Breitling Chronomat B01 Chronograph 42 (PB0134101C1S2)

The Breitling Chronomat B01 Chronograph (Steel / Platinum) PB0134101C1S2 is a luxury sports chronograph, representing one of the most elegant and prestigious interpretations within the contemporary Chronomat collection. This model combines the distinctive DNA of Breitling’s sports chronographs with a more exclusive finish, distinguished by a platinum bezel and a striking ice-blue dial. The Chronomat B01 42 stands as the direct successor to the legendary 1984 model, which symbolized the return of mechanical chronographs to Breitling’s lineup during an era dominated by quartz watches. The modern iteration preserves the collection’s historical design elements while offering contemporary in-house technology and a significantly more luxurious character than the brand’s classic sports chronographs.

The 42 mm case is crafted from stainless steel, while the distinctive rotating bezel features a platinum insert with “rider tabs”—one of the most recognizable design elements of the Chronomat collection. The combination of the cool platinum tone and the ice-blue dial lends the timepiece an exceptionally luxurious and modern character, setting it apart from the more classic Chronomat variants. The brushed surfaces of the case are juxtaposed with polished details, highlighting the high-quality finish typical of contemporary Breitling models. The case’s signature robust construction—along with its prominently defined crown and chronograph pusher guards—imparts a bold, sporty character to the model, all while maintaining highly elegant proportions. The timepiece is fitted with a domed sapphire crystal featuring anti-reflective coating on both sides, as well as a transparent case back that allows for a view of the in-house movement in action. Water resistance rated to 200 meters underscores the watch’s professional and versatile nature, ensuring comfortable wear during both sports and water-based activities.

The ice-blue dial stands as one of the most striking elements of this reference, lending the model a uniquely modern and exclusive aesthetic. The distinctive applied hour markers and substantial hands are coated with Super-LumiNova luminescent material, ensuring excellent legibility even in low-light conditions. The chronograph layout features three subdials arranged in a classic tricompax configuration: a small seconds subdial at 9 o’clock, a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, and a 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock. The date display is discreetly positioned between the 4 and 5 o’clock markers, thereby preserving the dynamic dial symmetry characteristic of the Chronomat line. The contrasting black subdials further accentuate the model’s sporty character, creating a striking “reverse panda” layout—a design highly prized by enthusiasts of sports chronographs. A distinctive red chronograph seconds hand adds visual dynamism to the dial and enhances the legibility of the stopwatch function.

At the heart of the watch lies the in-house Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01 automatic movement—one of the most highly regarded contemporary premium-class chronograph calibers. The movement features a column-wheel chronograph control and a vertical clutch, ensuring exceptionally smooth and precise operation of the stopwatch functions. The caliber operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers a power reserve of approximately 70 hours—a performance figure that remains among the best in the luxury sports chronograph segment. The movement holds a COSC chronometer certificate, attesting to its exceptional timekeeping accuracy. Visible through a transparent case back, the decorated in-house movement underscores the model’s technical and exclusive character. Among collectors, the Breitling Caliber 01 is widely considered one of the most refined and reliable modern mass-produced chronograph movements available today.

The model is fitted with a black Rouleaux rubber strap, inspired by the distinctive steel bracelet featured in the Chronomat collection. The rubber strap retains the iconic pattern of cylindrical links while offering enhanced wearing comfort and a more modern, sporty aesthetic. The combination of an ice-blue dial, a platinum bezel, and the black rubber strap creates a striking visual contrast, lending the timepiece an exceptionally dynamic and luxurious appearance. Thanks to the ergonomic case design and the well-contoured strap, the watch—despite its sporty character—sits very comfortably on the wrist and serves perfectly as a luxury everyday timepiece.

Among watch enthusiasts, the Chronomat B01 42 PB0134101C1S2 is prized primarily for its exceptionally attractive blend of sporty character and luxurious finishing, as well as for featuring one of the most sought-after color configurations in Breitling’s contemporary collection. Collectors pay particular attention to its striking ice-blue dial, platinum bezel, and the exceptional quality of its in-house B01 movement. The model is often regarded as one of the most versatile and elegant interpretations of a modern sports chronograph within Breitling’s lineup.

The Breitling Chronomat B01 Chronograph 42 PB0134101C1S2 is an ideal choice for the man seeking a luxury sports chronograph with a modern, distinctive character—one that seamlessly blends the historical heritage of the iconic Chronomat collection with a modern in-house movement and an exclusive finish featuring a combination of steel, platinum, and a striking ice-blue dial. This model remains one of the most prestigious and stylistically refined interpretations of the contemporary Chronomat currently available within Breitling’s lineup.