WOTW: Breitling Chronomat B01 Chronograph 42mm Bentley Racing Green Dial Watch

The Breitling Chronomat B01 42 Bentley with green dial and steel case belongs to a larger collection of models. In true Breitling style, the 10 models provide great variety when it comes to dial design and functionality. The first in the range of Breitling Chronomat watches made it onto the wrists of fans in 1984 as a celebratory mark of the brand’s centenary, firmly anchoring itself amongst some of the company’s most favourite designs. The model took inspiration from the Frecce Tricolori chronograph developed in collaboration with the Italian aerial squadron.

The new Breitling Bentley B01 42 Chronomat green steel, like its other 9 siblings, sports a redesigned case style, a new bracelet and new case proportions. The model has been downsized whilst being upgraded at the same time with a new 42mm diameter. These newer models also boast a more vintage-inspired version of some of the brand’s contemporary timepieces from its catalogue. The rider tabs serve as a grip aid but also add to the watch’s instantly recognisable aesthetic.

The bulky allure of the Chronomat is not just your imagination. There’s a reason why it feels so solid and hefty on the wrist – one of the watch’s most appealing features, especially for those who like designs that dominate the wrist with substantial presence. If you’ve ever held a Chronomat in your hand you’ll experience its density and heaviness which stems from one of the company’s manufacturing methods. Breitling cases like this one are stamped over and over again – around 15 times over a two-week duration in fact! It’s not something that Breitling has chosen to include in its press release for the Breitling Chronomat B01 42 Bentley green model. Perhaps it’s something that Breitling believe their avid fans already know? Still, it’s an interesting fact that certainly adds to the watch’s modest, slightly 80’s inspired demeanour. Like all Breitling watches, this Chronomat B01 42 Bentley Green watch is subject to a line of rigid quality tests before each stamping. It’s heated to 1,100°C (2,012°F) and subjected to a total pressure of 875 tons to test its stamina, robustness and reliability.

Another interesting thing to note about the Chronomat range is that “generally” speaking the rule goes that those dials featuring chronograph sub-dials in the same colour to the rest of the dial are powered by ETA/Valjoux 7750 movement, whereas dial layouts like the Breitling Bentley B01 42 Chronomat green with contrasting sub-counters are powered by an in-house movement (with exception to special edition watches). In the case of this watch, it’s the Breitling Manufacture 01 self-winding movement with a column wheel and vertical clutch.

The Breitling Chronomat B01 42 Bentley green model is crafted from stainless steel and provides the movement with a 200-meter water-resistant dust-free and anti-shock environment to work its magic in. Its ratcheted unidirectional rotating bezel effectively measures remaining dive time and can only be turned clockwise, so dive time can never be accidentally extended. A screw-locked crown with two gaskets ensures optimum protection against water damage to the internal parts of the watch.

The deep racing green colour of the dial is, of course, what makes this timepiece so eye-catching. It’s so dramatic, especially since it provides such a vivid backdrop to a trio of sleek black counters. There’s also a date feature nuzzled into the 6 o’clock sub-dial. Whilst referencing the dial you’ll experience no undesirable glare from the sun or direct artificial light since Breitling has its cambered sapphire glass crystal lenses undergo layers of anti-reflective treatment on both sides of the glass before being mounting to the case.

Two other things to note about the Breitling Bentley B01 42 Chronomat green; its engine grants you a 70-hour power reserve. Therefore, you can take the watch off on a Friday and alternate it with something more understated or elegant from your watch collection and come back to it first thing on Monday. The movement beats on relentlessly inside its downsized 42mm case (as opposed to its former, larger 44mm case) keeping perfect time for you the whole while. Secondly, you’ll have instantly noticed the return of Breitling’s striking Rouleaux bracelet. This is where the company really manage to elevate the timepiece to a whole new level. Its tight rows of links which have been crafted incredibly thin are made like this for reasons other than just to look nice. They provide a flexible and snug fit around the natural shape of your wrist.

The Breitling Chronomat 01 42 Bentley is described by the brand as an “all-purpose watch for every pursuit” and we’d have to agree whole-heartedly. Its recognisable design and improved, compact case size is combined with Breitling’s well-known expertise in creating chronometer-certified movements. If you love the rugged, hefty feel of the Chronomat, this Breitling Bentley iteration certainly won’t disappoint.