-generation in-house caliber variant.

Chronomat

Breitling’s sport-chronograph line, launched 1984 with the Frecce Tricolori commission for the Italian Air Force aerobatic team, defined by the rouleaux rouleaux-bracelet (rounded-link "bullets") and the rider tabs on the bezel. The 2020 generation revived the early-1980s case proportions in 42mm with the in-house Breitling 01 chronograph caliber.

Year introduced: 19841 reference

References in this family

Breitling Chronomat B01 42 · AB0134101C1A1
luxurymodernBreitling Cal. 01 -- in-house automatic chronograph, 28,800bph, 70h PR, 47j; column-wheel, vertical clutch; COSC-certified; used in Navitimer, Chronomat, Premier42mm2020–presenteditorial
Open

Which ref to buy

The Chronomat was Breitling's primary sport chronograph through the 1980s and 1990s -- chunky, tool-like, with the distinctive rider tabs on the bezel. It has always been the heftier, more assertive alternative to the Navitimer. The B01-powered version modernizes the core concept without losing the tool-watch character.

1
Breitling Chronomat B01 42 · AB0134101C1A1Buy
Chronomat B01 42 -- the modern Chronomat with the best movement Breitling makes.
The case for it:
Cal. B01, 42mm, rider tab bezel -- the formula is correct. The Chronomat's proportions at 42mm are better balanced than the older 44mm versions. For buyers who want Breitling's tool-watch identity with a manufacture movement, this is the correct starting point.
Consider instead if:
The Chronomat is a substantial watch -- 14.9mm thick, prominent bezel, unambiguous sports DNA. Buyers wanting versatility should consider the Premier instead.
Open

Rankings last reviewed 2026-06-07. Editorial perspective only. Not financial advice.

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