What Inspired the Chronomat Design?

[Syd]

As we all know, the Chronomat is the reference standard among all the Breitling models. Originally created to equip the famous Freece Tricolori flight team, it retains her unique style characterized by its rotating rider-tab and graduated unit bezel, domed-shaped push buttons & crown, dial instrumentation, and the famous slanted flip lock clasp. All of which are inspired from aviation, as we shall see some comparison shots ...

Dome shaped push buttons and crown inspired by prop hubs:

Slanted flip lock clasp inspired by a plane rudder:

Graduated unit bezel inspired by prop engine (front view as pictured):

Profiled watch case inspired by wingspan:

And lastly, the busy dial inspired by cockpit instrumentation:

 

[supermanx]

Nice comparisions, something I'm surprised we haven't seen from the resident breitling nut by-tor.

 

[willster]

nice post and a great watch

 

[lan61t]

nice info, thanks for sharing.

 

[bimmerdriver17]

I enjoyed this comparison....very nice.

 

[alwayslate]

Good eyes! Makes me appreciate my BCE so much more.

 

[Bronzy]

I enjoyed this as well, thanks for posting!

 

[believer123]

Nice tid-bit of information.

 

[DoodyHead]

I wish they made a Rep with those style numerals !!!

Love it

 

[Watchnuts2]

Thanks for posting. I'm a big airplane and Breitling fan. Now I know why these watches are for me.

 

[mydnytrydr]

Breitling is indeed an awesome brand .. thanks for posting !

 

[Syd]

Still my favorite Breitling model up to this day! The Breitling Chronomat Vitesse in Stainless Steel/ Blue Dial.
Any dealer wanna rep this particular Vitesse model (40mm)? I think you'd be surprised with the waiting line!

 

[beachcat]

Is this the best rep Breitling available ?
Had a BCE from a couple years ago and it was a little clunky and uncomfortable to wear.

Thanks

 

[beachcat]

who sells this watch now ?

 

[Bombardier]

I don’t know what it it’s but it’s pity they changed the chronometer line completely before the last beautiful
collection is being repped properly with at least decorated b01 movement, Breitling is like Toyota Corolla, they change the design completely in every release

 

[lintdrummer]

As someone who works in the aviation industry I would love to see the pics on this thread, any chance the OP can re-upload?