Breitling Chronomat 44 Airborne Chronographe B01 automatic 44 mm Full Set 2016

A legendary chronograph!

In the early 1980s, the world of mechanical watchmaking was still recovering from the Quartz Crisis. Yet at Breitling, one conviction remained unchanged: the mechanical chronograph would always have its place among professional instruments. As the brand’s 100th anniversary approached in 1984, then-president Ernest Schneider decided to mark the occasion with a creation that would both honor Breitling’s heritage and open a new era.

Since its beginnings, Breitling has established itself as the reference for precision chronographs — on the wrists of athletes, engineers, and, above all, aviation pioneers. Its robust, highly legible tool watches have accompanied the rise of both civil and military aviation throughout the 20th century. The brand has filed key patents — from the 1942 Chronomat’s slide rule to the Navitimer’s technical innovations — and has never ceased to combine technical ingenuity with human performance.

To revive the spirit of the mechanical chronograph, Schneider envisioned a watch designed with and for pilots: a field instrument that was reliable, daring, and built for action. Thus, in 1984, the modern Chronomat was born, developed in collaboration with the pilots of the Italian Frecce Tricolori aerobatic team. It marked Breitling’s triumphant return to the watchmaking scene, featuring a bezel with rider tabs, a robust 100-meter water-resistant case, and a precision automatic movement. The Chronomat immediately became the watch of aviators and speed enthusiasts alike.

Thirty years later, in 2014, Breitling paid tribute to this founding model with the Chronomat Airborne. This anniversary edition celebrates the brand’s enduring bond with aviation, while reaffirming Breitling’s philosophy: professional instruments built to last and to accompany modern pilots in their exploits.

The model

Built for the sky as much as for the tarmac, the Breitling Chronomat 44 Airborne ref. AB0115 embodies the rugged and refined spirit of pilot chronographs.
Its fully polished 44 mm stainless steel case strikes the perfect balance between power and comfort. Bold yet ergonomic, it offers excellent wrist presence and a surprisingly comfortable fit for a watch of its size. Water-resistant to 100 meters, it demonstrates Breitling’s technical mastery and its mission to craft true professional instruments.

The unidirectional satin-finished bezel, free of unnecessary markings, features the iconic rider tabs at the four cardinal points. These functional elements — interchangeable for timing or countdown purposes — ensure a solid grip and echo the design of Breitling’s earliest pilot chronographs.

Beneath the anti-reflective sapphire crystal lies a black dial with silver subdials, in the classic reversed panda configuration typical of professional chronographs. The applied hands and indexes are coated with ivory-toned Super-LumiNova, recalling the patina of vintage flight instruments, while the central red chronograph seconds hand adds a dynamic, modern touch.
The result is outstanding legibility — true to the original Chronomat’s mission: to allow time readings at a glance, even in the cockpit.

This Airborne version is paired with a black textile strap inspired by military harnesses, lined with leather for added comfort. Its rugged texture and utilitarian look reinforce the watch’s aviation DNA while maintaining understated elegance on the wrist.

Inside beats the Breitling Caliber B01 — the brand’s first fully in-house chronograph movement. Since its debut, it has been recognized by experts and enthusiasts alike as one of the most advanced mechanical chronograph calibers. It offers a power reserve of over 70 hours and features a column wheel that precisely controls the chronograph’s start, stop, and reset functions. The movement also integrates other patented innovations, such as a self-centering system and a chronograph heart for instant resetting. As with all Breitling watches, it is COSC-certified.

This caliber is hidden behind a solid caseback engraved with a stylized aircraft and the commemorative inscription “Chronomat Airborne – 30th Anniversary.”

The package

This Breitling Chronomat 44 Airborne ref. AB0115 is presented in very good overall condition. It has undergone a full inspection in our workshops to ensure the precision and perfect operation of its manufacture movement.

It comes Full Set, including its original box, manual, and warranty card dated 2016.
Please note: the textile strap shows minor signs of wear, particularly on the red lining, without affecting comfort or the watch’s overall aesthetics.

As always, every piece that passes through our hands is thoroughly inspected by our watchmakers and comes with a one-year Lepage Vintage warranty — guaranteeing peace of mind and confidence for its next owner. A Chronomat Airborne ready to take off once again.