Breitling Chronomat 41 Chronograph B01 automatic 41 mm Full Set 2016

A brief history

Originally launched in 1984, the Breitling Chronomat marked the strong return of mechanical chronographs at a time when quartz still reigned supreme. Developed in collaboration with the Frecce Tricolori, the famed aerobatic display team of the Italian Air Force, the Chronomat quickly established itself as a robust, highly legible and resolutely technical aviation watch. Alongside the Navitimer, it became one of the pillars of modern Breitling identity.

It was, however, at the turn of the 2000s that the Chronomat entered a new dimension. In 2009, Breitling unveiled its very first in-house chronograph movement: the B01 calibre. A major milestone in the brand’s history, as Breitling had until then relied on proven but external movements. The Chronomat was naturally chosen to debut this new watchmaking engine, a symbol of technical independence and a decisive move upmarket.

The Chronomat B01 41 mm thus ranks among the very first Breitling models to be powered by this strategic movement. It embodies a pivotal moment, when Breitling fully asserted its industrial expertise while remaining true to its DNA as a professional instrument dedicated to aviation.

Today, the earliest Chronomat B01 models, produced from 2009 onwards, are particularly sought after by knowledgeable collectors. They represent both the heritage of an iconic model and the birth of a calibre that has since become a cornerstone of the brand, still used and developed across many current Breitling collections.

A watch that does more than measure time—it tells the story of a decisive turning point in the contemporary history of the Breitling manufacture.

The model

The Breitling Chronomat B01 41 mm ref. AB0140 embodies a modern and assertive interpretation of the aviation chronograph according to Breitling. Its 41 mm stainless steel case features ideal proportions, offering a sporty presence on the wrist while retaining rare versatility for an automatic chronograph of this stature.

The Chronomat’s aesthetic signature is instantly recognisable. The bidirectional rotating bezel is fitted with four applied rider tabs, true DNA markers of the model. Inherited from the first Chronomat watches of the 1980s, these tabs provide excellent grip and also allow the timing function to be reversed as required. Their polished finish contrasts elegantly with the satin-brushed surfaces of the case, reinforcing the technical and high-end character of the watch.

The blue dial brings depth and dynamism to the timepiece. Clear and well structured, it features three chronograph counters positioned at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock, ensuring easy reading of elapsed times. The applied indexes and luminous hands guarantee excellent visibility in all conditions, true to Breitling’s spirit of professional instruments. The date window, discreetly integrated at 4:30, preserves the dial’s visual balance while adding a practical everyday function.

At the heart of this Chronomat beats the Breitling manufacture calibre B01, an automatic chronograph movement with a column wheel and vertical clutch. Developed and assembled in-house, it is a benchmark in terms of reliability and precision. Offering a power reserve of approximately 70 hours and operating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, it is certified as a COSC chronometer, guaranteeing high-level chronometric performance. Chronograph operation is distinguished by remarkable smoothness and precision, worthy of the finest calibres in its class.

Fitted with its iconic stainless steel “Pilot” bracelet—another strong signature of the Chronomat—this AB0140 combines comfort, robustness and a unique visual identity. Notably, it also boasts water resistance to 300 metres.

At once sporty, technical and elegant, the Chronomat B01 41 mm with blue dial stands out as a key piece in Breitling’s recent history: the meeting point between an iconic design and the advent of a manufacture movement that has since become a true reference.

The package

This Breitling Chronomat B01 41 mm ref. AB0140 is offered as a Full Set, complete with all of its original accessories. It is delivered with its Breitling presentation box, instruction manual and its warranty dated 2016.

Prior to being offered for sale, the watch underwent a comprehensive inspection in our workshops. The movement was rigorously checked, water resistance tested, and careful polishing was carried out in full respect of the original finishes, in order to preserve the balance between aesthetics and horological integrity.

This preparation guarantees its future owner a perfectly functional timepiece, ready for everyday wear, while retaining the spirit and manufacturing quality intrinsic to the Chronomat and the B01 manufacture calibre. The watch is also accompanied by a one-year Lepage warranty, providing complete peace of mind when acquiring this iconic chronograph.