Breitling is presenting two new Super Chronomat with a smaller 38 mm diameter and diamond-set bezel. The highlight, however, is the Breitling Super Chronomat Automatic 38 Origins – a “traceable” watch. The house uses gold and laboratory-grown diamonds whose entire supply chain is transparent.
Breitling is presenting two versions: one in a steel case with an ice-blue dial and one in a two-tone look with a mint-green dial. The case diameter for each is 38 mm with a height of 11.88 mm. Meanwhile, the full polish ensures an elegant appearance. On these models, the ‘onion’ crown is made of ceramic. This also applies to the rider tabs on the bezel, which is set with laboratory diamonds. The colours mirror the dial. On the side of the steel or gold bezel, there are also some screws that lend the watch a tool watch feel. Perhaps these improve the grip, given that the bezel can be rotated unidirectionally so that a time can be marked. In addition, a solid caseback offers space for engraving. The water resistance is 100 metres.
The dials in ice blue and mint green have a sunburst finish and are framed by a ring bearing a minute track. The watchmakers also apply indices in steel or gold. Like the three hands, they are luminescent. Last but not least, the horology house places its logo at 12 o’clock, which is made of either steel or gold. At 6 o’clock is the date window, which presents itself with black numerals on a white background.
As befits a Chronomat, these watches also come on the typical Rouleaux bracelet with a double-folding clasp. The mint-green version sports gold centre links. Alternatively, an alligator leather strap or a rubber strap in rouleaux look with a folding clasp is available. The colours match the dial.
The Super Chronomat Automatic 38 Origins is the result of Breitling’s efforts to create more sustainable products. It uses transparently sourced gold and laboratory-grown diamonds that are climate-neutral. The owner can check the proof of origin via an NFT and the public online source map.
The watch has a case made of 18-carat red gold, which is combined with a diamond-set bezel. The crown and the tabs here are made of white ceramic. The silver dial features applied indices and hands in gold. A matching polished “B” logo and a date window at 6 o’clock are also featured here. This watch comes with a choice of a white rouleaux-look rubber strap or an alligator leather strap.
The gold used comes from a single mine in Colombia that is certified by the Swiss Better Gold Association. This is to protect the environment and the living conditions of the local community. In addition, Breitling contributes to development projects in the region. The rest of the supply chain up to the watchmakers is also transparent, which enables optimal control of standards. By 2025, the house aims to only use gold traceable to certified mines.
The diamonds come from a lab and are of the highest quality. They are indistinguishable from natural diamonds, undergoing the same tests. Breitling uses crystals certified by the Scientific Certification Systems that meet ethical and ecological criteria. Again, Breitling is doing its part to support the communities involved in diamond production. Breitling aims to use only laboratory-grown diamonds by 2024.
Inside the watches is the Breitling Calibre 17, which is based on the ETA 2824-2. It measures 4.6 mm in height and operates at a frequency of 4 hertz. The movement offers automatic winding and has a maximum power autonomy of a meagre 38 hours. However, the mechanism boasts the COSC certificate, which also guarantees corresponding accuracy.
The watches are available now. The Chronomat with ice-blue dial costs 10,150 euros on the steel bracelet. The price for the variant with a mint-green dial and Rouleaux bracelet is 13,600 euros. The Super Chronomat Automatic 38 Origins costs 19,900 euros on a leather strap and 19,400 euros with a rubber strap.
